RIS3: Neustark urges Government to prioritise green construction materials

As the UK’s Labour government picks up the tail-end of the ambitious £27.4 billion Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) plan, Swiss-based carbon removal provider neustark is calling for a more climate-friendly approach to road construction.

Having recently entered the UK market and opened a new London site, in partnership with Aggregate Industries, neustark urges the government to enhance existing plans by incorporating innovative materials like carbonated recycled concrete aggregate in National Highways’ projects.

The current RIS2 plan runs until March 2025, and almost all projects are either already underway or completed. However, major initiatives like the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine and Lower Thames Crossing were significantly delayed and are yet to begin. It’s crucial the government looks at these projects and understands the opportunity for permanent carbon removal, as it approaches the end of this current (RIS2) planning phase and beyond. It is expected the government will announce further investment to support National Highways’ RIS3 plan, in line with the next spending review (March 2025). This five-year project could be a momentous opportunity for the government to help the UK meet its 2050 net zero targets.

“We understand that the UK has made significant strides towards decarbonisation. However, the infrastructure sector – particularly road construction – remains a major source of carbon emissions. Why not use an existing waste stream like demolition concrete as a tool for climate action? Carbonated recycled concrete aggregate indeed presents an opportunity to turn a problem into a solution by taking one of the most essential materials for road construction and turning it into carbon sink,” says Valentin Gutknecht, Founder and Co- CEO at neustark.

“Using carbonated recycled concrete aggregate in major UK highway projects is about future-proofing the UK’s infrastructure against the realities of climate change. By incorporating it into ongoing roadworks and new developments, the government can achieve a substantial reduction in its carbon footprint.”

Pic: Adam121/Dreamstime.com

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print

Related Stories

HIGHWAYS... DAILY

All the latest highways news direct to your inbox every week day

Subscribe now