During the major maintenance on the A1, sustainable practices are employed. Old asphalt is replaced with a more sustainable variant. Whether we are maintaining something or building something new, we ensure that we use the right, sustainable materials.
And we organize our construction sites in such a way that they lead to lower energy consumption and minimal emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particulate matter.
Sustainable Asphalt with a Large Portion of Reuse
We replace the asphalt concrete of the lanes from Watergraafsmeer to Diemen with Low Energy Asphalt Concrete (LEAB). This is produced at 110 degrees Celsius instead of the usual 165 degrees, resulting in a 30% reduction in CO2.
Moreover, we reuse as much of the old asphalt from the A1 as possible. This is mixed with new asphalt for processing, so that the sub- and interlayers consist of 60% to 70% recycled material and the ZOAB surface layer consists of 30%. In 2024, we did this on the A10 at the Zeeburger bridges as well.
Leader in Sustainable Infrastructure
These activities fall under the Leading Approach of Rijkswaterstaat. This challenges companies to tackle maintenance as sustainably as possible without compromising on quality. The Leading Approach aims to make it worthwhile for companies to invest in this.
The most sustainable alternatives will therefore be given space until 2030, so that companies can recoup those innovations and the infrastructure sector can become more sustainable.