The push for using recycled asphalt and concrete is gaining momentum as the Canadian Automobile Association joins nine other influential organizations representing civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers and engineers united behind the goal of increasing the use of recycled crushed aggregates in public infrastructure projects across Ontario. (CNW Group/Toronto and Area Road Builders Association)
With the support of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the push for the use of recycled asphalt and concrete is gaining momentum in Canada. The CAA has joined nine other influential organizations representing civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers and engineers who are united in their goal of increasing the use of Recycled Crushed Aggregates (RCA) in public infrastructure projects across Ontario.
The coalition, which launched earlier this year, is advocating for policy changes that will incentivize and mandate the use of RCA in projects like roads, subdivisions, highways, bridges and tunnels and, above all, harmonize municipal specifications through provincial standards to build greener, more cost-effective and high-performing public infrastructure that residents can rely on.
“As the voice of Canadian motorists, CAA supports smarter infrastructure investments that improve road safety, durability and reliability,” explained Lauren Fisher, manager of government and stakeholder relations for CAA South Central Ontario. “The use of recycled crushed aggregates is proven to deliver reliable performance while cutting costs and carbon emissions. We’re proud to join this important coalition and support a mandate that will benefit drivers, taxpayers and the environment.”
“CAA’s support underscores the fact that this isn’t just a construction issue—it’s a public interest issue. Using more recycled materials in infrastructure projects can safeguard the long-term expansion of our transportation networks while preserving non-renewable resources and reducing carbon emissions, waste, and traffic congestion,” said Raly Chakarova, executive director of the Toronto Area Road Builders Association (TARBA). “Beyond an increased use of sustainable materials, standardizing construction specifications and contracts at the municipal level can go further to rein in rising construction costs, speed up project delivery and ensure higher quality outcomes.”
Recycled crushed aggregates are produced by reclaiming and recycling concrete and asphalt that would otherwise end up in landfills. Since RCA is available at a fraction of the distance to new construction sites, the need for long-haul heavy truck transport is reduced, along with carbon emissions, project costs, traffic congestion, and wear and tear on roads. Despite being a proven and high-performing material already used in 400-series highways, Toronto Pearson Airport, and many road and transit projects across the province, RCA use in municipal projects is severely limited due to existing local policies.
TARBA estimates that a 20-per-cent mandate for RCA in infrastructure projects by Ontario municipalities would save these communities more than $260 million annually while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 15 million gas cars from the road every year.
The 10 members of the coalition are CAA, Concrete Ontario, Good Roads, the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Construction Association, the Heavy Construction Association of Toronto, the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario, the Ontario Road Builders Association, the Ontario Sand, Stone, and Gravel Association, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and TARBA.
