Simplified Asphalt Carbon Calculations: A Milestone in Sustainable Road Construction

In a move towards greater transparency and sustainability in the construction industry, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) has introduced the UK’s first verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for four common types of asphalt used on UK highways. These new 'reference' EPDs mark a major step forward in providing clarity on the environmental impact of asphalt products, especially their carbon footprints.

_{Simplified Carbon Assessments}

The new EPDs allow for reliable comparisons of the whole life environmental performance of different asphalt products. By using consistent methodologies, these declarations provide a standardised way to measure and understand sustainability indicators, such as carbon emissions. This simplifies what has historically been a complex and often unclear area of sustainability in road construction, making it easier for contractors and specifiers to make informed, environmentally conscious decisions.

_{Key Features of the EPDs}

• Comprehensive Data: The EPDs are based on industry-wide data and are calculated using the 2024 OneClick life cycle assessment (LCA) tool, ensuring they represent the bulk of asphalt producers and production volumes in the UK.
• Standardised Comparisons: These verified declarations allow for direct comparisons between asphalt products, highlighting where improvements can be made and where carbon reductions are being delivered.
• Whole Life Performance: Rather than just focusing on production emissions, the EPDs consider the entire lifecycle of the product, offering a more holistic view of its environmental impact.

_{Why This Matters for the Industry}

For the first time, the UK highways sector has access to verified data that provides insight into the environmental performance of asphalt products across their entire lifecycle. This development offers a transparent and reliable foundation for reducing the carbon footprint of road construction projects. Contractors, local authorities, and other stakeholders can now make more sustainable choices based on solid data, helping the industry meet its carbon reduction targets.

The introduction of these EPDs is a critical step in making the UK’s road infrastructure more sustainable. By simplifying asphalt carbon calculations and providing the tools for consistent comparison, the MPA is helping the construction industry make more environmentally friendly decisions.