Back in 2023, we were introduced to Low Carbon Materials at the Highways UK exhibition at the NEC Birmingham. Despite a modest stand presence, their innovative ACLA® aggregate immediately stood out as a forward-thinking solution capable of significantly reducing carbon within asphalt production.
By June 2024, Kenson Highways became the first contractor to install this material in London — a milestone that also contributed to our recognition with a Green Apple Award.
Following the success of the initial trial, we have now incorporated the same low-carbon approach into our carbon reduction project at Heathcote Avenue. The carriageway binder course utilised a mix containing 6.5% ACLA aggregate alongside 25% RAP, with approximately 275 tonnes laid on site.
To further reduce environmental impact, electric plant was used wherever feasible throughout the works. Where electric alternatives were not possible, HVO fuel was adopted in place of traditional diesel. Combined with the low-carbon asphalt mix, the scheme achieved a negative carbon output when benchmarked against a traditional AC20 binder course.
This project demonstrates how innovation, collaboration, and practical delivery can work together to create more sustainable highways infrastructure.
A huge thank you to:
- Dhiresh Bhatt for championing innovation and supporting the delivery of lower-carbon solutions
- Lian Hutchings and the team at Low Carbon Materials for their collaboration and expertise
- Heidelberg Materials for supplying the asphalt mix
It is fantastic to see the industry working together to deliver meaningful carbon reduction on live highway projects and helping shape a more sustainable future for infrastructure delivery.
#KensonHighways #Sustainability #Innovation #LowCarbon #Infrastructure #Highways #CivilEngineering #NetZero #GreenAppleAwards #CarbonReduction