At Kenson Highways, we believe that delivering sustainable infrastructure requires more than simply resurfacing roads. It demands innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge traditional approaches at every stage of a project.
That philosophy was at the heart of our recently completed Heathcote Avenue improvement scheme for the London Borough of Redbridge, a project that has successfully delivered significant environmental benefits while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.
Delivering Sustainability Through Innovation
From the outset, the project team worked closely with our supply chain partners to identify opportunities to reduce carbon across every element of the scheme. Rather than relying on conventional materials and methods, we explored innovative alternatives that could lower environmental impact without compromising durability or functionality.
Among the sustainability initiatives delivered on the scheme were:
- The first installation in London of Heidelberg Materials’ EvoZero concrete, utilised within the footway construction and kerbing works.
- Trialling asphalt containing 25% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) within the footway construction, produced using warm-mix technology to reduce both virgin material consumption and manufacturing temperatures.
- Replacing traditional granite kerbs with Durakerb, manufactured using approximately 88% recycled polymer, significantly reducing embodied carbon as well as transport and handling impacts.
- Incorporating Low Carbon Materials’ ACLA aggregate within the binder course, helping create a carbon-negative asphalt layer.
- Utilising Carbon Lock asphalt, electric-powered plant, HVO fuel, recycled aggregates, solar-powered traffic management equipment, and sustainable drainage features, including the installation of a new rain garden.
A Measurable Impact
Through the combination of these innovative materials and construction methods, the scheme achieved an estimated carbon saving of 75 tonnes across the project.
While carbon reduction remains a key priority, we recognise that successful infrastructure projects should also deliver lasting benefits to the communities they serve.
Creating Additional Community Value
During the delivery of the Heathcote Avenue scheme, our team identified safety concerns at a nearby school. In response, we carried out approximately £17,000 worth of resurfacing and road marking improvements free of charge within the school car park and entrance area.
These works have helped create a safer environment for pupils, staff, parents, and visitors, demonstrating our commitment to leaving a positive legacy beyond the project boundary.
Collaboration Driving Change
Projects like Heathcote Avenue show that lower-carbon highways delivery is not a future aspiration—it is achievable today through strong partnerships, innovative thinking, and a shared commitment to doing things differently.
We would like to thank the London Borough of Redbridge, Low Carbon Materials, Heidelberg Materials, Duraproducts, and everyone involved in delivering this successful scheme.
Together, we are proving that sustainable highways infrastructure can deliver environmental, social, and community benefits while setting new standards for the industry.
