Innovations in Sustainable Materials: “Greener” Asphalt
/Can asphalt be sustainable? Well, after talking with Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir from ReSource International about her grant-winning research into the durability and performance of plastics in asphalt, I was inspired to think that yes, asphalt can be “green,” too.
And of course, this research is highly useful in Iceland because the roads are under constant stress from both high traffic and environmental impacts like intense frost for cycles. So Iceland’s broader solutions to climate resiliency, especially as described in their latest climate action plan, offer insightful takeaways for all regional and global construction leaders to evaluate when considering “sustainable” asphalt performance and durability.
As we look ahead, disruptions in entire construction material supply chains might become more prevalent worldwide as natural resource management confronts natural disasters and other raw material shortages. Our discussion touched on how the architecture, engineering, and construction industry can anticipate and adapt to these changes in the future and capture new value through innovation and productivity.
Watch the full discussion below: