Introduction

As global demands for sustainable infrastructure intensify and the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, the paradigm of road construction is rapidly shifting towards Green Roads and Climate-Resilient Highway Design. This contemporary approach integrates environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and adaptive capacity into every stage of a highway project, from planning and design to construction and maintenance. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil engineers, transportation planners, environmental specialists, public works professionals, and infrastructure developers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical strategies in minimizing the carbon footprint of road projects, incorporating sustainable materials and construction techniques, designing for extreme weather events (floods, heatwaves, droughts), implementing nature-based solutions for ecological enhancement, conducting comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and fostering a holistic approach to creating resilient and environmentally responsible transportation networks. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to lead the transformation towards infrastructure that not only serves mobility needs but also actively contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Highway, Environmental, Geotechnical)
• Transportation Planners & Policy Makers
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialists
• Road Construction Contractors & Project Managers
• Materials Engineers & Researchers
• Public Works & Highway Agency Staff
• Urban Planners & Regional Developers
• Sustainability Managers in Infrastructure

Objectives

• Understand the core principles and benefits of green roads and climate-resilient highway design.
• Identify key climate change impacts on road infrastructure and assess vulnerabilities.
• Master techniques for minimizing the environmental footprint of road construction.
• Explore innovative sustainable materials and construction practices for highways.
• Design highway elements to withstand extreme weather events and changing climatic conditions.
• Implement nature-based solutions and green infrastructure for ecological benefits and resilience.
• Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIA) for road projects.
• Evaluate the life cycle environmental and economic costs of highway designs.
• Understand policies, standards, and certifications related to green and resilient roads.
• Develop strategies for integrating climate data and projections into design processes.
• Foster a holistic approach to sustainable and climate-adaptive transportation planning.

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Green Roads and Climate Resilience

• Concepts of green infrastructure and sustainable development in transportation
• Defining climate resilience and its importance for highway networks
• Global climate change impacts on road infrastructure (e.g., extreme heat, flooding, sea-level rise)
• Benefits of green and resilient roads: environmental, economic, social
• Overview of international initiatives and frameworks for sustainable infrastructure

Module 2. Climate Change Impact Assessment for Highways

• Climate Data Analysis: Understanding climate models, projections, and scenarios
• Vulnerability assessment of road assets to climate hazards
• Risk assessment methodologies for climate-related disruptions
• Exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of road infrastructure
• Tools and software for climate impact modeling on transportation

Module 3. Sustainable Materials for Road Construction

• Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Advanced use and performance optimization
• Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and its applications
• Industrial byproducts: fly ash, slag, and their role in low-carbon binders
• Waste plastics and crumb rubber in asphalt mixes
• Bio-based materials and alternative binders for reduced carbon footprint

Module 4. Low-Carbon Construction Practices

• Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption in asphalt plants and construction equipment
• Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions during road construction
• Optimized logistics and supply chain management for reduced emissions
• Use of renewable energy sources on construction sites
• Carbon footprint calculation and reporting for road projects

Module 5. Water Management and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

• Stormwater Management: Principles of managing runoff in highway corridors
• Permeable pavements and their role in infiltration and water quality
• Bioswales, rain gardens, and other green infrastructure for drainage
• Designing for increased precipitation intensity and flood resilience
• Water harvesting and reuse opportunities along roadsides

Module 6. Ecological Design and Biodiversity Protection

• Wildlife Crossings: Design of bridges, culverts, and tunnels for fauna movement
• Habitat fragmentation mitigation and ecological connectivity
• Roadside vegetation management for biodiversity enhancement
• Erosion control and slope stabilization using bioengineering techniques
• Minimizing impacts on sensitive ecosystems and protected areas

Module 7. Climate-Resilient Geometric Design

• Design Adjustments: Adapting horizontal and vertical alignments for future climate conditions
• Designing for extreme temperatures: thermal expansion and contraction in pavements
• Adjusting drainage structures for increased flood risks
• Considerations for sea-level rise and coastal road resilience
• Designing for increased wind loads and extreme weather events

Module 8. Resilient Pavement and Structural Design

• Pavement Materials: Selection of durable and climate-resistant pavement materials
• Design of flexible and rigid pavements for enhanced resilience
• Incorporating adaptive capacity into bridge and culvert design
• Scour protection measures for bridge foundations
• Performance-based design for long-term climate resilience

Module 9. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Green Roads

• EIA Process: Stages of environmental impact assessment for road projects
• Scoping, baseline data collection, and impact prediction
• Mitigation measures for environmental impacts (air, water, noise, ecology)
• Stakeholder engagement and public participation in EIA
• Environmental management plans and monitoring during construction and operation

Module 10. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Cost-Benefit Analysis

• LCA Methodology: Performing cradle-to-grave environmental assessments for road projects
• Quantification of environmental impacts (carbon emissions, resource depletion, waste)
• Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) for green and resilient design alternatives
• Economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by green infrastructure
• Tools and software for LCA and CBA in highway projects

Module 11. Policy, Standards, and Certifications for Green Roads

• Regulatory Frameworks: National and international policies promoting sustainable infrastructure
• Green road rating systems and certification programs (e.g., Greenroads, Envision)
• Sustainable procurement policies for road construction materials and services
• Performance-based specifications for green materials and designs
• Incentives and funding mechanisms for sustainable road projects

Module 12. Climate Adaptation Strategies and Planning

• Adaptation Planning: Developing climate adaptation plans for road networks
• Prioritization of vulnerable road segments for interventions
• Integration of climate resilience into asset management systems
• Early warning systems for extreme weather events
• Emergency response and recovery planning for climate-related disruptions

Module 13. Social Equity and Community Engagement

• Social Impact Assessment: Addressing social impacts of road projects
• Promoting accessibility and mobility for all users
• Community engagement and participatory planning processes
• Ensuring equitable distribution of benefits and burdens from road development
• Designing roads that enhance quality of life and community well-being

Module 14. Monitoring, Maintenance, and Performance of Green Roads

• Performance Indicators: Key performance indicators for green and resilient roads
• Advanced monitoring technologies (sensors, drones, remote sensing)
• Adaptive maintenance strategies for a changing climate
• Long-term performance evaluation of green road features
• Feedback loops for continuous improvement in design and construction

Module 15. Future Trends and Innovations in Green Road Design

• Digital Twins: Creating digital replicas of roads for resilience modeling and management
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for optimizing green designs
• Self-healing materials and smart pavements for extended service life
• Carbon capture and utilization technologies in road materials
• Research frontiers in sustainable and climate-adaptive transportation infrastructure.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.