More than 90% of all metal products are made of steel. With a material that prevalent and prominent, it’s an understatement to say it’s important for steel to be sustainable. And it is. Steel is one of the most environmentally friendly materials on the planet and is considered a green construction material. One of the biggest reasons it has such a good sustainability record is that steel is 100% recyclable, with nearly an infinite number of times, and absolutely no quality deterioration. Let’s take a closer look at the sustainability of steel and the benefits it provides to the construction and manufacturing industries.
Steel’s Sustainability & Why it Matters
Steel’s sustainability matters because steel is an abundant, affordable, strong, workable, and weather-resistant material that is always in high demand. Making sure we manufacture, ship, construct, demolish, and recycle with an eye on sustainable processes means the environmental impact of this highly used material can be minimized. Even with new technologies and companies meeting and exceeding sustainability goals, manufacturing steel is still an energy-intensive process, although carbon emissions from steel production are down by nearly 40% since 1990. Proper recycling and reducing waste go a long way toward minimizing the environmental impact of steel.
At Capital Steel, we use 99% recycled steel in production. Recycled steel is just as strong as new steel. Just as malleable, durable, and tough. Because of this, recycled steel is often used in construction and manufacturing.
Recycled Steel in Construction
As we noted, recycled steel is just as durable as new steel, so when we’re talking steel properties, we really don’t even need to distinguish between “recycled” and “new”—it’s all steel. When it comes to sustainability, though, it’s important to differentiate, as recycled structural steel comes with many environmental advantages.
Often, structural steel removed from buildings can be re-fabricated and re-used without needing to be melted and rolled again (think beams, columns, etc.). This allows for immediate recyclability without any carbon emissions from manufacturing. Other scraps can be collected and recycled into new structural elements, a far better option than clogging a landfill.
If the increased efficiency and sustainability of recycled steel aren’t enough, consider the green certificates and credits that can be earned, including the coveted LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for sustainable steel buildings. Government incentives are another enticing element for green manufacturers.
Recycled structural steel is found just about anywhere in the real world. More than 90% of structural steel contains recycled content, and, as we noted, Capital Steel uses 99% recycled steel in our production. Skyscrapers, bridges, parking garages, and even some steel-framed residences all rely on recycled steel to create the strong, durable buildings necessary while dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of steel production.
Recycled Steel in Manufacturing
Industrial machinery heavily relies on industrial steel (that is typically reclaimed) for its strength, durability, and toughness. Just as in construction, recycled steel is increasingly prominent in manufacturing, lending its impressive properties to automotive parts, appliances, machinery, and more.
When we talk about recycled steel, it’s not far-fetched to say your old car could become your next refrigerator, a decommissioned bridge could become a new skyscraper, and so on. Because steel can be endlessly recycled with no quality deterioration, it only makes sense for recycled steel to continue to permeate manufacturing applications.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, most stainless steel contains more than 60% recycled steel. As an extremely popular material for appliances, that number continues to rise as old appliances are scrapped and once again recycled and used in new appliances.
Similarly, auto parts include recycled steel and later become recycled steel. In fact, vehicles are the most recycled consumer product in the world, with close to 100% of cars being recycled at the end of their life cycles. Structural car parts, body panels, and internal components all regularly contain recycled steel.
Supply Your Operations with Recycled Steel from Capital Steel
Eco-friendly manufacturers and the continued push toward green manufacturing are making strides toward lowering the steel industry’s carbon footprint, and reusing steel is a big part of that. Some companies are even seeing how a dedication to sustainability is becoming a competitive advantage in the industry. Looking to increase the recycled content in your operations? Contact us today to discuss recycled steel solutions and how we can help you achieve your sustainable goals.
