Research Brief: The Role of Pavements in Meeting GHG Reduction Targets

Abstract

To meet the targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions set by cities and states, several solu­tions have been proposed including renewable energy production, subsidies for electric vehicles, and carbon taxes. However, transportation authorities have not considered the role of pavements as a means of reach­ing GHG targets. In fact, apart from impacts associated with materials production and construction equipment, pavements exert a substantial environmental impact by influencing vehicle fuel consumption. To better under­stand the overall effect of the road network on climate change, a high-level analysis is required that inves­tigates how pavement policymaking can help reach GHG reduction targets. Different choices in the budget assigned to road preservation and repair should be considered to find the optimal contribution of the road network to GHG mitigation and meet targets.