SurfaceCycle paves the way for sustainable road construction with first U.S. asphalt recycling carbon credits.
SurfaceCycle has become the first company in the United States to offer verified asphalt recycling carbon credits in a groundbreaking move for the road construction industry. This milestone achievement, announced on June 26, 2024, marks a significant step towards promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in an industry traditionally known for its high carbon footprint.
SurfaceCycle, a leading provider of asphalt milling, recycling, and soil stabilization services nationwide, has successfully completed the verification process for its Verified Carbon Units (VCUs). The asphalt recycling carbon credits are now available for purchase, offering organizations a tangible way to offset their carbon emissions while supporting innovative, eco-friendly road construction practices.
The company’s breakthrough comes from its use of Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) technology, a process that has revolutionized the approach to road maintenance and reconstruction. Unlike traditional methods that often involve removing old asphalt and replacing it with new materials, CIR allows for the renewal of existing pavement materials on-site. This process reuses 100% of the asphalt, significantly reducing the need for new, carbon-intensive resources, minimizing waste generation, and allowing them to sell verified asphalt recycling carbon credits.
The environmental impact of SurfaceCycle’s approach is substantial. In a recent construction season, the company prevented the release of nearly 29,000 tons of carbon emissions – an achievement equivalent to planting almost 1.5 million trees. This dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions showcases the potential for the construction industry to play a crucial role in combating climate change.
Josh Chambers, CEO of SurfaceCycle, expressed pride in the company’s achievement: “We are proud to lead the industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and driving a broader adoption of sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure construction methods. This is just one of the steps in SurfaceCycle’s journey as we innovate and drive a wider adoption of environmentally friendly approaches in our industry.”
The verification of SurfaceCycle’s asphalt recycling carbon credits was conducted by Verra, a respected third-party organization that oversees the world’s leading carbon crediting program. This independent verification adds credibility to SurfaceCycle’s environmental claims and sets a new standard for accountability in the road construction sector.
Beyond the environmental benefits, SurfaceCycle’s CIR process offers significant economic advantages. According to Dan Schellhammer, P.E., Business Development Director at SurfaceCycle, the method can reduce construction costs by as much as 40% compared to conventional road maintenance practices. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with the substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (up to 90%), makes CIR an attractive option for cash-strapped municipalities and environmentally conscious organizations alike.
The introduction of asphalt recycling carbon credits is expected to have far-reaching implications for the road construction industry. SurfaceCycle is encouraging other companies to adopt similar environmentally friendly approaches by providing a financial incentive for sustainable practices. This market-based solution could accelerate the transition to greener infrastructure development across the United States.
Moreover, the availability of asphalt recycling carbon credits offers a new avenue for companies outside the construction industry to offset their carbon footprint. Organizations looking to meet sustainability goals or demonstrate corporate responsibility can now invest in credits that directly support sustainable infrastructure development.
SurfaceCycle’s achievement is crucial as the United States grapples with the dual challenges of aging infrastructure and the need to reduce carbon emissions. The company’s innovative approach demonstrates that these goals are not mutually exclusive – in fact, addressing them simultaneously can yield both economically and environmentally superior results.
As SurfaceCycle continues to expand its operations and partnerships, it remains committed to reshaping the road construction industry for a more sustainable future. The company is actively engaging with industry stakeholders to promote the adoption of CIR and other environmentally friendly construction methods.
The success of SurfaceCycle’s initiative could serve as a model for other construction industry sectors, potentially leading to a broader shift towards sustainable practices in building and infrastructure development. As climate change concerns continue, innovations like these will be crucial in reducing the environmental impact of essential infrastructure projects.
While the road to a fully sustainable construction industry is long, SurfaceCycle’s breakthrough represents a significant milestone. By proving that environmentally friendly practices can be both effective and economically viable, the company is helping to pave the way for a greener future in road construction and beyond.
As this story develops, it will be interesting to see how other companies in the industry respond to SurfaceCycle’s asphalt recycling carbon credits initiative and whether this marks the beginning of a larger trend toward sustainability in infrastructure development across the United States.
