Eurobitume – European Bitumen Association – has published Decarbonisation Roadmap, outlining how the industry will help the decarbonisation of European road construction and asphalt production.
The roadmap defines a collective industry ambition and identifies a pathway to reduce by 73%, in relation to 1990, greenhouse gas emissions associated with bitumen production by 2050. It also highlights the importance of collaboration across the value chain and supportive policy frameworks to help enable the transition.
The document evaluates the potential of various decarbonisation levers at each step of the production chain, including the electrification of equipment, the use of low-carbon fuels and process efficiency improvements. It also recognises the challenges linked to the transition, notably due to a globally distributed supply chain which requires close collaboration with upstream partners.
As the road construction sector advances its sustainability objectives, Eurobitume and its members are committed to contributing to broader European climate ambitions through a pragmatic and realistic transition pathway. The publication represents the first phase of Eurobitume’s broader sustainability roadmap and aims to support informed discussions on the decarbonisation of road infrastructure among policymakers, industry stakeholders and the technical community.
“This roadmap marks an important milestone for Eurobitume and our members,” said Sergio Bovo, president of Eurobitume. “It demonstrates our industry’s commitment to contributing to the decarbonisation of Europe while recognising the practical realities and challenges associated with the transition.”
Hervé Millet, director general of Eurobitume, based in Brussels, said that developing the roadmap shows the association’s collective members’ engagement in supplying European road infrastructure with increasingly climate-friendly materials. “We hope this work will contribute to a constructive dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders across the whole value chain.”
The roadmap was officially presented during Eurobitume’s E&E event on June 11 and will continue to be promoted at industry events. Additionally, an open-to-all webinar is planned for September 9 and participants can register here.
On behalf of its members, Eurobitume educates and promotes the efficient, economic, effective, safe and sustainable use of refined bitumen in road, industrial and building applications. It also provides information and guidance on technical, health, safety and environmental matters and creates a positive image and environment for a sustained bitumen demand, based upon communicating the product benefits to key audiences.
Eurobitume operates five expert committees and steering groups. Each contains subject experts from member companies and has an intensive work programme to provide guidance and support for members and their customers.
