Steel is one of the most used construction materials, due to its versatility and excellent mechanical properties. Provides resistance and high load capacity, as well as flexibility and ductility. Steel can bend without cracking and can also withstand great forces without sudden failure, giving you more time to react during emergencies.
In addition to its beneficial properties as a construction material, steel also reduces construction waste. Once the steel manufacturing process is complete, it can be recycled continuously without losing quality. Even though steel production is resource and energy intensive, its durability minimizes long-term environmental impact.
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The sustainability benefits of steel
When evaluating sustainability, it is important to discuss all impacts caused by a product, such as environmental impact, disposal, durability, emissions, etc. Steel is primarily made from two ingredients: iron and recycled steel.
Iron is one of the most abundant elements on Earth and recycling steel from existing buildings is relatively simple. The following are some attributes of steel that improve sustainability when used in the construction sector:
- Steel is 100% recyclable and can be recycled multiple times.
- Steel retains its physical and chemical properties, regardless of how many times it has been recycled.
- Manufacturing technology in the steel industry is very advanced, allowing high use of recycled content.
- Steelmaking consumes less energy when using recycled steel.
- Steel has magnetic properties, which simplifies waste separation with magnetic cranes.
Making steel production more sustainable
The steel industry has invested a lot of time and effort into improving production methods and minimizing its environmental impact. As a result, steel production has become more energy efficient over time.
- The steel produced today is 40% stronger than the steel of 25 years ago.
- Steel production uses 67% less energy than 35 years ago.
- Greenhouse gas emissions from steel manufacturing are 45% lower than they were 40 years ago.
- Water consumption for steel production has been reduced to 70 gallons per ton.
- Water loss decreased to just 10%, mainly due to evaporation. Wastewater is treated and returned to the source.
- Steel by-product gases from furnaces can be reused as fuel substitutes for electricity generation or sold for power generation.
- Electric arc furnaces allow the production of 100% steel from scrap, reducing energy consumption.
The steel industry continually invests in production technologies that use greener fuels, resulting in a greater reduction in CO2 emissions.
Using Steel for Sustainable Construction
By itself, the steel structure provides greater strength than any other construction material. It is also durable, flexible, ductile and non-combustible. Therefore, structures made of steel have a very long useful life, which makes them economical and sustainable. Another benefit of steel is that it has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any construction material – steel elements of a given strength will always be smaller and lighter than equivalent elements of other materials. Therefore, steel reduces permanent loads and the amount of material used.
In construction, steel offers other benefits, such as the following:
- Steel elements are generally produced externally, improving waste control.
- At construction and demolition sites, all steel waste can be collected and sold to recycling facilities.
- Prefabricated steel buildings can be completed very quickly, reducing labor costs.
- Less disruption to the surrounding community.
- Less pollution caused by heavy machinery and equipment on site.
Infinite recycling
Steel is the most recycled material, surpassing paper, aluminum, glass and plastic combined. It can be recycled multiple times without compromising strength or durability, and can be recycled at any point in its useful life, even small scraps. The magnetic properties of steel simplify recycling as it can be easily separated from waste. Steel byproducts can also be recycled and used in concrete, fertilizers, plastics and paints.
More than 65 million tons of steel scrap are recycled every year, saving landfill space and natural resources. One ton of recycled steel saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.
Community and Economy
Steel production brings economic benefits to neighboring communities, which include job creation and increased tax revenue.
- Creation of jobs for production personnel, researchers, recyclers, etc.
- The steel industry generates tax revenue for municipalities
- Steel structures can withstand natural disasters with less damage than other buildings
In a world with a growing interest in environmental sustainability, steel is the way forward for the construction sector. Provides a durable and highly recyclable construction material. The steel industry continues to develop methods that reduce emissions during production and recycling.
