Introduction<br />With growing global concern about sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, it has become essential to reconsider the materials used in road construction—one of the largest consumers of natural resources. In this context, the need has emerged for using environmentally friendly pavement materials that ensure good performance while reducing long-term environmental and economic impact.<br /><br />Concept of Sustainable Pavement Materials<br />Sustainable pavement materials are those that:<br /><br />Rely on renewable or recycled sources.<br /><br />Have low carbon emissions during production and installation.<br /><br />Reduce energy consumption throughout the road’s life cycle.<br /><br />Support reuse or recycling after the road reaches the end of its service life.<br /><br />Types of Eco-Friendly Pavement Materials<br />Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP):<br />Old asphalt layers are milled and mixed with new materials, reducing the need for virgin aggregates and improving environmental performance.<br /><br />Green Concrete:<br />Incorporates alternative cementitious materials like fly ash or slag, which reduces reliance on traditional high-emission cement.<br /><br />Permeable Pavement:<br />Allows water to infiltrate through the surface, reducing runoff and supporting groundwater recharge.<br /><br />Recycled Rubber Tires:<br />Old tires are ground and used as an additive to asphalt, enhancing pavement flexibility and reducing noise.<br /><br />Recycled Plastic:<br />Used in some projects as an additive to asphalt or concrete mixtures, contributing to plastic waste reduction.<br /><br />Benefits of Using Sustainable Pavement Materials<br />Reduced greenhouse gas emissions<br /><br />Lower long-term maintenance costs<br /><br />Improved solid waste management<br /><br />Enhanced weather resistance of roads<br /><br />Compliance with environmental certifications such as LEED<br /><br />Challenges in Adopting These Materials<br />Despite their environmental advantages, these materials face some challenges:<br /><br />Technical reliability: Performance compared to traditional materials.<br /><br />Institutional acceptance: Limited inclusion in public project specifications.<br /><br />Higher initial costs in some cases.<br /><br />Lack of local expertise in design and implementation.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Sustainable pavement materials represent a strategic choice for a more balanced future between development and environmental considerations. With technological advancement and increasing environmental awareness, these materials are expected to become a standard in smart infrastructure projects—especially in cities that embrace sustainable development principles.