###### Abstract  
This study conducted a thorough analysis of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the production of hot mix asphalt. The primary sources of energy usage in asphalt mixes are the heating of aggregates, asphalt, and burners, with aggregate heating accounting for a remarkable 97% of the total energy consumption. The results indicate that low-temperature asphalt mixes offer significant benefits over conventional hot mix asphalt in terms of energy efficiency and GHG emissions, with reductions in carbon dioxide emissions ranging from 18% to 36% and energy savings between 15% and 87%. Additionally, the use of recycled asphalt pavement led to a 12% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions and a 15% reduction in energy consumption. The study further explored the effects of various fuel types on emissions, revealing that replacing fuel oil with natural gas can effectively diminish the carbon footprint of the production process. By optimizing production temperatures and selecting cleaner fuel alternatives, this research highlights the potential for considerable energy savings and emission reductions within the asphalt production sector. These strategies not only promote sustainable road construction practices but also play a vital role in environmental protection and climate change mitigation, advocating for the adoption of innovative technologies in asphalt pavement production. hot mix asphalt; energy consumption; clean energy; recycled material; low-carbon pathway +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
the availability of high-quality stone. Additionally, the cost of road construction has risen considerably due to the increasing price of asphalt and the escalating expenses associated with road development. The rise in road mileage and density has led to a corresponding increase in environmental pollution. Consequently, there is a pressing need to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions [13; 14]. The production of asphalt mixtures necessitates a considerable input of heat, which is derived from non-renewable energy sources. A reduction in energy consumption will result in a concomitant decrease in carbon emissions. This is one of the principal objectives of energy conservation and emission reduction. It has been established that between 60% and 85% of carbon emissions generated during the construction phase originate from earthworks activities [15; 16]. Thus, advancements in technology in this area are crucial for ensuring the sustainable development of road infrastructure. Although existing studies have focused on the environmental impacts of asphalt mixtures, there is still a lack of systematic analysis regarding the various factors in the production process, particularly concerning the specific effects of different heating technologies and fuel types on energy consumption and carbon emissions. This paper aims to fill this research gap by thoroughly investigating how these factors influence the production efficiency and environmental sustainability of asphalt mixtures. The study analyzed the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with asphalt mixture production, particularly in the context of hot mix asphalt production. Furthermore, the effects of aggregate moisture content, combustion type, and energy source on energy consumption and carbon emissions were evaluated. The energy consumption and carbon emissions of asphalt mixes were assessed for different heating technologies, green raw materials, and heating energy types. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate and analyze the main sources of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in order to identify effective measures  
Figure 1: Annual production of asphalt mixtures [5; 6]. for reducing environmental impact.