In recent years, stainless steel products have become a very popular building material. They are now even used in architecture and marine projects as well as in interior and landscape design. It is probably the most commonly used metal in the world.
Before we can tell you whether stainless steel is a sustainable material, we must first define what sustainability is in relation to people and the planet.
People: a material that respects people in its use or production, especially in terms of health and safety. A sustainable material does not harm the people who produce it, nor the people who handle it during use, recycling and final disposal.
Stainless steel is not harmful to anyone during its production and use. Thanks to its chromium content, a protective layer is naturally formed on its surface to keep it safe from corrosion.
As long as the correct grade of stainless steel is chosen for an application, it remains inert and harmless to the people who handle it and to the environment.
Earth: the material’s emissions footprint is minimised, particularly in relation to carbon, water and air. Reusability and recyclability are at a high level.
The material, in this case stainless steel, has a low maintenance cost and a long service life, two key indicators of the material’s low impact on the planet. This metal can easily be recycled an unlimited number of times.
Characteristics of stainless steel
Features of sustainable stainless steel
In addition to being 100% recyclable, stainless steel is durable, can be shaped into interesting shapes and is really tough. These characteristics make it an ideal material for today.
What’s more, it is virtually maintenance-free thanks to its high corrosion resistance and defect-free surface finish. While it is ideal for all kinds of building projects, its eco-friendly nature makes it even more attractive to architects, engineers and artists.
Here are some of the advantages of using stainless steel when it comes to sustainability
Recyclability
As mentioned above, stainless steel is a material that can be reused. In fact, it is the most recycled type of metal in the world.
All the steel taken from a demolished building can be remanufactured and used in new construction. This way, less waste is dumped in landfills.
This feature has a very positive impact on the environment. By reusing steel in new components, significant savings can be made in energy costs and emissions.
In addition, our natural iron ore reserves are limited and collecting them requires expensive extraction methods and environmentally damaging mining practices.
Recycled steel uses much less energy in refining, purification or transformation. It should be noted that its strength is not compromised when it is recycled.
Strength and service life
Features Sustainable design Strength Service life
Thanks to the impressively long service life of stainless steel, products made from this metal are more sustainable than wood and other building materials. This includes structural components, facade cladding, roofing and installations exposed to water.
Stainless steel is strong and durable and, when properly designed, can withstand high winds, snow, rain and even seismic forces. It is resistant to corrosion and does not easily rust or become exposed to airborne contaminants.
In addition, it is more fire resistant than other metal building components.
Energy efficiency and air quality
The latest trend in outdoor construction is the energy-efficient building envelope, which consists of an insulation system, an air or moisture space and a protective cladding.
These protective cladding layers are usually made up of stainless steel panels. The thermal break channel or fastener between the cladding and the insulation is also usually made of steel.
In buildings, this type of cladding allows moisture to be removed quickly. This keeps the interior free from mould and reduces the cost of heating and cooling.
In summary, choosing stainless steel for your application ensures that you have low maintenance costs, that the building will have a long life and that you can easily recycle it after it has served its purpose.
Its resistance to fire and corrosion, as well as its mechanical properties, are paramount to ensure that humans are protected and maintenance costs are kept low.
Considering its recyclability, reusability, long life, low maintenance and safety, stainless steel has the lowest emissions from production and use compared to any other alternative material.
Energy efficiency and air quality
The latest trend in outdoor construction is the energy-efficient building envelope, which consists of an insulation system, an air or moisture space and a protective cladding.
These protective cladding layers are usually made up of stainless steel panels. The thermal break channel or fastener between the cladding and the insulation is also usually made of steel.
In buildings, this type of cladding allows moisture to be removed quickly. This keeps the interior free from mould and reduces the cost of heating and cooling.
In summary, choosing stainless steel for your application ensures that you have low maintenance costs, that the building will have a long life and that you can easily recycle it after it has served its purpose.
Its resistance to fire and corrosion, as well as its mechanical properties, are paramount to ensure that humans are protected and maintenance costs are kept low.
Considering its recyclability, reusability, long life, low maintenance and safety, stainless steel has the lowest emissions from production and use compared to any other alternative material.