Vulcan Materials Co.’s Western Division has been awarded the 2009 Blue Sky Award for Innovative Research given by the Maricopa County (Ariz.) Air Quality Department, Vulcan announced. The company received the honor for its exceptional leadership and innovative research involved in the development of a sustainable alternative to traditional hot-mix asphalt that maximizes technology, equipment and resources. Vulcan’s research led to the development of an effective new method to make asphalt at lower temperatures, resulting in a new mix that reduces greenhouse gases and other emissions. In production, the new mix successfully contained up to 25 percent recycled materials, which further helps to reduce solid waste and GHG emissions.

This research into warm mix technology by Vulcan’s Arizona operations has already demonstrated environmental benefits in the communities Vulcan serves in other locations. For example, source tests of warm mix asphalt produced at Vulcan’s Reliance Plant in Southern California (WarmPave) confirmed 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions per ton of material produced compared to conventional hot mix asphalt and reductions of 55 percent for oxides of nitrogen emissions.

Vulcan’s Western Division produces construction aggregates, asphalt and ready-mixed concrete in Arizona, California and New Mexico. The Maricopa County Air Quality Department ensures federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County.