ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK is a three-year, UK-wide £30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network.

The Live Labs programme harnesses research and innovation in a number of trials to support the transition to net zero carbon local roads, addressing the emissions and resilience challenges posed by the city’s highways infrastructure.

The most impactful scheme to date is Princess Drive, where the use of Milepave is predicted to save approximately 152.6 tonnes of CO₂e, representing a 40% reduction in carbon emissions.

In terms of percentage savings, Everton Park stands out. The application of LuminoKrom for cycle lane markings in the park has achieved a 97% carbon saving (4.5 tCO₂e) when compared to lighting such as lamps, and a 74% saving (0.3 tCO₂e) compared to traditional hot thermoplastic line markings.

Other notable schemes include:

Pinehurst Avenue: Cold-applied road markings delivered an 89% saving (3.8 tCO₂e).

Alderwood Avenue: A lower-carbon version of road surface material resulted in a 37% saving (86.3 tCO₂e).

Alderfield Drive: The use of low-carbon plant and equipment, including Instagrid, saved 72.4 tCO₂e (23%).

Overall, the Liverpool demonstrator schemes are predicted to save around 327.4 tonnes of CO₂e, equivalent to removing 130 cars from the road for an entire year. In a best-case scenario, where all the lowest-carbon options are implemented, the savings could reach 688 tonnes of CO₂e – a 71% reduction.

Looking ahead, the long-term impact is even more promising. Over a 40-year period, the use of longer-lasting materials that require less frequent replacement could result in savings of up to 1,800 tonnes of CO₂e – a 79% reduction.

The third stage of the project will see a focus on minimising the carbon footprint through innovative road design, construction, and maintenance practices.

The project team will also look to test more new materials and processes. Implementing cutting-edge innovation projects across the city, including the trial of the latest carbon-saving materials and alternative construction methods.

In addition, there will be an enhancement of recycling initiatives, exploring processes aimed at recycling highways materials to reduce the environmental impact.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:

“This innovative programme is laying the foundations – literally – of our shared future of decarbonised roads.

“These trials, if they prove successful in Liverpool, can be rolled out across the UK helping the nation to reach our net zero target.

“I am proud and delighted that our city is playing a leading role in this programme and am looking forward to even more innovative trials coming forward that will save energy and emissions.”