Spanish firms AMSA and ELSAN, with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, replaced conventional mineral filler in bituminous road mix with biochar made from olive pits and pine waste. Lab results show comparable durability to standard asphalt, with up to 75% lower CO₂ emissions in the surface layer. The project won Barcelona's "21st Century Street" urban challenge.
(c) Leonardo del Sabio

Barcelona tests olive pit asphalt that cuts road surface emissions by 75%

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Spanish firms AMSA and ELSAN, with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, replaced conventional mineral filler in bituminous road mix with biochar made from olive pits and pine waste. Lab results show comparable durability to standard asphalt, with up to 75% lower CO₂ emissions in the surface layer. The project won Barcelona’s “21st Century Street” urban challenge.

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