Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Hot Mix Asphalt Production: A Life Cycle Analysis for Sustainable Construction

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, playing a significant role in the acceleration of global climate change. In response to this growing environmental challenge, the European Union has updated the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), incorporating not only technical requirements but also mandatory environmental assessments for construction materials. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become a vital tool for evaluating the environmental performance of materials like hot mix asphalt, offering a holistic framework to assess their impacts from production through to end-of-life disposal. Despite its widespread use, current studies often struggle with comparability due to inconsistencies in the selection of functional units, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions across different studies. This research aims to provide a detailed analysis of the GHG emissions associated with the life cycle of hot mix asphalt, covering the various stages defined in EN 15804. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of factors such as the incorporation of additives (e.g., hydrated lime, regenerator), the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and the choice of energy sources in the production process. By providing insights into the life cycle impacts of asphalt production, this study contributes to the identification of optimization opportunities, ultimately supporting the transition towards more sustainable practices in the construction sector.