TORONTO — A coalition of Ontario civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers and engineers has launched a campaign urging government to mandate more sustainable practices, with a focus on recycled crushed aggregates (RCA).
Comprised of nine industry organizations — Concrete Ontario, Good Roads, the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Construction Association, Heavy Civil Association of Toronto, Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario, Ontario Sand, Stone, and Gravel Association, Ontario Society of Professional Engineers and Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA) — the coalition is advocating for municipal and provincial decision-makers to examine the potential of mandating RCA for projects.
RCA is made from reclaimed concrete and asphalt that would otherwise end up in landfills.
“A government mandate to include just 20 per cent of recycled crushed aggregates (RCA) for critical construction projects like roads, subdivisions, highways, bridges and tunnels can save local governments more than $260 million, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 15 million cars from the road annually,” a release reads.
At the municipal level the coalition is advocating for the use of RCA in tenders for construction projects; mandating a minimum amount of RCA for all public infrastructure projects; and harmonizing municipal specifications for RCA through provincial standards.
At the provincial level the coalition would like to see the government incentivize the use of RCA through funding for municipal infrastructure projects; prohibit municipalities from specifying “primary-only” in public infrastructure tenders; and harmonize municipal specifications for RCA through provincial standards.
The organizations have also banded together to promote a new public awareness video promoting the benefits of RCA.
“Recycled aggregates are cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performing and can help municipalities deliver more from their capital plans while helping to reach their net-zero targets,” said Raly Chakarova, executive director of TARBA. “Using more recycled materials in construction projects can preserve non-renewable resources, reduce waste and traffic congestion, and contribute to long-term sustainability.”
To learn more, visit rcaontario.ca.
The Daily Commercial News will have more on this story.
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