Tarmac’s CEVO Asphalts Pave the Way for Net Zero Roads
Tarmac has taken a decisive leap towards a greener future with the launch of CEVO Asphalts, a breakthrough engineered solution designed to enable the UK’s first truly Net Zero road infrastructure. By blending advanced binder technologies, circular economy practices, and low-energy manufacturing, CEVO Asphalts is reshaping the landscape of sustainable construction.
For the first time, local authorities and highway contractors have access to a practical, science-backed toolkit that enables genuine Net Zero road construction and maintenance, all without the crutch of carbon offsetting.
Cutting Emissions at the Core
At the heart of CEVO Asphalts lies a focus on slashing emissions from the materials themselves. The technology reduces carbon output by up to 45% compared to traditional hot mix asphalts. This remarkable feat is achieved through three key innovations:
- Advanced Bio Binders: Renewable, plant-based alternatives to petroleum-derived bitumen not only reduce embodied carbon but can actively trap and store CO₂ within the asphalt structure.
- Warm Mix Technology: Producing asphalt at lower temperatures dramatically cuts energy use and emissions during manufacturing and laying.
- Higher Recycled Content: By incorporating greater volumes of Recycled Asphalt Planings (RAP), CEVO minimises the need for virgin aggregates and bitumen, helping preserve natural resources and reduce waste.
The combination of these technologies creates an asphalt mix that performs as strongly as traditional alternatives but with a fraction of the environmental impact.
Proven in the Real World
The power of CEVO Asphalts isn’t theoretical. Its capabilities have already been proven on live highways projects. When paired with wider decarbonisation measures, such as electric plant and vehicles, CEVO Asphalts have demonstrated carbon reductions of up to 80%.
A landmark example is the A64 resurfacing trial in North Yorkshire, recognised as the UK’s lowest-carbon road project to date. The trial showcased how innovative binder chemistry, circular materials use, and low-energy processes could combine to deliver genuine Net Zero results without sacrificing performance or durability.
PAVE Technology Solutions
Tarmac’s CEVO initiative is further strengthened by its PAVE Technology Solutions, a suite of digital and design-led innovations that enhance both sustainability and road performance. PAVE introduces smarter pavement designs and process automation that improve energy efficiency and prolong road life.
Features like smooth ride planning, echelon paving, and automation reduce maintenance needs over the asset’s lifetime, cutting costs and emissions long after construction is complete. This focus on whole-life performance underscores the shift from reactive to proactive infrastructure management.
A Game-Changer for Local Authorities
With Net Zero commitments now high on the public sector agenda, the timing of CEVO Asphalts couldn’t be more crucial. Highway authorities across the UK face mounting pressure to decarbonise construction activities while maintaining performance standards and staying within tight budgets.
Denis O’Callaghan, Tarmac’s Business Performance Director, put it plainly: “The construction and maintenance of roads make a substantial contribution to the built environment’s carbon footprint. With increasing pressure on local authorities and highways contractors to address this challenge, the demand for credible, low-carbon solutions has never been more urgent. We’re proud to be leading the charge with CEVO Asphalts, which is designed to help clients meet their Net Zero goals, without offsetting or compromising performance or durability.”
This clear message resonates with councils, developers, and contractors seeking tangible sustainability solutions that fit within existing procurement frameworks.
Digital Tools for Smarter Decision-Making
Recognising that measuring impact is as vital as reducing it, Tarmac is introducing a digital carbon calculator to accompany CEVO Asphalts. This innovative platform will enable clients to quantify emissions savings and generate transparent, project-level carbon footprints.
By integrating data analytics into planning and reporting, Tarmac ensures decision-makers can clearly demonstrate sustainability progress, making it easier to meet both internal targets and government reporting requirements.
Building a Circular Future
Beyond emissions reduction, CEVO Asphalts embodies the principles of the circular economy, promoting material reuse and resource efficiency. The use of RAP ensures valuable materials remain in circulation rather than heading to landfill, while bio-based binders reduce dependency on fossil-derived bitumen.
This closed-loop approach reflects a broader shift across the construction industry toward regenerative material cycles and net-positive environmental outcomes. As the UK accelerates its green transition, such practices are becoming central to achieving long-term climate goals.
Aligning with the UK’s Net Zero Strategy
The UK government’s Net Zero Strategy calls for rapid decarbonisation across the built environment. Roads, as one of the most resource-intensive assets, represent a major frontier in this effort. Traditional asphalt production relies heavily on energy-intensive heating and petroleum products, making it a prime target for innovation.
CEVO Asphalts directly addresses these challenges. By reducing embodied carbon at the material level and enabling wider operational savings, Tarmac’s solution aligns seamlessly with national sustainability frameworks and carbon budgeting objectives. It also complements initiatives like the Construction Leadership Council’s CO₂nstruct Zero programme and local authority decarbonisation plans.
A Model for Global Road Building
The implications of Tarmac’s breakthrough reach far beyond the UK. As nations worldwide grapple with infrastructure demands and climate obligations, CEVO Asphalts offers a blueprint for responsible development. Its blend of high performance, low emissions, and practical scalability positions it as a potential exportable model for sustainable roadbuilding internationally.
With global attention turning to green infrastructure investment, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, the demand for credible Net Zero construction technologies is soaring. CEVO Asphalts gives Tarmac a powerful edge in this emerging market, reinforcing the UK’s reputation as a hub for low-carbon innovation.
A Greener Road Ahead
The launch of CEVO Asphalts marks a defining moment for the UK’s journey toward decarbonised infrastructure. By merging science, sustainability, and digital innovation, Tarmac has created a tangible path to Net Zero roads that don’t rely on offsetting or compromise.
As technology continues to evolve and adoption widens, the benefits will ripple across the entire transport network, setting a new standard for how roads are built, maintained, and managed. In many ways, CEVO Asphalts isn’t just paving roads, it’s paving the future.
