The roads industry in North Lanarkshire has seen the first trials of new materials aimed at reducing carbon emissions, with more trials planned for 2025. This initiative is part of a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, Transport for West Midlands, Amey, and Colas under ADEPT Live Labs 2. A three-year UK-wide £30 million program funded by the Department for Transport to decarbonize the local road network.
The partners have established the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads (CEDR) to identify, develop, and share best practices for low carbon materials in the industry. The focus is on reducing carbon in various materials used on roads, such as bitumen for surfacing, road markings, maintenance vehicles, and road structures.
CEDR is exploring alternative materials to decrease carbon emissions in road construction and maintenance, including longer-lasting roads and materials sourced from natural, renewable origins. Live trials have been conducted with innovative materials like surface rejuvenators, pothole repair products, eco-friendly road marking materials, and biogenic asphalt solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of road maintenance operations.
To monitor the performance and condition of these new materials, regular inspections are being carried out at trial sites. Future trials are planned for anti-icing additives, reed-based signage material, and the latest asphalt solutions. Councillor Helen Loughran, convener of the environment and climate change committee, emphasised the importance of these trials in addressing barriers to decarbonisation and driving innovation in the roads industry.
The Live Labs 2 program will continue until March 2026, followed by a five-year monitoring and evaluation period. This initiative aims to revolutionize the roads industry by sharing knowledge among local authorities, academics, and industry organisations to transform the sector for a sustainable future.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts in North Lanarkshire to reduce carbon emissions in the roads industry through innovative trials and partnerships demonstrate a proactive approach towards sustainability and environmental consciousness. By investing in research and testing of low carbon materials, the region is paving the way for a greener and more eco-friendly infrastructure network.