Is steel sustainable ?


STEEL IS SUSTAINABLE .


 An argument on ‘Is steel sustainable’ took place in our online class. And I would say that the material is sustainable. The material is available in many forms as stainless, galvanized, carbon, mild, etc. Every type has different properties. They contribute to the architecture very effectively. 


Except for the fact that steel construction involves skilled labor work, the material is definitely hit material. I would like to focus on four main reasons to say why steel is sustainable. 


HIGH STRENGTH 


All types of steel are strong and highly durable. An entire building can be created using the steel forms. Everything including structure, door, window, exterior cladding, decorative items, etc can be made out of steel. 


RECYCLABLE 


Steel can recycled without losing any of its strength or durability. Steel can be recycled at any point in its life. Even the cut pieces can be recycled. The designers use steel as the major material for practicing ‘design for deconstruction ‘. 


LITTLE ENERGY WASTE 


The fact says, the energy required to produce raw steel has dropped 60% since 1960. The byproduct gases from the furnace can be fully reused. They are used as fuel substitute. There is very less energy waste produced during the production of steel. 


NO DAMAGE TO HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENT 


Steel releases no harsh chemicals or toxins, and can be easily retrieved from the environment with magnets. 


Thus, highlighting these four points, I would like to conclude that the steel material is highly sustainable and is approved to be one of the best sustainable material by LEED. An entire structure with steel is possible and sustainable too.


                                                                                                                                   -HARIKRISHNAN.A

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