Green and Near-Zero Carbon Highways: A Review of Next-Generation Low-Carbon Construction Technologies and Near-Zero Carbon Operation

Authors

  • Yan Zhu

    Jiangsu Runyang Bridge Development Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang 212115, China
  • Chen Zhang

    Jiangsu Runyang Bridge Development Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang 212115, China
  • Xin Qian

    Jiangsu Runyang Bridge Development Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang 212115, China
  • Hao Ding

    Jiangsu Runyang Bridge Development Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang 212115, China
  • Yuhong Wang

    China Design Group Co. Ltd., Nanjing 210014, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i1.12882
Received: 15 November 2025 | Revised: 16 December 2025 | Accepted: 25 December 2025 | Published Online: 27 January 2026

Abstract

Highways are a vital component of global transportation infrastructure, but their environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon emissions, poses significant challenges to achieving global sustainability and climate goals. This literature review discusses the new area of low-carbon highways, including next-generation construction technologies and near-zero carbon operation strategies. It discusses the purpose of innovative materials, such as low-carbon cements, recycled asphalt, and geopolymers, and intelligent infrastructure solutions, including intelligent traffic control and electric vehicle charging systems. The article also explores the significance of Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon accounting in the measurement and minimization of the carbon footprint of highways. Even though a lot of progress has been made, there are still several technical, economic, and regulatory obstacles, among which are the prohibitive initial cost of low-carbon technologies and the non-standardization of policies. The future outlook indicates that to alleviate these challenges, a coordinated effort among the research, policy, industry, and communities is necessary. Low-carbon highways can help to have a robust, sustainable transport system that meets global climate goals by incorporating sustainable processes in highway design, construction, and operation.

Keywords:

Low-Carbon Highways; Lifecycle Assessment (LCA); Carbon Accounting; Smart Infrastructure; Sustainable Materials

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How to Cite

Zhu, Y., Zhang, C., Qian, X., Ding, H., & Wang, Y. (2026). Green and Near-Zero Carbon Highways: A Review of Next-Generation Low-Carbon Construction Technologies and Near-Zero Carbon Operation. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(1), 146–176. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i1.12882

Issue

Vol. 8 , Iss. 1 (January 2026)

Article Type

Review

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Copyright © 2026 Yan Zhu, Chen Zhang, Xin Qian, Hao Ding, Yuhong Wang

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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