TORONTO — The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the latest organization to join nine others representing civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers and engineers with the goal of increasing the use of Recycled Crushed Aggregates (RCA) in public infrastructure projects across Ontario.
The coalition launched earlier this year and is looking for policy changes that will incentivize and mandate the use of RCA in projects like roads, subdivisions, highways, bridges and tunnels. It will also harmonize municipal specifications through provincial standards to build greener, more cost-effective and high-performing public infrastructure, a release reads.
“As the voice of Canadian motorists, CAA supports smarter infrastructure investments that improve road safety, durability and reliability,” said Lauren Fisher, manager of government and stakeholder relations for CAA South Central Ontario, in a statement. “The use of recycled crushed aggregates is proven to deliver reliable performance, while cutting costs and carbon emissions.”
RCA is 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, the release explains.
“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. “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.”
If Ontario municipalities mandate just 20 per cent RCA use in their infrastructure projects, they can save more than $260 million annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 15 million gas cars from the road every year, the release adds.
The 10 coalition members include:
