GREEN Asphalt

Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”  Sustainable development, which includes green construction practices, tries to balance the needs of people, nature, and the economy.  Opportunities to recycle, manage storm-water, mitigate urban heat island effects and save energy provide great potential for sustainability.

Brannan Sand and Gravel Company has been a user/producer of recycled resources for over 100 years.  From the earliest days of sand and gravel roadways Brannan has been at the forefront of environmental awareness and sustainability.  Each year Brannan contributes more than 250,000 tons of recycled material (such as asphalt and concrete) to an already astounding 90 million tons throughout the United States. 

As further testament to Brannan’s commitment, Brannan Sand and Gravel has the distinction of being the first company in Colorado to manufacture and place porous asphalt.  Porous pavement can be used to obtain LEED (Leadership and Energy Environmental Design) credits for storm-water management.  Porous asphalt pavements, which feature an open-graded asphalt surface over a stone recharge bed where storm-water is stored, provide two major benefits. One, it decreases runoff and increases infiltration, and two, they help to improve water quality.  A porous asphalt parking lot can earn two credits: one for controlling the quantity of runoff and another for improving water quality.

Contractors throughout the region rely on Brannan’s expertise and LEED accredited professionals to enable owners to attain a higher LEED certification on their projects.

In addition, fully automated drive-through wheel washing systems, bio-diesel compatible transport systems, and solar-powered quarry equipment are just a few examples of Brannan’s commitment to reducing harmful pollutants.

Sustainability isn’t just a fancy word at Brannan, it's a core value. 

The Regional Air Quality Council is proud to call Brannan Sand and Gravel one of it's premier Clean Air Fleets. This designation accounts for the hard work Brannan has done to reduce air pollution from its vehicles in the greater Denver metro area. By installing simple technologies that include diesel oxidation catalysts and closed crankcase filtration units, Brannan will realize air pollution reductions of up to 30 %. In addition, Brannan has led the implementation of engine/hydraulic preheaters that lead to significant air pollution and fuel use reductions by eliminating wasteful idling. The RAQC hopes to continue this critical public-private partnership with Brannan Sand and Gravel long into the future. Companies like Brannan Sand and Gravel set the bar for environmental stewardship.