Sustainability in Steel: United States Leading the Charge
For manufacturers in almost every industry seeking innovative and proactive solutions for energy efficiency and affordable sustainability, “going green” can take many forms. Inventory and process advancements have long solidified steel as the most sustainable metal available, and it’s become the world’s most recycled material. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), more steel is recycled annually than paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass combined. This blog post examines steel recycling facts, inherent reasons why steel is sustainable, and how recycled steel is used in construction, manufacturing, energy production, and more.
Per the AISI’s reporting, America’s steel industry accounts for more than $520 billion in economic output while supporting nearly 2 million jobs. Steel is an integral building block and foundational backbone upon which our country was built, and U.S. steel productivity has more than tripled since the early 1980s. It’s vital for modern, sustainable construction and supports many renewable energy systems.
America has emerged as a global leader in steel sustainability. The U.S. leads the world with the lowest CO2 emissions per ton of steel produced thanks to natural gas, renewable energy, and electric arc furnace (EAF) technologies. EAF steelmaking is significantly more efficient than traditional methods and more prevalent in America than globally. An AISI fact sheet reports just more than 70% of the U.S. comes from EAFs, compared to just 26.3% worldwide.
How easily is steel recycled?
Steel is 100% recyclable. Instead of heading straight to a landfill once its product’s useful life has run its course, steel’s magnetic properties make it easy to separate from other waste and divert to new steel production. The AISI claims 60 to 80 million tons of steel are typically recycled in North America yearly, while the Steel Manufacturers Association pegs the worldwide annual total at around 650 million tons.
Steel recycling rates have reached almost 100% among automobiles, making them the most recycled consumer product. According to AISI figures, the industry recycles more than 14 million tons of steel each year from end-of-life vehicles—enough required to produce nearly 13 million new automobiles.
More than 90% of the steel used in infrastructure, appliances, and construction will be recycled after serving its initial purpose, and mills recycle their own steel scrap to save energy and natural resources. Research on sustainability in steel recycling found that the U.S. processes enough ferrous scrap daily, by weight, to construct 25 Eiffel Towers.
Why is steel so sustainable?
In addition to its recyclability, steel’s incredible durability plays a key role in making it such a sustainable resource. Steel easily withstands heavy loads, high impacts, and most weather conditions over time—reducing waste by reducing the need to replace steel structures for decades or centuries.
Steel is also highly energy efficient, and the industry has made strides to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint during production and fabrication. Why is recycled steel used in the steelmaking process? Because it helps significantly reduce the energy needed to create new steel products. According to research by BuildSteel, part of the Steel Framing Industry Association, the North American steel industry has cut CO2 emissions by 37% and energy intensity by 32% per ton shipped since 1990.
Westfield Steel Helps Create Sustainable Solutions
Steel is now produced with lower emissions than ever, and it’s a critical component in the alternative-energy systems and technologies that further reduce humanity’s carbon footprint.
Westfield Steel is proud to fabricate steel products for use within wind turbines, electric vehicles, natural gas power plants, carbon capture tanks, and more. The automotive and energy industries rely on high-performance steel for countless applications.
One wind turbine can contain up to 200 tons or more of steel, comprising more than 70% of the structure. But because they generate clean energy and emission-free electricity, the AISI says any emissions from creating a turbine are offset in just six months.
Steel has always been a key component in automotive manufacturing. Its exceptional strength and durability ensure the safety of passengers and reliably protect performance components. Advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) is preferred as a lightweight and cost-effective solution, letting automakers optimize electric vehicle range or make similar advancements while maintaining safety standards.
Westfield Steel’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t just benefit our bottom line, internal processes, or scrap-collection efforts today. Our products are trusted by partners on the cutting edge of sustainability and renewable energy, creating clean electricity and empowering battery-powered vehicles into the future.
Talk to a steel expert today to learn more about what Westfield Steel’s inventory and services can accomplish for you.
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