A tanker filled with raw bitumen resupplies a Sprayline truck near Hopetoun.

Decarbonisation – a road map

With the Glasgow Summit demanding that the world’s biggest polluters undertake massive reductions in their carbon emissions the momentum building around mitigating the worst effects of climate change is now unstoppable.

The Victorian State Government announced its emissions reduction policy back in May committing to a reduction of 45-50% by 2030. New South Wales and South Australia have set similar targets and even Queensland, the biggest carbon emitter in Australia has a 30% reduction target. With some of the world’s major automotive manufacturers having announced the end of petrol and diesel engines by 2040, the Federal Government has followed the trend and is now backing Net-Zero by 2050.

In the UK the Government, acknowledging that transport is one of its biggest emitters of carbon, has committed itself to a reduction strategy that includes decarbonisation of road building

The answer to mitigating some emissions, according to the report might be:

• Using ultra-low emission or electric vehicles where they meet the needs of maintenance and support work. 
• Reducing the use of carbon-intensive equipment during road renewal work.
• Incorporating emissions standards into contracts with suppliers.
• Using energy-efficient lighting for roadsides, tunnels and signage.
• Planting trees for capturing carbon near major projects.

Sprayline Road Services already incorporates several innovative materials in its bitumen. A blend of crumbed rubber sourced and recycled from old tyres is included in the mixture. Where the road needs further treatment a fabric made from a percentage of recycled plastic is utilised

”We are always looking to minimise our environmental foot print” said Jose Leong, Sprayline Road Services Risk Specialist. 

“It’s a hot and ongoing topic.” 

“Our patrol trucks meet the Euro 5 emission standards, and we are looking to trial electric vehicles as soon as possible.”

We’re evaluating how we use water, fuel, and travel. We have put solar panels on each of our depots,” said Jose.

“We are looking to lead.”

A resurfaced section after new applications of bitumen and aggregate.