On November 19, 2024, the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) hosted its highly anticipated Forum on Low Carbon Innovations in Newcastle, NSW. Roads & Infrastructure provides a full rundown of the event.
The event brought together 50 in-person attendees and 100 virtual participants, showcasing cutting-edge approaches to sustainable road construction and maintenance. Industry leaders, government representatives, and technical experts delivered engaging presentations on actionable solutions for achieving Net Zero targets in road infrastructure.
The forum’s success was marked by its relevant content, high-calibre speakers, and strong attendee engagement, reinforcing its value as a platform for advancing the industry’s sustainability agenda.
Addressing the Industry’s Carbon Challenge
Road infrastructure is a critical public asset, connecting communities and driving economic growth. However, the materials and processes used in road construction and maintenance contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, bitumen, asphalt, cement, and steel – essential components in road projects – account for up to eight per cent of embodied carbon emissions in infrastructure.
Recognising this challenge, the forum provided a platform to discuss how the industry can pivot towards a circular economy and reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining resilient and durable road networks.
Tony Aloisio, Interim CEO of AfPA, opened the event by underscoring the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing these challenges. He highlighted the critical role of circular economy principles, which aim to eliminate waste, circulate materials at their highest value, and regenerate natural systems.
“To truly meet Net Zero targets, we need to turn good ideas into business-as-usual practices,” he stated.
Key Innovations Presented
The forum featured a series of insightful presentations showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable road construction. These included practical applications of low-carbon materials, advanced asphalt technologies, and sustainable procurement practices. Key takeaways from the event highlighted the industry’s ability to address carbon challenges through technological innovation, policy-driven change, and collaborative efforts.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
Warm Mix Asphalt emerged as a proven low-carbon alternative to traditional hot mix asphalt. By reducing production temperatures, WMA decreases energy consumption and associated emissions. A notable success story was the 12-year journey in Queensland, where a strategic alliance between AfPA and government stakeholders resulted in the widespread adoption of WMA. The collaboration demonstrated the power of leveraging procurement processes and technical specifications to drive change, making WMA an industry standard.
Low Carbon Asphalt (ECO5)
The forum spotlighted ECO5 asphalt, a groundbreaking material tested in a demonstration trial on Richardson Road in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales. ECO5 incorporates recycled materials such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), recycled crushed glass (RCG), and low-carbon binders, alongside warm mix technologies.
This innovative mix delivered a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional asphalt, all while meeting or exceeding performance expectations. The trial highlighted the scalability of such solutions, with the potential for broader implementation across New South Wales.
High RAP mixes
High RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) mixes were another focus, illustrating the environmental and economic advantages of using higher percentages of recycled asphalt in new pavement. While concerns about quality and binder performance persist, advanced testing and rejuvenation techniques have resolved these issues.
RAP management plans ensure consistency, allowing up to 40 per cent RAP in asphalt mixes. This innovation not only reduces reliance on virgin materials but also supports the circular economy by maximising the value of recycled content.
Carbon Neutral Products
Viva Energy introduced its opt-in carbon-neutral bitumen, which offsets lifecycle emissions through certified carbon credits. Clients can tailor their carbon offset strategy to align with sustainability goals, offering a practical step towards decarbonisation while longer-term technologies are scaled up. This approach demonstrates how the industry can take immediate action to address carbon emissions while exploring transformative solutions for the future.
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Advanced Asphalt Technologies (EME2)
High modulus asphalt, or EME2, was highlighted for its ability to create thinner yet stronger pavement layers, reducing material usage and embodied carbon. A case study from the Hume Highway rehabilitation project demonstrated that EME2 achieved a 49 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional asphalt, while maintaining superior durability. The inclusion of up to 30 per cent RAP further enhanced its sustainability profile.
Innovative Additives and Repurposed Waste
The forum explored the use of innovative materials, such as recycled rubber, bio-based binders, and RCG, to replace traditional non-renewable inputs in asphalt production. For example, recycled rubber enhances asphalt flexibility and durability, while bio-based binders act as carbon sinks. These advancements demonstrate that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand, offering viable alternatives to conventional materials.
Overcoming Challenges and Driving Collaboration
While the forum celebrated significant progress in low-carbon innovations, it also acknowledged the challenges of scaling these technologies. Regulatory hurdles, material classification inconsistencies, and cost barriers were identified as key obstacles. However, collaboration between industry and government emerged as a recurring theme for overcoming these challenges.
For instance, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the NSW EPA were instrumental in streamlining trial approvals for emerging technologies like ECO5 asphalt. Their willingness to engage with industry stakeholders and adapt testing frameworks has set a precedent for future collaboration. Similarly, strategic alliances, such as the one that facilitated the adoption of WMA in Queensland, highlight the importance of partnerships in driving systemic change.
The forum also stressed the need for education and training to support the adoption of innovative practices. Investments in research facilities and knowledge-sharing platforms will ensure that industry professionals are equipped to implement sustainable solutions effectively.
The Role of Procurement in Sustainability
Sustainable procurement was a recurring theme throughout the event. Speakers emphasised that policy-driven procurement practices are essential for normalising the use of low-carbon materials. By prioritising lifecycle performance and environmental impact in procurement decisions, road asset owners can incentivise innovation and accelerate the transition to Net Zero.
AfPA’s advocacy for performance-based specifications and circular economy principles aligns closely with this approach. These frameworks ensure that sustainability is embedded in every stage of the project lifecycle, from material selection to end-of-life management.
Event Highlights and Engagement
The forum’s success was evident in the strong engagement from both in-person and virtual attendees. Questions during the Q&A sessions reflected the audience’s keen interest in practical applications and scalability of the technologies presented. The high-calibre presentations resonated with participants, providing actionable insights and fostering meaningful discussions.
AfPA’s ability to curate relevant content and bring together industry leaders contributed to the event’s positive reception. Attendees left the forum with a clear understanding of the tangible steps the industry can take to reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring durable, resilient pavements.
Looking Ahead
As the road construction industry continues to face mounting pressure to decarbonise, forums like this play a vital role in driving innovation and collaboration. The AfPA Forum on Low Carbon Innovations demonstrated that sustainable solutions are within reach, but achieving widespread adoption requires systemic change, supportive policies, and a commitment to ongoing education.
By embracing the principles of the circular economy and leveraging advancements in low-carbon technologies, the industry has the opportunity to lead the way in sustainable infrastructure development. The success of this event underscores the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the flexible pavement sector remains at the forefront of the transition to Net Zero.
The AfPA Forum on Low Carbon Innovations was a resounding success, providing a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable road construction and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. With strong engagement from attendees and actionable insights shared by industry leaders, the event reaffirmed its value as a catalyst for positive change in the infrastructure sector.
This article was originally published in the February edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
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