When you consider the structural steel that is used in everything from towering skyscrapers to bridges – and even possibly the home you live in – it’s easy to question the environmental impact. After all, can a seemingly resource-intensive material like steel truly be considered sustainable?
Fair question. Because as you and the rest of the world become increasingly aware of environmental issues, examining the sustainability of materials like structural steel drives us to make better decisions.
So, should structural steel be considered sustainable?
At Kelly Steel, we believe the answer is yes, and we’re committed to proving it every day in our 2000m² factory in Melbourne.
Understanding the environmental credentials of structural steel
It’s true that the production of steel consumes significant resources.
The process involves mining what are finite resources of iron ore, coal and limestone. Then the steel is produced, which requires energy and emits considerable amounts of CO2.
Yet, the lifecycle benefits of steel can outweigh these initial environmental costs, making it a sustainable choice when used responsibly.
The recyclability of structural steel
One of the most significant environmental advantages of steel is its recyclability. Steel is 100% recyclable, and it can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties.
This means that the steel used in your house or office building today could be reused in another structure years down the line. This significantly reduces the need for new raw materials.
In fact, recycled steel saves up to 75% of the energy needed to produce new steel from raw materials.
Durability of structural steel
Steel structures are incredibly durable and have a long lifespan.
Unlike other materials, steel does not warp, split or crack over time. This durability reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements, leading to less waste and a lower overall environmental impact over the structure’s life.
Efficiency in construction
Steel allows for precise construction with minimal waste.
Prefabrication of steel components in facilities like our 2000m² factory ensures that only the required amount of material is used. This not only saves resources but also reduces waste generated on construction sites.
The speed of construction with steel also means less disruption and energy used on-site.
Reduced material usage
Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, steel can achieve more with less material.
This means buildings made with steel often require less material overall compared to those built with other materials. This efficiency further contributes to its sustainability credentials.
Kelly Steel’s commitment to sustainability
There you have it. A summary of the environmental credentials of structural steel. But what about the environmental credentials of Kelly Steel?
At Kelly Steel, we understand that being a great company means more than just delivering quality products. It means conducting business responsibly and sustainably.
We have embedded environmental considerations at the core of our operations.
Here’s a glimpse of how we do this:
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems: Our commitment to the environment is demonstrated through our accreditation to ISO 14001, an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems. This standard helps us to continuously improve our environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste. It provides a systematic framework for integrating environmental management into our business strategies.
- Quality, health, safety and environmental performance: Quality, health, safety and the environment are integral to everything we do at Kelly Steel. From the design phase to manufacturing and delivery, we ensure that our processes are environmentally sound. Our factory in Dandenong South is designed to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
- Sustainable practices in our operations: Our factory and our team prioritise the reduction of our environmental footprint. This includes implementing energy-efficient technologies and recycling waste materials wherever possible. By optimising our production processes, we not only enhance our sustainability but also pass on these efficiencies to our clients, providing them with high-quality steel solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
- Supporting sustainable construction: We also support our clients in their sustainability goals. By providing detailed information about the environmental impact of our products, we help builders and architects make informed decisions that support sustainable construction practices. We work with our clients to promote environmentally responsible building methods.
Is structural steel sustainable?
While the production of structural steel does consume significant resources, its long-term benefits make it a sustainable choice for construction. Its recyclability, durability and efficiency in construction contribute to reducing its overall environmental impact.
At Kelly Steel, we are proud to be at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices in the steel industry. Through our commitment to the environment and our adherence to ISO 14001 standards, we aim to lead by example in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.
Join us in building a stronger, more sustainable world with structural steel.
