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Carbon Footprint Estimation in Road Construction: La Abundancia–Florencia Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Marianela Espinoza

    (National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica)

  • Noelia Campos

    (National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica)

  • Rebekah Yang

    (Transportation Engineering Solutions and Technologies, Inc., Champaign, IL 61822, USA)

  • Hasan Ozer

    (Transportation Engineering Solutions and Technologies, Inc., Champaign, IL 61822, USA)

  • José P. Aguiar-Moya

    (National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica)

  • Alejandra Baldi

    (National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica)

  • Luis G. Loría-Salazar

    (National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica)

  • Imad L. Al-Qadi

    (Transportation Engineering Solutions and Technologies, Inc., Champaign, IL 61822, USA
    Illinois Center for Transportation University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, IL 61822, USA)

Abstract

The environmental impact of road construction and rehabilitation can be associated with the increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are highly related to climate change. Consequently, departments of transportation have recently focused on the development and implementation of tools to evaluate the performance of projects and minimize GHG emissions. An example is the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze and quantify the environmental impact of a product, system, or process, from cradle to grave. In this regard, the present case study quantifies the carbon footprint associated with the construction of the La Abundancia–Florencia highway, located in the province of San Carlos in Costa Rica. The analysis is also intended to generate consciousness both in the public and private sectors on the environmental impacts of road construction. After an LCA study, it was determined that the construction of the hot mix asphalt (HMA) layer generates a carbon footprint of 65.8 kg of CO 2 e per km of road. In addition, it was evident that HMA production generates the greatest environmental impact, among all the considered LCA production and construction stages, with a GHG contribution of 38% to 39% from bitumen only. Consequently, special attention to HMA production is required in order to minimize GHG emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Marianela Espinoza & Noelia Campos & Rebekah Yang & Hasan Ozer & José P. Aguiar-Moya & Alejandra Baldi & Luis G. Loría-Salazar & Imad L. Al-Qadi, 2019. "Carbon Footprint Estimation in Road Construction: La Abundancia–Florencia Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:8:p:2276-:d:223064
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giampiero Trunzo & Laura Moretti & Antonio D’Andrea, 2019. "Life Cycle Analysis of Road Construction and Use," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohamed Ezzat Al-Atroush & Jumana Almushcab & Duha Alhudaif & Yosra Meskinyar, 2023. "Exploring the Potential of 3D Printing Technology for Sustainable Plastic Roads: A Preliminary Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-24, December.
    2. Fang, Zigeng & Yan, Jiayi & Lu, Qiuchen & Chen, Long & Yang, Pu & Tang, Junqing & Jiang, Feng & Broyd, Tim & Hong, Jingke, 2023. "A systematic literature review of carbon footprint decision-making approaches for infrastructure and building projects," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 335(C).

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