Skanska & Holcim Lead way on Sustainable Roads Construction

The UK's road construction industry is at the forefront of adopting eco-friendly practices. Innovations such as recycled tarmac surfaces and low-carbon cement are utilised to mitigate environmental impact.

Recycling roads starts with removing the existing surface which is then processed for reuse. This practice significantly lessens the dependency on new raw materials thereby reducing waste.

Another sustainability measure is the use of low-carbon cement instead of traditionally made cement, which is notorious for high emissions. This new type of cement cuts down the carbon output extensively through the use of alternative raw materials and efficient processing techniques.

Nick Harris is Chief Executive of National Highways, a UK government-owned company that is charged with operating, maintaining and improving motorways and major A roads in England.

Harris believes in sustaining and enhancing road networks in line with decarbonisation goals, stating: "I am really clear we can continue to operate and enhance the network in a way that is consistent with decarbonisation."

Expanding the Scope of Innovations

The scope of using recycled and low-carbon materials widens as plastics, glass, and by-products from other industries make their way into road construction. These alternative materials aid project managers at the UK's Highway Agency in reducing reliance on new resources, thereby contributing to decreased carbon footprints.

An outstanding implementation of sustainable building practices is visible in the M25 motorway developments handled by Swedish firm Skanska, which is one of the world's largest project development and construction companies. It operates across markets in the Nordics, Europe and USA.

This M25 project saw a 40% reduction in carbon emissions thanks to Skanska's use of recycled aggregates and low-carbon concrete compared to traditional construction methods. This approach not only pertains to UK-based projects but also to Skanska's operations in the US.

Leading by Example with ECOPact

The Swiss firm Holcim -- a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions -- is also setting benchmarks with its ECOPact range, which boasts up to 90% lower carbon emissions than standard concrete mixes.

Holcim's use of recycled materials and alternative binders means its construction projects have significantly lower carbon emissions. The impact of ECOPact was notably demonstrated in a major highway expansion in Germany where its usage curbed carbon emissions equivalent to removing 10,000 cars from the roads for a year.

Meanwhile, in northern Europe, a surge in the adoption of Low Energy Asphalt Concrete by BAM showcases progressive changes in the construction landscape. This asphalt can be produced at temperatures 30°C lower than conventional methods, resulting in considerable energy savings and reduced emissions.

BAM's Head of Technology, Rémy van den Beemt, comments on their forward-thinking strategies: "BAM is a forward-thinking company, which has always had its eye on the development of sustainable production methods. Our solutions enable us to contribute to the climate goals of our clients."

With each of these developments, Europe's construction and infrastructure sectors are carving a significant path towards sustainability, hopefully setting a precedent for global infrastructure projects. As we witness these transformations, one thinks—perhaps we are finally on the right road towards a decarbonised future.
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