The production and installation of asphalt emits less greenhouse gases than other surfaces, reports this article. According to a recent study, asphalt pavements require about 20 percent less energy to produce and construct than other pavements. The less fuel that is used in the process—the less carbon dioxide that gets released into the air.
The article goes on to say that “Between 1970 and 1999, the asphalt industry decreased total emissions from plants by 97 percent while increasing production by 250 percent. Emissions from asphalt plants are so low, the EPA considers them as only minor sources of industrial pollution.”
Warm mix asphalt is another way that asphalt is cutting down on its emissions. The asphalt is mixed at a lower temperature than before, thus needing less energy to heat up. Asphalt also helps to move traffic along quickly, allowing drivers to get to their destination rapidly. The process for applying asphalt is very fast so traffic does not usually result. This saves drivers time and also helps cut down on carbon dioxide released into the air.
The urban heat island (UHI) effect—the phenomenon that makes cities 2° to 10°F warmer than nearby rural areas on a hot summer day is another issue to consider. However, recently it has been proven that it is not necessarily the color of the pavement in the city that causes this effect but also the texture and thickness of the pavement. This can affect the way a pavement retains, radiates, and/or releases heat. Research is being done to now to look into more porous surfaces that can help lessen this effect.
For any of your asphalt needs contact My Pavement Guy here or at 443-463-1536.
Tags: asphalt, environmental asphalt, green asphalt, My Pavement Guy, pavement
