Mitigation Strategies Based on Life Cycle Assessment for Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Asphalt Pavements: Systematic Review

Diego Flores-Ruiz (), Marco Montoya-Alcaraz (), Leonel García, Manuel Gutiérrez and Julio Calderón-Ramírez
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Diego Flores-Ruiz: Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico
Marco Montoya-Alcaraz: Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico
Leonel García: Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico
Manuel Gutiérrez: Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico
Julio Calderón-Ramírez: Civil Engineering Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali 21280, Mexico

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-24

Abstract: Expanding the road network is inevitable due to the accelerated economic growth of countries. However, the development of road infrastructure has generated considerable concern among society, governments, and environmental organizations. This concern mainly stems from the significant environmental effects and the omission of the sustainability of materials associated with road construction. Current literature suggests Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a solution to address greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of road infrastructure. This research uses the PRISMA-SCR methodology to identify strategies to mitigate environmental impact during the life cycle stages of asphalt pavements and emission-generating activities. This study identifies the critical life cycle stages responsible for the largest amount of emissions, highlighting “material extraction and production” and “transportation” as key areas of intervention. The results demonstrate how the incorporation of recycled materials (RAPs) and warm mix asphalts (WMAs) can reduce between 15% and 45% of total emissions. It is concluded that it is possible to develop asphalt pavement construction projects with a sustainability perspective, allowing not only to identify opportunities to optimize construction processes but also to establish a reference framework for transportation agencies to integrate more sustainable practices, including the reduction of emissions, the responsible use of non-renewable resources and proper waste management.

Keywords: roads; environmental impact; asphalt; carbon dioxide; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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