Why Steel Is The Future of Sustainable Construction

The ecological impact of the construction sector has always been a matter of debate. Environmental issues like climate change and global warming fuelled by construction activities have brought it under immense scrutiny these days. The construction sector, thus, has gained a bad reputation over the years. 

As every industry takes a step towards reducing carbon emissions in the 21st Century, the world has its eyes on the construction sector and its measures to combat this global challenge. Scientists are looking for new and innovative ways to minimize carbon emissions and make them cost-effective.

However, the road to progress doesn’t always lie in finding novel solutions through substitutions. True wisdom lies in how we use the existing media optimally. Which, in this case, is about using existing technology to reduce carbon emissions.

So, let’s understand how construction companies can optimally use steel and minimize environmental damage. 

How Can Steel Be Used Sustainably?

 

Designs That Last a Lifetime

The fast-paced market of today demands buildings that last longer. And the best part about using steel is that it offers more longevity than any other material. It is one of those primary aspects of construction that provides flexibility and adaptability to buildings. 

It is highly sustainable and gives architects the space to design beautifully modeled and safe buildings. In short, steel offers aesthetics as well as longevity to structures. 

Circular Economy

Circular economy takes a step forward from the concept of taking-make-waste and ventures into the idea of how the materials can be recycled and reused after a structure’s demolition. Architects who apply this concept while designing focus on the construction and deconstruction of a structure at the end of its life. 

Now, if steel can be reused and recycled, it no more remains a material inherently designed to harm the environment. In fact, structural steel is naturally reusable. According to Eurofer, 99% of steel can be reused and recycled. 

Thus, compared to concrete and timber, steel is far more sustainable.

Carbon Efficiency

Steel is that it is a carbon-intensive material. For decades, it has contributed significantly to carbon emissions. However, for a better environment, we must move to measures and systems that reduce carbon footprint. 

The good news is that the steel industry is not behind. Steel manufacturers and traders globally are working relentlessly to devise ways that can reduce carbon emissions. For this, newer technologies, management systems, blast furnace substitutes, and improved filtration systems are being adopted. 

Using new technology for steel production will minimize carbon emissions significantly, thus reducing pollution and global warming.

Steel Plays a Critical Role in the Green Economy

Steel is a key element that is required to produce clean energy. For example, wind generation heavily relies on steel. Every wind turbine is made of steel and iron. 

Onshore turbines require approximately 180 tonnes of steel per megawatt, while offshore turbines use 450 tonnes of steel per megawatt. According to the latest estimates, wind energy can generate almost a quarter of the world’s electricity by 2050. Thus, by 2050 we would require millions of onshore turbines and offshore turbines. 

Steel will play a critical role here. It will be used to construct turbines, as well as for the transmission and distribution of electricity. Thus, the use of sustainable steel is more important now than ever before.

Final Words: The Future of Steel

Steel is a very precious element. It is made primarily from iron, which is the most abundant natural resource on earth. And the best part about steel production? Once manufactured, it is available permanently. It is hundred percent recycled and recyclable compared to other materials used for construction. 

In a world that’s rapidly moving towards economic prosperity, steel plays a pivotal role. Currently, poverty is at an all-time low, and the steel manufacturing sector has provided millions of jobs.