In partnership with our 2025 Sustainability Partner, Tarmac, we were delighted to host last week’s webinar on Advancing Decarbonisation in Road Surfaces. The full recording is now available to watch on demand via our YouTube channel.
The session explored how the highways and road construction sector is scaling up the use of durable, low-carbon materials and sustainable practices, while maintaining performance and delivery efficiency.
Chaired by Paula Claytonsmith, CEO at LCRIG, the webinar also featured a live Q&A session with questions submitted directly by the audience.
The panel:
- Chris Wright, Regional Contracting Director North, Tarmac
- Megan Thompson, Technical Product Support Manager, Tarmac
- Dwayne Lowe, Deputy Director of Place, Bolton Council
- Mark MacDonald, Highway Service Manager, Milton Keynes City Council
Megan shared how Tarmac is cutting carbon across projects, including an 83% reduction in Hartlepool and Stockton, achieving the UK’s lowest-carbon surface without offsetting, and challenged local authorities with the question: “How low do you want to go?”
Chris highlighted Tarmac’s wider decarbonisation efforts, from collaborating with global suppliers on innovations like biogenic bitumens to advancing plant and equipment technology. He stressed that customer demand drives progress and cited the A64 project as proof of the impact of bold planning, achieving a 73% reduction when considering construction, maintenance, and road user emissions.
Dwayne emphasised that decarbonisation must be industry-led, noting Bolton Council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030, and how alongside over 300 other councils, Bolton has declared a climate emergency. He explained that while local authorities are financially driven, funding has supported investment in innovation and research on surface treatments.
Mark looked to the long term, noting resistance to change and the importance of getting the message out there and communicating with local authorities through forums like the webinar. He emphasised the need for whole-life carbon assessments and durable materials to withstand the impacts of climate change.
Watch the Webinar
Watch the full webinar here:
Looking Ahead
The conversation continues at Strictly Highways next month, where Megan, Mark, and Paula will join a panel debate alongside David Giles, UK General Manager at Asphalt Industry Alliance, and Brendon Colarossi, Principal Engineer at Hartlepool Borough Council. Together, they will explore how local authorities can make the right material choices to become climate ready.