(Image: Bellway)
A “net zero” road surface has been installed at a County Durham housing development in what is being hailed as a world first for housebuilding.
Bellway’s Monument Meadows development in Pelton is the first residential scheme to use asphalt containing ACLA, a carbon-negative additive developed by Seaham-based Low Carbon Materials.
ACLA permanently removes 798kg of CO₂ equivalent per tonne and replaces part of the asphalt aggregate, locking away carbon without affecting performance.
Simon Park, head of sustainability at Bellway, said: "We are proud to be working with Low Carbon Materials on what is a world-first for a housing development.
The net zero asphalt contains ACLA, a biochar mineral matrix created by Durham-based company Low Carbon Materials that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide. (Image: Bellway)
"As a housebuilder based in the North East, we are particularly pleased to be partnering with a company which was founded by research scientists from Durham University, has its base in nearby Seaham – and has now provided net zero asphalt for a stretch of road within one of our developments in County Durham.
"Bellway has targeted reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 72 per cent by 2035, and Scope 3 emissions by 67 per cent.
"This partnership with Low Carbon Materials is a key part of us being ready to adopt future technologies as we move towards these targets and our 2045 net zero goal."
Bellway Site Manager Daniel Robinson, left, Karl Watson from Northumbrian Roads, centre, and Bellway Sustainability Graduate Isabel Tilston, right, on the stretch of road laid with net zero asphalt at Monument Meadows in Pelton. (Image: Bellway)
The asphalt was laid on October 15, marking ACLA’s first use in a new residential development after trials on County Durham highways.
Bellway has worked with Low Carbon Materials on the project for two years as part of its Climate Transition Plan.
Lian Hutchings, head of growth at Low Carbon Materials, said: "This is the first time ACLA has been laid on a new housing development.
"Thank you to Bellway for backing it.
"Every new development needs roads, and with ACLA in the mix those roads lock carbon away.
"It goes into the asphalt like a conventional aggregate, so contractors don’t have to change the way they work."
ACLA is a biochar mineral matrix that stores carbon in a stable form and locks absorbed carbon dioxide into the material.
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Launched in March 2024, the product has since been used in more than 50 projects, including National Highways trials on the A64 and M11.
Bellway is building 79 homes at Monument Meadows, using sustainably sourced timber frames to cut emissions and construction time.
The development includes two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and bungalows, all fitted with solar panels, smart heating and electric vehicle charging points.