A Review of Sustainability in Hot Asphalt Production: Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Consumption

Abstract

This study conducted a thorough analysis of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the production of hot mix asphalt. The primary sources of energy usage in asphalt mixes are the heating of aggregates, asphalt, and burners, with aggregate heating accounting for a remarkable 97% of the total energy consumption. The results indicate that low-temperature asphalt mixes offer significant benefits over conventional hot mix asphalt in terms of energy efficiency and GHG emissions, with reductions in carbon dioxide emissions ranging from 18% to 36% and energy savings between 15% and 87%. Additionally, the use of recycled asphalt pavement led to a 12% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions and a 15% reduction in energy consumption. The study further explored the effects of various fuel types on emissions, revealing that replacing fuel oil with natural gas can effectively diminish the carbon footprint of the production process. By optimizing production temperatures and selecting cleaner fuel alternatives, this research highlights the potential for considerable energy savings and emission reductions within the asphalt production sector. These strategies not only promote sustainable road construction practices but also play a vital role in environmental protection and climate change mitigation, advocating for the adoption of innovative technologies in asphalt pavement production.

Keywords

• hot mix asphalt
• energy consumption
• clean energy
• recycled material
• low-carbon pathway