The Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Asphalt Mixtures (ASEFMA), through its technical committee, has recognized the LIFE BATTLE CO2 project, coordinated by CARTIF, as one of the four finalists of the sixth edition of the “Best Environmental Practices” Award (MPA) in the field of manufacture, spread, application and transport of asphalt mixtures in 2019.
The LIFE BATTLE CO2 project has succeeded in replacing around 80% of the fossil fuels used in the manufacturing process of the asphalt plant by biomass from sustainable forest management. The initiative has managed to reduce CO2 emissions by about 80% in the plant and around 45% in its global impact throughout its life cycle, from the raw materials stage to its implementation, thus achieving a more sustainable road network.
Framed in the European LIFE program and with CARTIF at the head, the project has the participation of the construction company COLLOSA, in whose facilities in Cubillas de Santa Marta (Valladolid) the implementation of prototypes has been carried out to validate this new model of operation, and the support of the Spanish Technological Platform of the Highway.
The other finalist initiatives are: “Rehabilitation of urban pavements with environmentally sustainable and low sound asphalts with the addition of tire powder with RARx pretreated additives” from PADECASA, CIRTEC, TECNOFIRMES, CIDAUT, CEMOSA, Madrid City Council and Fuenlabrada City Council ; “High performance sustainable mixes for the rehabilitation of road surfaces”, from the Construction Engineering Laboratory (LabIC) of the University of Granada; and “Environmental impacts of bituminous mixtures according to the ECCO2 model”, by Benito Arnó e Hijos.
The prize “Best Environmental Practices” is a sectorial initiative that wants to make R & D visible in terms of asphalt mixtures that report technical, economic, sustainable and responsible to the environment developments. It responds to the growing environmental sensitivity of the asphalt manufacturing entities and those linked to their production, transportation and application. The jury, formed by the members of the technical committee of the XIV National Conference of ASEFMA, has evaluated the projects presented in this call according to criteria of originality, innovation, impact on the sector and environmental improvements.
ASEFMA is an association of entities dedicated to the manufacture and application of asphalt mixtures for road paving. Among its statutory aims is the promotion of research and collaboration in the drafting of manufacturing standards, application and quality control. Its actions are aimed at the satisfaction of users and the preservation of the environment.
The award ceremony will take place during the 14th ASEFMA National Day, on May 23, 2019, at 2:10 pm, at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Madrid (Carlos Trias Bertrán Square, 4, 28020 Madrid).