What Is the Environmental Impact of Asphalt Paving in Georgia?

With communities and infrastructure expanding, the demand for asphalt paving in Georgia is higher than ever. Asphalt paving is a fantastic material for roadways, parking lots, driveways, and more. It’s cost-effective, easier to maintain, and can offer decades of service. But what about the environmental impacts? With so many communities working to balance development with sustainability, understanding the effects of Atlanta asphalt paving is important. In this blog, we’ll explore the environmental pros and cons of Georgia asphalt paving.

What Are the Environmental Concerns of Paving in Georgia?

First, let’s start with some of the biggest concerns of asphalt paving. The biggest drawback of new construction, repairs, and parking lot maintenance is the energy-intensive process of producing asphalt. Asphalt contains a mix of aggregates bound by bitumen, a byproduct of the petroleum refinement process.

Extracting and refining petroleum to create bitumen requires substantial energy. Bitumen is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and is part of various asphalt-based products. That includes those used for asphalt sealcoating, parking lot maintenance, patch repairs, etc. Furthermore, bitumen requires heating, creating further greenhouse gas emissions.

Another concern is asphalt’s contribution to urban “heat island” effects. When Atlanta paving companies use the material to create expansive surfaces, the material’s ability to absorb and retain heat can raise local temperatures.

What Environmental Benefits Come with Working with an Asphalt Contractor?

Despite the negative impacts, working with Atlanta paving companies also has many positive aspects. Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the world. It’s a highly sustainable product, and old asphalt can gain another life in a new paving project. An asphalt paving contractor can use recycled materials to reduce a project’s impact, making a positive difference and reducing the effects of producing virgin material. It also helps to reduce waste.

Another benefit is that it’s easier to maintain. Services like asphalt sealcoating and ongoing parking lot sealcoating can help surfaces last several decades. When issues arise, Atlanta paving companies can typically perform repairs to mitigate damage and deterioration, reducing the need for early reconstruction.

Asphalt is also easier and quicker to lay, especially compared to alternatives like concrete. While the installation process does require considerable energy and creates emissions, Georgia asphalt paving is faster. Therefore, there’s less of an impact compared to the installation work of other materials that require ongoing machine operation and continual energy use.

How Can Paving Be More Eco-Friendly?

Atlanta asphalt paving is a sustainable, easy-to-install material. Its environmental benefits can outweigh its cons when compared to alternative options. However, there are ways to strike an even better balance and reduce the environmental effects of Georgia asphalt paving.

One is to invest in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). This type of paving uses recycled asphalt. It performs well and can benefit from standard maintenance practices like asphalt sealcoating. Innovations are also leading the way to more sustainable practices. For example, newer warm-mix asphalt is growing in popularity among parking lot maintenance and pavement companies. It’s also possible to use bio-based binders or additives, reducing the reliance on traditional bitumen.

An asphalt paving contractor can also use porous pavement for better stormwater management, reflective coatings to reduce the “heat island” effect, and more energy-efficient equipment to cut emissions.

There are many ways to get the benefits of Atlanta asphalt paving while still working towards reducing your environmental impact. At The Surface Masters, we can work with you to develop solutions that meet your goals and paving needs. Recognized as one of the country’s top paving contractors for over eight years, we have what it takes to serve you. We’re available for new paving projects, milling and reclamation, asphalt sealcoating, resurfacing, pavement markings, crack sealing, concrete curbing, and more.

Let’s discuss your needs and sustainability goals. Call The Surface Masters at (770)250-6392, email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com or use our online form to contact us and receive your free project quote today!