Concrete Pavement’s Role in a Sustainable, Resilient Future
ACPA recently released our white paper synthesizing research on concrete pavement’s contributions to economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Download: Executive Summary | Sustainability White Paper
Locally Sourced Raw Materials
Concrete uses locally sourced raw materials. Concrete pavement is not dependent on foreign petroleum-based products such as oil derivatives. Concrete production supports the local economy.
Safety/Road Workers
With durable concrete roads, there are fewer repair cycles which means road workers aren’t put at as much risk doing repairs while traffic races by.
Reduces Smog/Helps Ozone
Innovative and environmentally friendly photocatalytic concrete helps reduce smog and clean the atmosphere.
Lower Energy For Construction
Concrete produces a smaller environmental footprint than other pavements by using less energy during construction due to fewer construction vehicles and passes.
Non-Petroleum Based
Concrete is not petroleum based. There is no odor or fumes when concrete pavement is placed.
Reduces Congestion
When you build with longevity in mind using concrete, you’ll create less congestion over the life of a road.
Safety/Braking Distance
Concrete pavements with their engineered textures are safer than other paving systems. Shorter braking distances in wet or dry conditions is one of the benefits.
100% Recyclable
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Concrete is 100% recyclable and often re-used on the same project site. Concrete can be reused as base material, new concrete, granular fill, and for carbon sequestering.
Heat Island Reduction
Concrete reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat than asphalt, making it ideal for use in cities and towns.
Safety/Light Reflectivity
Concrete has superior light reflectance compared to other paving materials. Better light reflectance means improved safety, especially at night.
Carbon Dioxide Absorption
As concrete ages it absorbs carbon dioxide, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This hidden benefit is called carbonation.
Increased Fuel Efficiency
Concrete increases fuel efficiency by 3-7% for semi-trucks (saving about 40 gallons for every 1000 miles driven).
