## 8 Conclusions  
This paper examined the use of asphalt pavement for construction purposes, focusing on its impact on energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Over recent decades, there has been a considerable increase in the demand for road infrastructure, accompanied by growing concerns about its detrimental effects on the environment. Consequently, efforts are being made to mitigate the adverse effects of road construction. Based on a review of the relevant literature, the following conclusions can be drawn:  
Energy consumption in asphalt mixtures predominantly occurs during three distinct production stages: the heating of aggregates, the heating of asphalt, and the mixing of the asphalt mixtures. The combustion of fuel in asphalt production is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, aggregate heating accounts for 97% of the energy consumed during this process. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the role of moisture content in the aggregates used. The temperature at which the asphalt mixture is produced directly impacts both manufacturing costs and energy consumption, subsequently affecting greenhouse gas emissions. The use of low-temperature asphalt pavement, compared to hot mix asphalt, results in significant reductions in both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This, in turn, leads to improved working conditions for plant operators and workers, representing a new and sustainable technology with a positive environmental impact. The consumption of asphalt during the transportation of materials, the operation of the plant, the transport of mixtures to the construction site, and the placement of these mixtures on the road surface result in considerable environmental impacts, including the production of greenhouse gases such as CO\({}_{2}\), CH\({}_{4}\), and NO\({}_{2}\). The adverse effects of asphalt plant emissions on the ecological environment can be effectively reduced by modifying raw materials, improving heating technology, utilizing alternative heating energy sources, and implementing green emission reduction measures. The use of recycled waste significantly reduces gas emissions, conserves energy, and facilitates material recycling. Additionally, using natural gas instead of fuel oil provides a comparable heating effect for aggregates while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This represents a fundamental transition toward cleaner energy sources that will lead to a sustainable society. The construction of green roads is not only a goal for future infrastructure but also an essential requirement for safeguarding our living environment. Figure 9: The variation of the LCIA results of utilizing natural gas in the asphalt mixture production as an alternative scenario relative to the baseline scenario [101]. Future research directions should emphasize the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance carbon dioxide emission assessment. By leveraging AI for the modeling and optimization of sustainable low-carbon technologies, significant improvements can be made in evaluating emissions and energy demands associated with various strategies. This approach not only facilitates independent analyses but also strengthens the integration of multiple assessment methods, ultimately leading to more robust and standardized evaluation protocols that adequately account for inherent uncertainties. Additionally, in the study of sustainable asphalt pavements, analyzing the energy consumption and toxic substance emissions associated with recycled materials is crucial. A thorough exploration of the life cycle impacts of recycled asphalt pavements (RAPs), bioasphalts, and waste tire materials is essential for understanding their environmental implications. The production of these materials often entails significant energy consumption and harmful emissions, making it necessary to assess their environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle.