AGGREGATES HELP PAVE THE ROAD FORWARD A look into scope 3 emissions reductions for aggregates sourcing
The Plattsburgh location for Colas Inc. boasts an efficient layout for optimum traffic patterns, most efficient fuel use, and least amount of dust production. Photo courtesy of Colas Inc.
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BY SANDY LENDER
At the World of Asphalt/AGG1 combined conferences and tradeshows in Nashville this spring, multiple vendors showcased their offerings for introducing a new—or enhancing an existing—recycling component to your vertically integrated asphalt operation. Whether that takes the form of crushing recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), adding a cold central recycling plant to your equipment fleet, or one of the many other recycling related technologies and methodologies practiced within our industry, the options presented in both educational seminars and across the sold-out tradeshow floor gave attendees plenty of opportunity to consider how the new technologies and methodologies could assist on The Road Forward. Vertically integrated contractors investigate more than their recycling operations. Quarry managers seek new and enhanced options for lowering a carbon footprint and raising an environmental credit score, within the framework of doing business before and after The Road Forward’s launch.
THE SCOPE OF AN INITIATIVE
The Road Forward is the initiative the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) set for the industry during its 67th annual meeting in Scottsdale. The plan outlines four industry goals to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 that include: • achieving net zero carbon emissions during asphalt production and construction by 2050 (scope 1 emissions); 18 | AUGUST 2022
• partnering with customers to reduce emissions through pavement quality, durability, longevity, and efficiency standards by 2050 (downstream scope 3 emissions); • developing a net zero materials supply chain by 2050 (upstream scope 3 emissions); and • transitioning to electricity from renewable energy providers in support of net zero carbon electricity generation by 2050 and reducing electrical intensities (scope 2 emissions). For this article, we’ll focus on the third bullet point and its further explanation from NAPA’s printed materials, which state: “Supplier partnerships and net zero commitments are critical for the industry to achieve net zero carbon emissions. What the industry asks of and gets from its suppliers counts toward its own net zero goal.” The tactics for accomplishing this third industry goal include, but are not limited to, engaging “with upstream suppliers to accelerate emission reductions in the material supply chain.” While the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) declined to comment on how its membership is assisting the asphalt industry in lowering its upstream scope 3 emissions to develop a net zero materials supply chain by 2050, there are copious examples available of aggregates producers already participating in environmental stewardship best practices and emissions reduction. As mentioned above, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are supplying the equipment to help. Materials suppliers are on point as well. One example outlined in the August 2020 issue of AsphaltPro showed O&G Industries, Torrington, Connecticut, had not only in-
