Highways UK 2024

Highways UK 2024, held at the NEC Birmingham on 16-17 October, was an event brimming with innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of our road networks. Bringing together the people responsible for planning, developing, managing, maintaining, and future-proofing the nation’s roads, the event was a powerful platform for driving meaningful change.

Day 1 – Paving the Way to Net Zero Through Low-Carbon Materials

The first day set the tone with a focus on Paving the Way to Net Zero Through Low-Carbon Materials. A thought-provoking panel explored critical topics, including the role of PAS 2080 in carbon management, the unique challenges faced by local roads, and the technical risks and durability concerns associated with new materials. Discussions also delved into the carbon cost of recycling and how industry standards need to evolve to enable the use of innovative, sustainable materials. The panel emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with confidence in material performance, ensuring that new solutions not only reduce carbon but also meet the rigorous demands of road infrastructure.

Day 2 – Where Does Highway Maintenance Fit in a Carbon Life Cycle?

On Day 2, I had the opportunity to present on a topic that’s both a passion and a priority for me: Where Does Highway Maintenance Fit in a Carbon Life Cycle? The heart of my presentation revolved around the urgent need to align highway maintenance activities with the BS EN 15804 standard, a framework for assessing the environmental impact of construction products and infrastructure. While much of the industry’s focus has been on the early stages of the lifecycle—such as material production and construction—highway maintenance primarily falls under Stage B, the use phase. This phase is critical, yet often overlooked in carbon accounting.

I emphasized the importance of measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of infrastructure. By integrating BS EN 15804 into maintenance practices, we can ensure a more accurate and transparent assessment of our environmental impact. This is essential to avoid greenwashing and to deliver genuine, measurable progress toward net-zero goals.

The presentation also explored practical steps for incorporating lifecycle thinking into maintenance strategies. From adopting low-carbon materials and technologies to optimizing maintenance schedules for efficiency, there are numerous opportunities to reduce emissions while maintaining high-performance standards.

A Collective Commitment to Change

What stood out most during both days was the engagement and enthusiasm from the audience. The questions and discussions highlighted a growing awareness of the need for systemic change and a willingness to embrace new approaches. It was a reminder that, while the challenges are significant, the collective determination to address them is even greater.

Highways UK 2024 reinforced my belief that, by aligning our efforts with robust standards like BS EN 15804 and embracing innovative solutions, we can ensure that highway maintenance becomes a cornerstone of a greener, more resilient future.