Oral Presentation IPWEA International Public Works Conference 2025

Building Better Roads and a Better Future: A New Researcher’s Journey into Sustainable Infrastructure (122810)

Taylour Samuel 1
  1. Downer EDI, Somerton, VICTORIA, Australia

As a new researcher entering the infrastructure and road construction industry, I am driven by a passion for sustainability, innovation, and real-world impact. This presentation introduces three early-stage contributions I have had the opportunity to initiate or be actively involved in—each reflecting my commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional practices and helping shape a more sustainable, efficient future for our built environment.

The first innovation, EcoPrime RAPID, is an emulsion-based prime that significantly reduces Scope A1–A3 emissions by replacing traditional solvent use with a faster-curing, lower-carbon alternative. This not only accelerates construction timelines but also reduces environmental disruption, offering a practical step forward in greener construction methods.

Second, Bio Bind presents a bold shift from fossil-derived materials. Made from up to 80% renewable sources—primarily a pine-based bio-derivative—it sequesters CO₂ and turns our roads into active carbon sinks. It represents the type of circular, climate-conscious solution I believe the future of infrastructure must embrace.

Finally, MultiPac is a cost-effective bitumen emulsion treatment for unsealed roads, designed to improve safety, reduce dust, lower maintenance needs, and deliver tangible community benefits. Its success in places like Kings Lane in Kilmore, Victoria, illustrates how small innovations can make a big difference in people’s daily lives.