Dorset Council Reduces Road Maintenance Carbon Emissions by 15%

Strategic Insights -

Dorset Council's innovative switch to Environmentally Reducing Asphalt 140 (ERA140) has resulted in a significant reduction of 15% in road maintenance carbon emissions since 2021. The council has laid around 138,000 tonnes of the new asphalt, equivalent to resurfacing approximately 45 miles of standard two-way roads. This environmentally friendly alternative to traditional asphalt requires heating to only 140°C, resulting in less energy consumption.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dorset Council has achieved a 15% reduction in road maintenance carbon emissions since 2021 by using Environmentally Reducing Asphalt 140 (ERA140).
  • The council has laid around 138,000 tonnes of ERA140 asphalt, sufficient to resurface approximately 45 miles of standard two-way roads.
  • ERA140 requires heating to only 140°C, resulting in less energy consumption compared to traditional asphalt.
  • The quicker cooling asphalt allows for earlier reopening of roads to drivers, reducing disruption to traffic.
  • ERA140 provides longer-lasting, more durable surfaces, reducing maintenance needs and releasing fewer gases.
  • The production and laying process of ERA140 releases fewer gases, positively impacting air quality.
  • The materials can be laid using standard paving and compaction equipment, with no cost increase to the client.
  • Gareth Cooksley, regional general manager for Heidelberg Materials, mentioned that ERA140 provides a range of additional benefits in terms of durability.

Statistics:

  • 15% reduction in road maintenance carbon emissions since 2021.
  • 138,000 tonnes of Environmentally Reducing Asphalt 140 (ERA140) laid by Dorset Council.
  • Equivalent to resurfacing approximately 45 miles of standard two-way roads.
  • 140°C heating temperature required for ERA140, reducing energy consumption.
  • Significant reduction in road disruption, allowing earlier reopening of roads to drivers.