Innovative Low Carbon Road Solutions from Live Labs 2

Introduction

The Live Labs 2 programme is making significant strides in reducing carbon emissions associated with road construction in the UK. With a budget of £30 million funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), this initiative is set to decarbonise the local highway network through innovative projects led by local authorities.

The A382 Project

One of the standout projects is the A382, spearheaded by Devon County Council near Newton Abbot. This initiative aims to create the UK's first carbon negative highway by implementing lower carbon concrete mixes, including Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS). This approach has the potential to reduce embodied CO₂ emissions by approximately 650 kg per tonne of concrete used. To date, the A382 project has already saved 13.94 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) by utilising these lower carbon mixes for culverts.

Additionally, the project is taking a holistic approach to sustainability by establishing a temporary nursery to store around 2,000 trees that are being relocated. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, as harvested wood will be repurposed for construction elements such as fencing and waymarkers.

The Goals of Live Labs 2

Live Labs 2 is a three-year programme, which is set to conclude in March 2026, with an extension funded by an additional £300,000 from the DfT. The programme consists of seven projects that involve collaboration between local authorities, commercial partners, and academic institutions. The overarching goal is to validate and test low carbon road materials, which are responsible for around 40% of emissions in the highways sector.

Collaborative Efforts

Amey UK has played a crucial role in this initiative, supporting North Lanarkshire Council in the establishment of the UK Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads. This centre aims to facilitate the adoption of low carbon materials in highways maintenance, building on the successes of the previous Live Labs 1 programme.

The collaborative efforts among local authorities and partners are vital for generating evidence in operational environments, which will ultimately help in the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in road construction and maintenance.

Conclusion

As the UK continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like Live Labs 2 are essential in paving the way for a more sustainable future. With projects like the A382 leading the charge, the construction industry is poised to make significant reductions in carbon emissions, contributing to the UK's broader environmental goals.