Analysis by NHT and Leeds University has developed a 'Value for Carbon' function for road maintenance as part of the highway sector's progress to Net Zero, Clive Hall writes.
NHT and Leeds University have developed a strategic tool that demonstrates the relative benefit of different maintenance strategies in carbon terms, creating a ‘value for carbon’ outcome.
The aim is to provide a consistent gauge of value for carbon across local highway authorities to enable comparison, stimulate collaboration and accelerate progress towards net zero.
The forecasting tool has been used to develop a ‘state of the nation’ overview of the maintenance landscape.
Results demonstrate that the nation’s current maintenance strategy, which has a bias towards reactive maintenance, is saving England a net 850,000 tonnes of carbon per annum by avoiding costly reconstruction, 2.7 times the carbon invested.
However, this volume of maintenance is insufficient to maintain the nation’s roads in a stable condition.
A doubling in maintenance activity is needed just to stand still. Doubling increases the Value for Carbon level realised from maintaining roads in a steady state to 3.1 times the carbon invested.
The NHT said: 'If alternative strategies, with a greater focus on preventative maintenance, could be deployed then the Value for Carbon would be further enhanced. Reducing the carbon footprint of maintenance operations, by using new technologies and processes, will enhance the Value for Carbon of maintenance.
'However, results show that without a large expansion in maintenance and more preventative treatments, the sector's contribution to decarbonisation will only be a small part of what it could be.'
All members of the NHT CQC Efficiency Network have been provided with Value for Carbon reporting.
To get involved please contact Sharon Andrews at sharon.andrews@measure2improve.com
