November 30, 2023

Carbon negative roads

01

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Road construction is one of the most CO₂-intensive industries, with the production of cement, asphalt, and other construction materials contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the construction and maintenance of roads account for approximately 1.7 gigatons of CO₂ emissions per year, which is equivalent to the annual emissions of Russia.

To mitigate the environmental impact of road construction, there is a need to adopt sustainable construction practices. One way to achieve this is through the use of bio binders. Bio binders, plant-based materials that can be used to replace traditional petrochemical-based binders, such as bitumen. Bio binders are renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower carbon footprint than their petrochemical counterparts.

By using bio binders in road construction, it is possible to reduce the carbon footprint of road construction significantly. Several countries have already adopted the use of bio binders in road construction, with Norway being one of the pioneers in this area. The use of bio binders has led to more durable roads with lower environmental impact.

Another way to reduce the carbon footprint of road construction is through the repurposing of existing mass using stone crushers. In traditional road construction, new aggregates are used to build roads, which involves the mining and transportation of raw materials. This process is both energy-intensive and results in significant carbon emissions. By using stone crushers to repurpose existing mass, such as concrete and asphalt from demolished buildings and roads, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of road construction.

The repurposing of existing mass using stone crushers can also help to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. According to a study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), approximately 50 million tons of asphalt and concrete waste are generated in the United States each year. By repurposing this waste, it is possible to reduce the demand for new aggregates, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint of road construction.

In conclusion, the world's road network is the largest infrastructure network, but its construction has come at a significant environmental cost. To mitigate the carbon footprint of road construction, sustainable construction practices such as the use of bio binders and repurposing of existing mass using stone crushers should be adopted. These sustainable practices can not only reduce the environmental impact of road construction but also help to conserve natural resources and reduce waste.

Written by

Preben Sander

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