The Council is undertaking the following in response to climate change.
Decarbonising of maintenance operations
Devon operates a real time carbon reporting system. The learning from this has enabled Devon to take a data led approach to decarbonisation. A Highways Decarbonisation plan has been published and is in its 2nd publication. Further supply chain specific Carbon Plans have also been developed, such as a Devon highways Carbon Plan covering Devon’s Term Service Contract.
These strategies have led to improvements in carbon emissions, such as a movement to Hydrated Vegetable Oil where sources are sustainable, low cement concrete, warm mix asphalts, electrified plant and equipment, and bollard recycling initiatives.
Further work to consider low carbon solutions is ongoing.
Understanding network risks from the changing climate and making it more resilient.
Devon CC, working collaboratively with Exeter University, achieved funding from UK Research and Innovation (Principles of full economic costing (fEC) – UKRI) to help consider the impact of climate change on roads and bridges. Although this project is at its early stages, it is hoped it will offer an insight into the long-term approach needed for asset management policies and principles in Devon. The project will also hopefully provide Devon with a better understanding of risks brought by climate change, so we can be better prepared.
Devon is an active member of Live Labs 2, proposing a negative carbon improvement scheme on the A382. This has included the consideration (and in some cases trials) of several new approaches, such as negative carbon aggregate, tree translocation, biochar plants, low emission materials, and improved scheme designs, focusing on carbon reductions.
Devon has also worked with ADEPT through the Future Highways Research Group to try and set a consistent approach to carbon reporting through the CCAS Standards. The Council is an active member on the Live Labs 2 Highways Doughnut Alliance Project.
Devon has also registered with Adept to undertake the Carbon Leadership Program and currently sits in trance 1.
All learning is being shared back to the industry wherever possible through industry groups, institutes, and conferences.