Hidden Innovations Are Making Infrastructure Greener
Summary
Companies have developed lower-carbon concrete, recycled asphalt and advanced plastics for infrastructure, but outdated specifications and permitting rules can limit their use. Industry leaders say agencies need to update standards so these materials can be adopted at scale and help meet climate goals.Key Facts
- Teknor Apex works with a startup that captures methane and turns it into a plastic-like material.
- Teknor Apex adds features such as UV protection and durability to materials used in products including pipes and cables.
- Meta used AI to develop a concrete mix that its principal research scientist said is stronger, faster to use and more sustainable, using available ingredients.
- Some state transportation departments limit recycled asphalt to about 20% of new pavement mixes, according to CRH sustainability chief Eunice Heath.
- Heath said CRH has demonstrated asphalt mixes with 40% to 60% recycled material and reported a 35% reduction in carbon emissions.
- Industry leaders said outdated building specifications and fragmented permitting can block the use of newer materials.
- Companies may need 12 to 24 months to scale up new materials, according to Patty Mishic O’Brien of Teknor Apex.
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