Eleven road construction and resurfacing schemes using low-carbon methods saved around 4,500 tonnes of CO2 in the past year.
National Highways funded the projects through its £2.5 million Low Carbon Demonstrator Fund. The fund aims to scale up market-ready techniques on England’s strategic road network.
Long-life materials extend road service
The schemes used materials designed to reduce carbon over the road surface’s whole life. This included long-life binders that make surfaces more durable and reduce future maintenance.
Holcim estimates that a long-life binder used on the M5 between junctions 28 and 30 could extend the road’s life from 15 to 20 years. Longer-lasting surfaces cut the need for repairs, saving carbon and costs.
Neil Leake, Holcim’s National Technical Manager for Contracting, said these materials help shift the industry towards sustainability. "Making roads last longer is the most effective form of carbon reduction," he added.
Electric plant and cold recycled materials
One scheme on the M4 between junctions 16 and 15 used an electric roller, electric paver, and hydrogen loader. FM Conway delivered the project using these low-emission machines combined with low-carbon asphalt.
Andy Weymouth, FM Conway’s Framework Delivery Manager, said teamwork enabled them to integrate new technology and deliver the scheme on time. The project is shortlisted for the 2026 Highways Awards innovation category.
On the A47 between Acle and Yarmouth, Heidelberg Materials UK used an electric paver to cut equipment-related carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent. The scheme also used cold recycled bound material, produced by injecting water and air into hot bitumen, reducing manufacturing temperatures and emissions.
Scott Cooper, Managing Director of Contracting at Heidelberg, described the project as a strong example of supply chain collaboration.
Combining techniques for low-carbon roadworks
Each scheme combined multiple low-carbon solutions. National Highways is using the results to reduce barriers and encourage industry-wide adoption of these approaches.
Angela Halliwell, Head of Carbon and Air Quality at National Highways, said: "Projects like these will help pave the way for industry-wide changes, resulting in significant carbon savings, improved roads for drivers, and quieter roadworks for our neighbours."
The demonstrator fund offers practical examples of how the UK’s road construction sector can meet carbon reduction targets while maintaining service standards.
