Key Takeaways:
- Asphalt is a sustainable pavement material that can be reused and recycled more than other materials.
- It is non-toxic and emits fewer greenhouse gases in production and placement.
- Asphalt warm mix technology helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
- Porous asphalt filters pollutants and replenishes aquifers.
- Smooth roads use less fuel – reducing costs and the number of vehicles on the road.
- Perpetual pavement eliminates potholes and cracks, preventing costly repairs annually.
- Choosing asphalt is an eco-friendly option that is affordable and durable.
If you regularly drive around Myrtle Beach, SC, you are probably aware of this coastal paradise’s beauty and endless possibilities. But what if we told you there is a way to help reduce environmental impact while keeping your streets in great shape?
Enter asphalt paving, one of the most commonly used pavement materials. It provides smooth surfaces at a much lower cost than other paving materials. And its recyclability makes this low-cost option even more appealing from an environmental standpoint.
In this blog post, Atkins Paving explores how asphalt pavement is an eco-friendly material and how it can positively impact our environment in Myrtle Beach.
1. Asphalt Is the Paving Material of Choice for Sustainability
Asphalt is incredibly sustainable, as it can be reused and recycled frequently. When asphalt pavement is repaved, 94 percent returns to new pavement layers. Reusing old asphalt pavement materials saves money and helps keep the environment clean by reducing waste.
Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and shingles (RAS) are 100% recyclable materials that perform better than virgin mixes. In 2019, over 97 million tons of RAP and 921,000 tons of RAS were utilized in the U.S. while stockpiling around 139 million tons for later use. By reusing these valuable resources, almost 60 million cubic yards of landfill space were spared during 2019 alone!
2. Fewer Gases Are Released into the Atmosphere
Compared to other paving materials, asphalt pavement requires less energy and generates substantially reduced material waste in its production, thus emitting fewer greenhouse gases. Moreover, the asphalt binder is a byproduct of fossil fuels that weren’t burned for energy or released into the atmosphere – such as diesel or gasoline! It means that no additional CO2 emissions are ever created.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that asphalt binder can retain an astounding 99.6% of carbon, thus preventing it from forming greenhouse gases! Moreover, liquid asphalt production requires substantially less energy than attempting to convert the heaviest fraction of a barrel of oil into fuel – making the pavement an invaluable asset in preserving our environment.
3. Asphalt Warm Mix
The asphalt pavement industry strives to minimize the environmental impact of its production, with tremendous advances recently being made in warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology. This innovative approach dramatically drops temperatures for pavement mixtures during production and placement – as much as 30°F to 120°F lower than conventional methods! As a result, not only does fuel consumption decrease significantly, but greenhouse gas emissions are also drastically reduced.
Contractors have reported energy savings of nearly 25 percent on average when using warm-mix asphalt production. If the industry adopts this technique, it will lead to immense cost and environmental benefits: an evaluated 150 million gallons of No. 2 fuel oil saved per year and equivalent CO2 emissions reductions that equate to taking 210,000 cars off the road yearly!
Also Read: Why Is Compaction Crucial to Asphalt Pavement Quality?
4. Porous Asphalt Keeps Pollutants Away
Porous asphalt, commonly used in parking lots, filters pollutants from water and replenishes local aquifers. Water is absorbed into a stone recharge bed below the pavement’s surface which helps maintain healthy groundwater systems. Additionally, this type of permeable paving can lead to decreased stormwater impact fees as imposed by municipalities, providing a more cost-effective solution for efficient water management in your area!
5. Reduced Fuel Consumption
A well-maintained highway brings drivers more than just peace of mind – it also boosts fuel economy. Studies from the Federal Highway Administration’s WesTrack Tests have recently proved that smoother roads reduce gas consumption by up to 4.5%. Therefore, investing in smoothing out our highways will improve driver safety and save us money on fuel!
Manufacturers constantly strive to make cars run more efficiently. In contrast, transportation experts, researchers, and engineers strive to construct roads that do the same. Across America, people drive an astonishing 3 trillion miles annually – utilizing 175 billion gallons of fuel. If these roads were maintained properly with a smooth surface throughout, you could save nearly 4% of this fuel! That would equate to 7 billion gallons annually – equivalent to taking 10 million vehicles off the road yearly.
6. Perpetual Pavement Prevents Needless Repairs!
Perpetual pavement is expensive, but the savings are well worth it. Constructing and maintaining roads cost taxpayers billions of dollars every year. Perpetual pavement helps to avoid this unnecessary expense since it remains smooth and strong for decades without needing repairs – essentially eliminating potholes and cracks. This means local governments don’t have to take out their pocketbooks as often.
Choose Asphalt Because It’s Sustainable & Eco-Friendly
Asphalt is more sustainable and eco-friendlier than concrete. Asphalt pavement boasts positive environmental features that make it ideal if you want to be mindful of the planet’s resources.
Not only is asphalt an affordable and durable option for homeowners, but it’s also incredibly sustainable. Thanks to its recyclability, you can rest assured that your driveway won’t be sent straight to the landfill when removed. Asphalt production also has a clean process and helps cool cities – making it the premier choice for any homeowner looking for their next pavement solution!
Reliable Asphalt Services in Myrtle Beach, SC
At Atkins Paving, we will transform your pavement back to its original beauty and keep it safe and level throughout the year. With our expertise in asphalt pavement upkeep – from crack patching to seal coating, striping services too!
You can have peace of mind that you’ll only receive top-notch quality from us. We are devoted to building lasting relationships with each of our customers through consistent excellence; this is why we strive for 100% satisfaction and provide a comprehensive 12-month warranty on all work done! No project is ever too small or large when it comes down to ensuring perfection every single time. Get your free quotation today.
