Inclusive Approach in Advancing Sustainability in Road Construction

This paper presents the inclusive approach adopted by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) to advance sustainability in road construction. Recognizing the significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices, MTO emphasizes the conservation of natural aggregates and encourages the use of reclaimed materials in construction projects. By incorporating techniques such as in-place pavement recycling and optimizing the utilization of recycled materials like reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and reclaimed concrete aggregate (RCA), MTO aims to minimize environmental impact, enhance economic efficiency, and deliver social benefits. The paper highlights MTO history of recycling initiatives, its specifications for road construction projects, and the challenges associated with integrating recycled materials. It emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as performance, engineering properties, life cycle costs, and availability when incorporating recycled materials. Through collaboration among stakeholders, including industry, government, and research institutions, the construction industry can further advance sustainable practices and reduce its environmental footprint. Efforts at the municipal level have been effective in advancing this initiative.