Cives Steel Company Sustainability
Structural Steel – A Vital Role in the Construction Industry
Structural steel is vital in the construction industry, offering strength, durability, and versatility in building design. Beyond this, structural steel is also an essential player in sustainable building practices. Steel is 100% recyclable, with 93% of all structural steel in the United States coming from recycled sources. With the advent of electric arc furnaces and a robust scrap metal industry to supply them, everything from your first car to your refrigerator can be recycled into raw material for the next downtown high-rise.
Steel is the most recycled material globally. When a building reaches the end of its lifecycle, its steel can be recycled without losing its inherent strength and quality. This reduces the demand for raw materials produced by more energy-intensive production processes, such as blast furnaces. The industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and empower a more sustainable economy by using recycled steel in construction projects.
The production of structural steel has become increasingly energy-efficient over the years. Advances in the manufacturing process, especially in relation to electric arc furnaces, have significantly reduced energy consumption. In addition, Cives Steel works with raw material suppliers such as Nucor and Steel Dynamics which have been working to advance their sustainability practices. Both have set net-zero greenhouse gas targets for 2050.
Manufacturing Precision
Precision in manufacturing steel components also leads to less on-site waste during construction. Unlike other construction materials, which can generate substantial waste during installation, steel components are fabricated accurately, minimizing the need for excess materials and waste. Steel is also highly durable and notably long-lived.
Buildings constructed with structural steel can withstand harsh weather, earthquakes, and other environmental challenges. The longevity of steel structures means that they require less maintenance and replacement, contributing to reduced resource consumption over the lifetime of the building.
Cives Steel Company’s fabrication plants are strategically located near the geographic areas they service. This means using Cives can reduce transportation time and energy, reducing our products’ carbon footprint.
Cives Steel is well positioned to support your sustainable construction and any desired LEED ratings through documented sustainable material, fabrication, and delivery, as our customers may need.
Structural steel is not only a robust and reliable building material, but its production, fabrication, and installation support a sustainable future for everyone.
