Reading Borough Council has led the way in carbon reduction, achieving a 54% drop in emissions since 2005. The borough now boasts the lowest per capita emissions in Berkshire, below both the South East and UK averages.
Building on this success, the council continues to push forward with decarbonisation projects that promise to deliver even greater reductions in its own carbon footprint. As a long-standing client of Miles Macadam, Reading Borough Council has previously selected Milepave™ for numerous road improvement projects due to its sustainable features and long-lasting durability. In this instance, Wensley Road, a vital and heavily used residential area, was chosen for resurfacing. This road serves not only local residents but also schools, hospitals, multiple high-rise flats, and a frequently used bus route. The council opted for Milepave™ to capitalise on its reduced carbon characteristics, including lower mixing temperatures, reduced resource consumption, and lower bitumen content. It was also selected for its suitability as an ideal material for concrete overlays, as well as its ability to accommodate the expansion of the underlying concrete substrate through pre- and post-joint treatments. To minimise disruption, the project was carried out under restricted hours, with night work on the roundabout to ensure hospital access and reduce interference with nearby school activities.
Delivered Programme of Work:
- 6,241m² of Milepave™ Concrete Overlay
- 3,606m² of Milepave™ on flexible existing surface
- 14 tCO₂e total emissions
Environmental Savings:
- Savings of 106.74 tonnes in aggregates and 15 tonnes in straight run bitumen over conventional materials
- 14 tCO₂e saving over using a conventional warm mix material and a non-carbon neutral surfacing contractor
- Increased performance and subsequent lower whole life carbon costs
Financial Saving:
- Designed system to last longer, address specific issues and ensure lower whole life cost
Client Testimony
Praising the success of the resurfacing scheme, two councillors from Reading Borough Council expressed their delight, emphasising the transformative impact the project has had on improving carbon emissions and enhancing the overall quality of their highway network in the borough.
“Wensley Road is a key route in the local area, and we’re pleased with the results of the resurfacing work here from Miles Macadam. It yet again demonstrates our commitment to reducing carbon use as we move towards our carbon neutral target.”
Cllr John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport
“We are always keen to introduce efficiencies and innovation that will make our resurfacing programme better value, higher standard, longer lasting and more environmentally friendly for residents, and this project with Miles Macadam has met those criteria, delivering big improvements with minimal disruption.”
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety
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