Abstract
The project Sustainable Value Chain and Material Use in Road Construction was awarded funding from the Green Platform in 2022 and will run until end 2026. Its goal is to reduce indirect emissions in construction projects and remove barriers to more sustainable road construction. Led by Nye Veier, the project involves stakeholders from across the value chain to develop and test at least ten new sustainable solutions for roads, tunnels, and roadside structures. These solutions focus on the use of recycled materials, by-products, and optimization of production processes.
Velde is one of Norway’s largest asphalt producers, operating a modern production facility in Mandal adapted for high recycling rates. Their circular asphalt combines recycled asphalt, recycled bitumen, circular aggregates, and biogenic additives. These solutions have significant potential to reduce CO₂ emissions compared to traditional materials. A life cycle analysis shows up to 90% lower emissions for circular aggregates compared to crushed rock, and biogenic additives may contribute to carbon storage in the asphalt.
The pilot project for circular asphalt has been carried out on the E39 Lyngdal East–Lyngdal West section, where Velde is responsible for the asphalt contract. Velde has developed several asphalt solutions with high recycling rates, aiming for a pavement structure completely free of virgin fossil materials. The project covers the entire process from testing and documentation to post-installation follow-up. The pilot includes both laboratory testing and full-scale production. Analyses of the asphalt’s properties have been conducted, along with assessments of production feasibility and environmental impact. Previous experience shows good results with high recycling rates, but the specific combination of solutions used in this project has not been tested before.