Embodied Versus Traffic-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Asphalt and Concrete Pavements

Given the increasing impact of climate change, there is a growing imperative and duty to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with road construction. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies to compare the embodied GHG emissions of asphalt and concrete pavements. To enhance clarity, the study’s findings are categorized according to the various stages of a life cycle and the corresponding modules for environmental product declarations (EPDs) outlined in EN 15804. In addition to assessing different construction types and materials, the study examines a road section experiencing increasing traffic volume, including a rising proportion of electric vehicles, and compares the resulting GHG emissions associated with traffic over a 30-year lifespan with the embodied emissions. The findings confirm that traffic significantly contributes to the overall GHG emissions.