What Is the Environmental Impact of Asphalt Paving in Austin?
Look around, and you’ll find asphalt paving in Austin everywhere you look. Asphalt is among the most widely used paving materials, being the go-to choice for parking lots, driveways, industrial surfaces, and more. But what’s its environmental impact? Sustainability is a major concern, and many property owners, businesses, and municipalities want to balance sustainability goals and continued development. Like any other material, Austin TX asphalt paving has its pros and cons.
What Are the Potential Concerns for Paving in Austin?
Asphalt isn’t a perfect material. It’s come a long way in the last several decades, and there are many ways that asphalt paving companies can lean into sustainability while completing your project. That said, it’s important to be aware of the potential negative impacts Austin asphalt paving can have. Here are a few of the biggest concerns.
•Energy-Intensive Installation: Asphalt paving contractors must work with hot material when creating hard surfaces. Asphalt arrives at the project site already heated to temperatures as high as 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Working with hot asphalt is an energy-intensive process, contributing to more greenhouse gas emissions. That applies to new paving projects, repairs, resurfacing, and more.
•Emissions Related to Production: Production can have a negative impact, too. The material asphalt paving contractors work with contains bitumen, a petroleum byproduct. Extracting and refining the bitumen produces considerable emissions. It also has the potential to destroy habitats.
•The Effects on the Climate: Austin asphalt paving companies can create expansive surfaces. Urban areas, in particular, can contain miles of asphalt paving. While functional and beautiful, asphalt absorbs and retains heat. Therefore, it can raise local temperatures.
What Are the Advantages of Working with Central Texas Asphalt Paving Companies?
Working with paving contractors isn’t all negative. Despite the concerns, there are also many advantages to choosing asphalt for your paving project.
•High Recyclability: Did you know that asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the world? Asphalt companies can collect and recycle even the oldest paved surfaces. The material gains new life as aggregate for future paving projects, which means asphalt companies don’t have to rely fully on virgin materials.
•Easier Maintenance: Asphalt is easier to maintain than alternatives like concrete. Asphalt paving companies can repair your pavement to its former glory, whether you’re dealing with cracks, potholes, or surface defects. Then, they can provide ongoing maintenance. With proper care, asphalt paving can last decades before requiring reconstruction.
•Faster Installation: All paving projects take time. However, compared to concrete, asphalt companies can work much faster. The material doesn’t require an extensive curing period. It’s ready for traffic after only a few days and will continue strengthening in the months that follow. Thanks to that faster installation, Austin asphalt paving companies won’t have to spend weeks operating equipment that creates substantial emissions.
•Greener Options: There are many ways to reduce your project’s carbon footprint. Asphalt paving companies can use reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). It contains recycled materials but provides the same strength and reliability as new asphalt. There’s also the option to utilize porous asphalt, less energy-intensive warm asphalt, and more.
What’s the Future of Environmentally Friendly Paving Look Like?
Paving contractors and the industry as a whole continue to innovate. We already have reclaimed asphalt paving and porous materials that reduce the environmental impact of the material. However, the future looks bright for sustainability.
Warm-mix asphalt is becoming more widespread, allowing paving contractors to complete projects without using tons of energy to heat the material. Researchers are also working with bio-based binders that could replace the traditional petroleum byproducts used in Austin asphalt paving. Solar reflective coatings are getting better, too. Paving contractors can apply these coatings to reduce “heat island” effects, making large paved surfaces better for the environment and the communities they serve.
With over three decades of experience as one of the leading asphalt paving contractors in Central Texas, Pana Paving has what it takes to complete your project. We’re ready to provide solutions that meet your needs while helping you meet sustainability goals. Our team is well-trained to work on projects of all sizes and scopes while delivering quality service you can count on. You can turn to Pana Paving for new paving, driveways, repairs, milling, overlays, ongoing maintenance, concrete slabs, striping, and more.
Get your free quote today by calling Pana Paving at (512)920-7452. You can also submit your information using our online form for a callback or email the team at panapaving@gmail.com.
