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Green Asphalt
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Green asphalt is an alternative to standard mixed concrete that emits less greenhouse gasses, lasts longer, and uses fewer resources by incorporating recycled materials. This new mix makes for healthier communities while saving money.
In 2007 the City of Chattanooga, TN began the process of implementing a new process for recycling asphalt and using it as the topcoat for repaving city streets. The “greener” mixture contains up to 50% Recycled Asphalt Product and costs approximately 20% less than new asphalt. Plus, the new mixture lasts at least 15 years, compared to 11 or 12 years for a regular mix. The production process requires less energy and heat, and the applications of cooler green asphalt reduce the generation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) when the asphalt is put down.
The City of Indianapolis, IN is now using Waste Tire Recycling through IndyParks and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to create a new environmentally friendly asphalt surfaces. These surfaces have been created using a mixture of asphalt and recycled tires ground into crumbs. Once all surfaces have been completed, it is estimated that over 5,500 tires that would have otherwise degraded in landfills will be put to positive use in recreational places such as the Haughville Park basketball courts and the Marott Parking lot surface. Seven additional basketball courts and two tennis courts are schedule to receive new surfaces at seven different neighborhood parks throughout 2007.
Chicago, IL is the alley capital of America with its 2,000 miles of small service streets cutting across the city. By the end of 2008 the city hopes to complete 46 “green alleys” under Chicago’s new Green Alley initiative. The green alleys will be retrofitted with environmentally sustainable road-building materials such as more permeable concrete where water can penetrate the soil through the pavement itself. The water will then be filtered through stone beds under the permeable surface layer, recharging the underground water table instead of ending up as polluted runoff in rivers and streams. The new pavements are also designed to reflect heat from the sun instead of absorbing it, helping the city stay cool on hot days and warmer on cold days. Another feature of the green alleys is lighting made with recycled materials that conserves energy and reduces glare.
