Measuring Carbon Footprint of Flexible Pavement Construction Project in Indonesia

Civil Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang - Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: jati.hatmoko@ft.undip.ac.id

Abstract

Road infrastructure in Indonesia is mainly dominated by flexible pavement type. Its construction process, however, has raised concerns in terms of its environment impacts. This study aims to track and measure the carbon footprint of flexible pavement. The objectives are to map the construction process in relation to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, to quantify them in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) as generated by the process of production and transportation of raw materials, and the operation of plant off-site and on-site project. Data collection was done by having site observations and interviews with project stakeholders. The results show a total emissions of 70.888 tonnes CO₂e, consisting of 34.248 tonnes CO₂e (48.31%) off-site activities and 36.640 tonnes CO₂e (51.687%) on-site activities. The two highest CO₂e emissions were generated by the use of plant for asphalt concrete laying activities accounted 34.827 tonnes CO₂e (49.130%), and material transportation accounted 24.921 (35.155%). These findings provide a new perspective of the carbon footprint in flexible pavement and suggest the urgent need for the use of more efficient and environmentally friendly plant in construction process as it shows the most significant contribution on the CO₂e. This study provides valuable understanding on the environmental impact of typical flexible pavement projects in Indonesia, and further can be used for developing green road framework.