Chapter 43 Sustainability

For road transport, the most immediate impacts on the environment and sustainability are associated with vehicle use and fuel consumption. However, the design and construction of roads and highways can also have an important impact. Integrated with the wider urban environment, design of road infrastructure should encourage the use of public transport, walking and cycling. Construction should optimise the use of resources and minimise the production of waste. Highways must be able to cope with and help reduce the impacts of future climate change. The sustainability of road design and construction should be subject to assessment as part of decision-making and companies should address the demands of corporate responsibility.