THE SUSTAINABLE PAVEMENT
“Going asphalt” means going green. Asphalt is the sustainable pavement, helping preserve Wisconsin’s natural resources for future generations. The choice of asphalt means a lessened impact on the environment and reduced energy costs.
Asphalt recycling
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Asphalt is the most highly recycled product in the United States, making it the gold standard of sustainability. Read more about the Recycling Benefits [PDF] of asphalt. For the full story on sustainability, read NAPA’s special report Black and Green: Sustainable Asphalt, Now and Tomorrow, available in Flash or PDF format.
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Porous pavement is an asphalt pavement constructed with a network of air voids, which allows water to pass through it. This protects against flooding, water pollution and runoff damage. Learn more in WAPA’s presentation on Porous Pavement [PDF].
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Warm mix asphalt is a special kind of asphalt. Through the use of additives, WMA can be laid at lower temperatures than hot mix asphalt, offering exciting energy savings. Read more about the prospects of Warm Mix Asphalt.
Porous pavement
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Given these and other environmental benefits, it is no surprise that asphalt can be an important component in earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. Read more in this presentation on using asphalt pavements for LEED Certification [PDF].
Environmental Leadership Award
WAPA champions environmental stewardship through its annual Hot Mix Asphalt Environmental Leadership Awards. To win this award, an HMA plant must demonstrate exemplary practices in the areas of environmental compliance, safety, control measures, appearance and community relations. Awards are given in two categories: permanent and portable plants. Read more about the Hot Mix Asphalt Environmental Leadership Award.
