Housebuilder paves the way for greener roads

A North East housebuilder has taken a step towards greener construction by becoming the first to use a pioneering net-zero asphalt on a new residential development.

Bellway has installed the innovative material at its Monument Meadows development in Pelton, in County Durham, using a carbon-negative additive developed by Seaham-based Low Carbon Materials.

The additive, known as ACLA, replaces some of the aggregate in traditional asphalt and captures and stores carbon, with every tonne used permanently removing 798kg of CO2 equivalent.

Developed by scientists from Durham University, the technology has already been used on more than 50 projects, including trials on the A64 and M11, but this marks its first application on a new housing development.

Bellway has worked with Low Carbon Materials for two years on the project as part of its wider plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Simon Park, head of sustainability at Bellway, said: “We are proud to be working with Low Carbon Materials on what is a world-first for a housing development.

“As a housebuilder based in the North East, we are particularly pleased to be partnering with a company which was founded by research scientists from Durham University, has its base in nearby Seaham – and has now provided net-zero asphalt for a stretch of road within one of our developments in County Durham.

“Their ACLA additive is a pioneering product which has already been used for highway projects and locks away carbon with no compromise on the performance of the asphalt.”

Lian Hutchings, head of growth at Low Carbon Materials, added: “This is the first time ACLA has been laid on a new housing development. Thank you to Bellway for backing it.

“Every new development needs roads, and with ACLA in the mix those roads lock carbon away. 

“It goes into the asphalt like a conventional aggregate, so contractors don’t have to change the way they work.”

Bellway is building 79 two, three and four-bedroom homes and bungalows at Monument Meadows, using sustainably sourced timber frame panels.

The properties will also feature solar panels, smart heating technology and electric vehicle charging points to help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.