The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Highways has issued a report highlighting how the use of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) can reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiencies on highways projects.
The report – researched and funded by the AIA, which jointly supports the APPG on Highways – sets out how the use of WMAs can reduce CO2 emissions associated with asphalt production by around 15%, depending on product and plant.
WMAs are manufactured and laid at lower temperatures than traditional asphalts, using less energy and delivering meaningful carbon savings for road maintenance and construction projects without compromising performance. Their use also improves conditions for the workforce, and, as less time is required to cool to trafficking temperatures, carriageways can be re-opened earlier – minimising disruption for road users.
WMA already accounts for around 40% of production in the USA and over 15% in France, yet remains under-utilised in the UK, where it represents less than 4% of asphalt production.
Sir Christopher Chope OBE MP, Chairman, APPG on Highways, said: “Everyone has a part to play in tackling environmental issues for future generations and the majority of UK councils have already declared ‘climate emergencies’. This report aims to encourage those authorities which have responsibility for highways to put their support for environmental measures into practice without delay.”
Rick Green, Chair of the AIA, said: “Warm Mix Asphalts can provide solutions to deliver long-lasting roads that also help to meet the country’s low-carbon objectives. So far, take up in the UK has been frustrated by contract specifications and guidance which require prolonged processes for approvals and departure – it’s time to cut through these impediments so that highway authorities can seize the WMA opportunity.”