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Environmental Sustainability has the attention of our nation, no wait, the world. Not that we haven’t made efforts in the past to minimize our impact to the environment through recycling of waste products (i.e.: cans, bottles, paper, etc.). Not a day goes by however that we don’t hear from specialists, scientists, and others through the radio, on the television, or on the internet it’s not enough!
APAI Member Antigo Construction, Inc. received the 2006 Global Road Achievement Award in the category of Construction Methodology for its work on the Kandahar-Heart (K-H) Highway in Afghanistan.
Since our last asphalt Report the following companies have applied for and received their Diamond Achievement Commendations.
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Mike Kvach
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Environmental Sustainability has the attention of our nation, no wait, the world. Not that we haven’t made efforts in the past to minimize our impact to the environment through recycling of waste products (i.e.: cans, bottles, paper, etc.). Not a day goes by however that we don’t hear from specialists, scientists, and others through the radio, on the television, or on the internet it’s not enough! Sustainability can be everyone’s responsibility and the Asphalt Industry has been practicing “sustainability” before it even became a buzzword. In constructing pavements asphalt is [the] sustainable material. Before you toss this article aside seriously consider the following few facts.
According to a report on “Sustainable Roadway Construction: Energy Consumption and Material Waste Generation of Roadways,” American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA. - Proceedings of 2005 Construction Research Congress, asphalt pavements require about 20% less energy to produce and construct than other pavements. The less fuel consumed means less production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Since 1970, the asphalt industry has decreased total emissions from plants by 97% while increasing production by 250%. As well, emissions from asphalt plants are so low the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not consider them a major source of industrial pollution. You’d be interested to know that the results of a study “Emissions Comparison Between Asphalt Plants and Select Source Categories,” by Clayton Group Services, Raleigh, NC, reports that the annual emissions from a typical HMA plant producing an average of 200,000 tons/yr. compare to the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from 1 bakery operating for about two weeks, or 13 residential fireplaces per year. In comparing the Total Organic Compound (TOC) emissions it’s the same as 12 gas filling stations or 27 fast-food restaurants.
What’s more, consider the impact of our natural aggregate resources. Asphalt pavements are the most recycled material in this country. According to an EPA/FHWA study, this industry recycles more than 70 million tons of its own product every year. A properly designed, full-depth asphalt pavement is perpetual meaning only the surface layer will ever need replacement while the main structure remains intact. Surface replacement can be done at night under minimal traffic and then opened again to motorists the next day. Perpetual pavements can save millions of tax dollars and reduce the demand on our natural resources.
What I’ve mentioned here only scratches the surface on how asphalt pavements better provide sustainable advantages. From the production of the paving material, to the placement of the pavement on the road, to rehabilitation, asphalt pavements minimize impact on the environment. To learn more about how asphalt is the sustainable pavement go to www.pavegreen.com
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