FEATURE
Warm-Mix Asphalt
Is Helping Reduce Emissions in the Paving Industry
Why Should Contractors Consider It...
T he paving industry has traditionally relied on hot-mix asphalt( HMA) as the standard for road construction. While effective and durable, HMA requires mixing and laying materials at temperatures between 275 ° F and 350 ° F, which demands significant energy and produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions. In response to growing environmental concerns and tightening sustainability goals, warm-mix asphalt( WMA) has emerged as a transformative alternative. By lowering production temperatures without compromising quality, WMA is helping to reduce emissions, improve working conditions and offer contractors a range of economic and operational benefits.
Reducing Energy Use and Emissions
The defining feature of WMA is its lower production temperature, typically ranging from 212 ° F to 275 ° F— about 30 ° F to 100 ° F cooler than traditional HMA. This reduction is achieved through additives, foaming techniques or organic waxes that make the asphalt binder less viscous at lower temperatures. Because the mix requires less heat, fuel consumption at the plant is reduced by 20 to 35 percent on average. This directly translates to lower carbon dioxide( CO₂) and nitrogen oxide( NO x) emissions— two major contributors to climate change and air pollution. Studies have shown that using WMA can cut overall green-
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