Sustainable Steel
The LSFA want to empower construction professionals to develop light steel buildings that are not only safe for occupants and will stand the test of time but also intrinsically more sustainable for generations to come.
Environmental discussions used to centre around lifecycle analysis. More recently debates have been concentrating on shorter-term embodied carbon calculations – just part of the equation.
We strongly believe in a sustainable circular economy – recycling, reuse and design for deconstruction are crucial factors in the net zero debate. The circular economy drives vast benefits for us, our planet and is way too important to be ignored.
For many steel equates to safety, speed and strength, however the sustainability gains cannot be overlooked. A sustainable circular economy is one which reduces the burden on nature by ensuring resources remain in use as long as possible. Steel is fundamental in achieving a circular economy. Our mission here at the LSFA is to counter misconceptions by focusing on the facts.
Light Steel Frame – Sustainability Fact File
Recycle or Reuse
Manufactured from the most abundant material on earth, steel can be recycled or reused endlessly without detriment to its properties. This unique characteristic gives steel a high value at all stages of its lifecycle.
Recovery Infrastructure
The recovery infrastructure for steel recycling is highly developed. Current recovery rates in the UK are 99% for structural steelwork and 96% for all steel products – figures that far exceed those for any other construction material.
Latent Stock
According to SCI, in the UK we are largely self-sufficient in steel. Demonstrating the circular economy benefits of light steel technology, we can virtually produce all the steel we need through recycling our latent stock to satisfy market demand.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Offering the best strength-to-weight ratio, light steel structures not only reduce material consumption but also concrete in the ground. Foundation loads are reduced by over 70% when compared to concrete and block-work approaches.
Reduction in Vehicle Movements
Lighter structures reduce transport requirements. Reducing disruption from onsite traffic and cutting carbon emissions, a full light steel panelised system for a typical four-bedroom house can be delivered in one load.
Thermal Efficiency
Using DfMA protocols integrated with BIM technology, light steel buildings are virtually designed and digitally tested to create highly airtight structures which retain heat and reduce in-use energy requirements and carbon emissions.
Eliminating Onsite Waste
Digitally savvy, the light steel industry is more technically advanced than other material sectors. Site waste is virtually eliminated by the use of pre-fabricated components compared to the industry average wastage of 10% in construction materials.
Long Term Benefits
Design life predictions for light steel systems in a ‘warm frame’ environment are in excess of 250 years. Adding longevity to the sustainability equation, light steel is immensely strong and designed to stand the test of time.
Designing for Deconstruction (DfD)
Designing for deconstruction is on the increase and an important factor in the circular economy. Delivering long-term material savings, DfD is a key piece of the sustainability jigsaw – cutting carbon and waste in construction.
Net Zero Targets
Advanced light steel systems are a fundamental part of the circular economy and reducing environmental impact. Through virtually eliminating waste and delivering highly energy efficient buildings, light steel systems support net zero carbon targets.
