New ALARM research reveals slow pace of decarbonisation

04/10/2024 | DOMINIC BROWNE

New ALARM research reveals slow pace of decarbonisation

Exclusive research by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) and LCRIG in the annual ALARM survey has uncovered a wide gap between action and intention when it comes to decarbonising local road maintenance.

The results of a previously unreleased joint LCRIG/AIA section of this year's survey found that 90% of local authorities in England and Wales have a net zero pledge – with more than half of these giving 2030 as their target date.

However, only 11% reported that they had updated their highway asset management plan to include net zero principles and targets and only 6% had a target to reduce carbon from road surfacing materials.

Revealing the results at the LCRIG Strictly Highways conference this week, chair of the AIA David Giles (pictured) also highlighted 'another disconnect – between policy ambitions and the reality of managing the highway asset on a limited budget' when it came to low carbon materials.

He revealed that while warm mix asphalts (WMA) are on the specification list at the majority of local authorities in England, industry figures show that only around 5% of all asphalt manufactured is produced as warm mix, despite evidence that it can reduce the CO2 associated with asphalt production by up to 15%.

National Highways has adopted WMA as standard for the strategic network 'but take-up at a local authority level has been much slower,' Mr Giles said.

He added: 'A key part of the decarbonisation story is reducing the number of maintenance interventions by specifying more durable materials and 72% of those responding to the net zero asphalt ALARM section reported that they actively select materials with longer life.

'It is clear that enhancing the durability of materials reduces the number of maintenance interventions and minimises whole-life carbon emissions. Polymer modified bitumens, for example, are well known for extending the life of the asphalt and can also include recycled and biogenic content to help further reduce embodied CO2.'

Mr Giles accepted that there could be a conflict in the mind of engineers, with some specifying traditional hot rolled asphalt precisely because they thought it was more durable and so lower carbon over its lifetime.

The path to net zero section in ALARM also asked which net zero training areas would be most beneficial to help authorities achieve their decarbonisation aims.

The area that was ranked as the most important was 'materials innovation and how to select materials based on carbon impact'.

'The good news is we’ll be showcasing examples of this at our Sharing Best Practice event next month and you can find out more about that on the AIA website,' Mr Giles said.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW