As infrastructure development becomes more focused on sustainability, the construction industry faces the challenge of integrating innovative approaches to meet environmental, economic, and social demands. This paper explores the concept of “out-of-the-box” sustainability in pavements, emphasising unconventional strategies and materials to enhance the lifecycle sustainability and cost of pavement systems.
Traditional pavement design and construction practices often prioritise short-term performance and cost-effectiveness, overlooking the long-term environmental impacts and resource depletion. In contrast, out-of-the-box sustainability in pavements involves rethinking conventional methods and adopting novel technologies and materials to achieve comprehensive sustainability goals tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities present in Australia, particularly in Queensland.
This paper discusses the key components of out-of-the-box sustainability in pavements, including the utilisation of alternative materials, employment of innovative construction techniques, integration of smart technologies, and incorporation of climate resilience measures within the context of Australian and Queensland pavement infrastructure.
Through case studies, research findings, and best practices specific to the region, this paper highlights the potential of out-of-the-box sustainability in pavements to address current and future challenges while creating resilient, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure.
By linking innovative sustainability approaches to the specific local conditions and requirements, this paper underscores the importance of localised solutions in driving progress towards a greener and more sustainable built environment in the region.
