Slide1
Life cycle of steel
Life cycle analysis of steel is done for determining
environmental impact. Three aspects which determine
the environmental impact are (i) production of steel
product, (ii) use of the steel product, and (iii) recycling of
the end of the life material.
How steel is sustainable
Steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials because:
1. Due to its strength, you don’t need a lot to do the job
2. It’s endlessly recyclable – some steel mills only use scrap to
produce new steel
3. There’s relatively little energy used to produce it
4. The waste it produces is reusable
5. It’s not toxic to humans or the environment
Slide 2
Learning objectives
Properties of Steel that Contribute to Sustainability
1.1 Durability and Longevity
1.2 Recyclability
1.3 Energy Efficiency in Production
Benefits of Using Steel in Sustainable Construction
2.1 Reduced Environmental Impact
The use of steel in construction significantly reduces environmental impact in several ways:
Lower Carbon Footprint: Steel production and construction techniques have become more
energy-efficient, reducing the carbon footprint of steel structures.
Recyclability: The high recyclability of steel means that less waste is generated during
demolition, and recycled steel can be used in new projects, conserving natural resources.
Resource Efficiency: Steel's durability and strength result in fewer resources needed for
maintenance and repairs over the building's lifespan.
slide4
what is steel made of?
steel is an alloy consisting primarily of iron, carbon, and manganese, along
with trace amounts of silicon, sulphur, and oxygen.
This alloy contains 2% and 1% of carbon and manganese, respectively.
However, low, medium, and high-carbon steels are created, and commercial-
quality steels usually have significantly lower concentrations of these
components.
Slide5
Top 10 Steel Producing Countries in the World
1. China - 1,032.8 million metric tons ...
2. India - 118.2 million metric tons ...
3. Japan - 96.3 million metric tons ...
4. United States - 85.8 million metric tons ...
5. Russia - 75.6 million metric tons ...
6. South Korea - 70.4 million metric tons ...
7. Turkey - 40.4 million metric tons ...
8. Germany - 40.1 million metric tons ...
Slide6
Steel is manufactured through several stages : 12345
1. Primary steelmaking: Smelting iron into steel.
2. Secondary steelmaking: Adding or removing other elements
such as alloying agents and dissolved gases.
3. Tertiary steelmaking: Casting into sheets, rolls, or other
forms.
4. Raw materials: Iron ore, coal, and limestone are used.
5. Processes: Blast furnace/basic oxygen furnace route and
electric arc furnace route are commonly used.
Slide7
Uses of steel include :
12
Environment-friendly and sustainable material.
Lightweight construction.
Easy recyclability.
Versatility in design.
General engineering and manufacturing.
Automobile industry.
Tableware, utensils, automobile bodies, screws, and hinges.
Slide9
Who produced the steel
Sir Henry Bessemer
While no one knows of one person (or even one culture)
that invented steel first, the “Father of Steel” is widely
considered to be Sir Henry Bessemer. An English
engineer in the 1800s, he played a huge role in the
beginning of the modern steel industry.
What is the purpose of the steel
The purpose of steel is vast and essential in various industries. It is
primarily used for:
Construction: Steel is the most important engineering material,
utilized in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure due to its strength
and durability .
1
Manufacturing: It is used to fabricate a wide range of products,
from tools and machinery to vehicles and appliances . 2
Versatility: Steel's properties allow it to be recycled repeatedly
without losing quality, making it a sustainable choice for many
applications .
1
Overall, steel plays a crucial role in modern society, supporting
infrastructure and manufacturing across the globe 3
Slide 10
Environmental impact of steel production
Mining of iron ore The main ingredient in the production of steel is
iron ore mined from Earth. ...
World’s most energy consuming industry The making of steel from
the mined iron ore is also highly energy demanding. ...
Steel production is highly polluting ...
Greenhouse gas emissions from steel production
Slide11
steel production is adapting to meet these challenges head-on.
Innovations in recycling, cleaner technologies, and responsible sourcing
are all contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly
future for steel production.
While the road to environmental sustainability in steel production is
challenging, the commitment to reducing energy consumption, carbon
emissions, and resource depletion is a testament to the industry’s
dedication to forging a greener future.
Steel benefits: 4Rs of the circular economy
“Reduce: High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels reduce the
weight of components with the same or better functionality.
“Reuse: Steel products are durable and robust and can therefore
be used many times.
“Remanufacture”/”Repair” (reconditioning/repair): Steel
components can be repaired using various methods, which
extends their service life.
“Recycle”: Steel can be recycled as often as required. ...
Slide12
Steel producers are being pushed from all sides—by regulators, customers, and investors—to
prioritize sustainability.
The steel industry plays a critical role in modern infrastructure. But is responsible for
7% of global CO2 emissions. As the world transitions to a low-carbon future, steel
producers face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint.
Amid recent economic challenges faced by the steel industry and its broader societal
impacts, it is more crucial than ever for industry and governments to uphold a long-
term vision for a just and green transition over the next three decades.
Our latest report, 'Shaping the future of sustainable steel: Lessons from Europe's
steel Industry’, delves into the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the
future of the steel industry as the global transition to a low-carbon economy
accelerates.
The report includes insights from ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp Materials Services,
Tata Steel UK and MCB Group, and explores:
