Barriers to Decarbonising Roads Sandbox (BDRS)
This initiative will bring together material innovators, councils, regulators, and industry leaders to identify and overcome barriers to the adoption of low-carbon materials.
Safetytech Accelerator is working with Amey, Colas, Transport for West Midlands, and North Lanarkshire Council to launch the new ‘Barriers to Decarbonising Roads Sandbox (BDRS)’.
Utilising on our expertise in creating and running Sandboxes, this initiative will bring together material innovators, councils, regulators, and industry leaders to identify and overcome barriers to the adoption of low-carbon materials. By working together, we aim to accelerate the uptake of sustainable solutions that can revolutionise the way roads are built and maintained in the UK.
The Centre of Excellence
Barriers to Decarbonising Roads Sandbox (BDRS) is part of a broader initiative led by Amey, Colas, Transport for West Midlands, and North Lanarkshire Council, known as the ‘Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads’. Supported by the Department for Transport as part of the ADEPT Live Labs programme, the Centre of Excellence aims to drive change in road construction and maintenance, acting as a major industry hub for sustainable practices. Through identifying, trialling, and implementing low-carbon materials, the centre has already made great strides toward creating greener road infrastructure. But despite the availability of innovative materials, a key question remains: if these materials are proven to work, why aren’t they widely used?
The Challenge
Adopting low-carbon materials is crucial for the UK to achieve its net-zero targets. However, many promising innovations face significant barriers to commercial adoption, from regulatory constraints to limited industry buy-in and the complexities of integrating new materials into existing systems. By addressing these challenges, we can unlock the full potential of solutions such as self-healing materials, low-carbon concrete, and recycled plastic roads, making them viable for widespread use.
The Sandbox Approach
As part of the Centre of Excellence, Safetytech Accelerator will lead the Barriers to Decarbonising Roads Sandbox (BDRS) to investigate why low-carbon materials struggle to achieve commercial success. Through structured collaboration with councils, contractors, innovators, and regulatory bodies, the sandbox will focus on up to six cutting-edge materials. We will explore the buying journey, identify obstacles, and conduct pilot projects to find actionable solutions that address the cultural, regulatory, and commercial barriers faced by innovators. The insights gained will inform the wider industry and help shape the future of road materials decarbonisation.
Do You Want to Be Involved?
Are you interested in transforming road infrastructure and supporting the UK’s journey to net-zero? Safetytech Accelerator invites councils, industry professionals, and innovators to participate in the Barriers to Decarbonising Roads Sandbox (BDRS). By joining us, you can play a part in shaping a sustainable future, contribute to overcoming existing challenges, and gain insights into the latest low-carbon road materials. Get involved and help us make a real impact on the environment.