There’s no question that sustainable infrastructure growth is necessary, and many business owners and commercial property owners are looking for processes that are not only environmentally friendly, but also cost-efficient for their bottom line. One thing that ticks all the boxes? Commercial asphalt paving.
Lifetime Value of Sustainability
When commercial asphalt is well-executed and laid with the right tools and the right materials (by a team of professionals) it can last nearly four decades without needing to be replaced. Cracks or damages that do occur require minor fixes with easy repairs and the old asphalt can then be reused for a new application.
Additionally, even older, damaged concrete surfaces can be reused as a base to hold layers of the asphalt pavement surface. This is commonly known as something called perpetual pavement and requires far less labor and materials for maintenance over its lifetime, adding to the longevity and sustainability of asphalt.
Contributing to Cleaner Air
Asphalt application and repair are quick infrastructure projects and with the right contractor at the helm, these projects can be performed with minimal traffic congestion. That, in turn, means lower emissions and cleaner air overall. For those looking for quick curb appeal with a smaller impact on the environment, consider asphalt paving.
Dark asphalt also works in metropolitan cities with taller buildings to absorb heat. Light concrete or other paving surfaces reflect heat to the buildings, making HVAC systems work harder and increase their impact on the environment around them. Even asphalt plants have been registered by the EPA as a source of very low pollution.
Expanding on Energy Efficiency
Asphalt pavement can boast the title of requiring 20% less energy to produce and construct than any other type of traditional pavement. Because it’s a smooth and flexible surface for vehicles to travel on, it improves fuel efficiency, equating to (once again) fewer emissions.
Here’s another stat for you: Asphalt pavement can be recycled or reused in nearly every situation. On an annual average, there are 100 million tons of asphalt pavement produced with 95 million tons being recycled during the same time period. Asphalt can also include other recycled materials like rubber, glass, and roofing shingles.
It’s (Not) In the Water
Water sustainability and conservation mean optimizing water use and creating infrastructure that allows for cleaner, healthier water supplies. Asphalt is considered so safe to our water supply that it’s even used in landfill caps and barriers and throughout drinking water reservoirs and pipes.
Asphalt pavement is porous, but impermeable and the water that runs through and away from asphalt surfaces won’t leach chemicals into the supply. In some cases, optimized design and application can even contribute to water conservation efforts.
Get Control of Traffic
More durability and fewer repairs mean your municipality doesn’t have to deal with changing traffic patterns and create commuting nightmares, noise pollution, or air pollution. There are even many instances where asphalt paving and repair can be quickly completed overnight. Short cooling and curing times also mean traffic can get back to normal. Less disruption in road construction, less congestion, and smoother surfaces improve road safety.
All of these sustainability advantages of asphalt also translate into big-time LEED credits for certification during green construction projects. The best way to really understand how you can earn credits is to work with an asphalt company or consultant that is an expert in the area. Ultimately, that’s the only partnership that will help you fully realize the sustainability of asphalt.
Whether your project is for a sustainable commercial space or a municipal street that is created with the environment in mind, we are the last commercial asphalt pavement provider you’ll ever need. For damage repair, we will address potholes, cracks, and broken sections. We even provide leveling for sunken areas on your asphalt surfaces. Our inspections, new construction, and preventative maintenance procedures are of the highest caliber. Get in touch with us today and find out why we have so many satisfied customers.