Rotherham Council and SteelPhalt have won the Innovation Award at the 2022 ALARM Risk Awards for its pioneering use of carbon negative asphalt in the borough.

Earlier this year, the new asphalt was on a stretch of Broom Lane, just outside the town centre as part of the £24 Million to 2024 Roads Programme.

The ground-breaking new asphalt is made partly of trees and uses a natural binder called Kraft Lignin which also originates from trees. It could reduce the climate impact substantially over the life cycle of the road.

The use of such materials in resurfacing works in Rotherham supports the Council’s commitment to a cleaner, greener local environment, targeting the reduction of carbon emissions.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “This is fantastic news for the Council and its partner, SteelPhalt, whose teams have done excellent work over the last few months. The new asphalt is truly an inventive product which will help Rotherham residents to lower their carbon foot-print and have less affect on the environment. This award acknowledges the steps that local authorities across the UK are taking to become more eco-friendly and the innovations they are welcoming to make their areas greener places to live.”

The ALARM Innovation Award is presented to the organisation or team that demonstrates how, with the use of innovation, risks are identified, measured and managed; with positive impacts to business and operational objectives.

The judges appreciated this project as a valuable opportunity taken by both organisations with an innovative approach. It is a leader in the application of a practical solution to carbon reduction and environmental impact, bringing together public and private sector.

ALARM President, Wayne Rigby said: “This year’s Awards’ entries reflect the consummate professionalism and creative thinking of our members and their colleagues. We have been impressed by the quality of all entries and have enjoyed finding out more about the interesting work done by our members and the wider sector.”

The winners were announced at the Awards dinner held at The Kimpton Clocktower Manchester on Monday 4 July, hosted by Lucy Porter.

The esteemed ALARM Risk Awards are highly regarded as a measure of excellence in the management of risk and insurance in in public service and community organisations. The Awards are an invaluable opportunity for recognition; offering an opportunity to share these achievements with the wider community.