Steel and mining multinational ArcelorMittal has launched a "radical and disruptive" new concept for the use of steel in construction, which it claims can help reduce both costs and environmental impacts across the industry.
Dubbed 'Steligence', the approach is aimed at creating a more sustainable life-cycle for buildings and involves taking a more 'holistic' view of their design and construction, the firm said.
The green steel guidance proposes better dialogue and cooperation between suppliers and stakeholders throughout the design phase of projects, as well as better co-operation across supply chains and various architectural and engineering disciplines to ensure the best available steelmaking technology and installation methods are used wherever possible.
In addition, the company argues that as steel is recyclable, the 'Steligence' approach can help architects consider the life-cycle, recyclability and reusability of a building at the earliest point in the design process.
Such an approach is now possible because of recent advances in steelmaking technology which make it "an even more attractive material for construction than was previously the case", the firm explained
"While steel's infinite recyclability potential is clearly superior to that of alternative materials, even then there are associated costs given the energy necessary to melt and re-form," the firm said. "In this context, design where possible using modular steel components can enable re-use rather than re-cycling of steel components in new buildings at the end of life of the original building. This 're-use' possibility gives steel a huge advantage over traditional building materials, particularly as regulations strengthen regarding the sustainability credentials of buildings."
Greg Ludkovsky, ArcelorMittal's global head of research and development, said the 'Steligence' approach was based on several years of scientific research intended to develop specific-use steel for the construction industry.
"As climate, energy and resource scarcity intensifies, win-win solutions like Steligence become imperative for business and society at large," he explained. "Buildings play a huge part in all our lives, so creating a construction concept that improves their social, economic and environmental impact while dramatically enhancing their functionality and aesthetics has been a huge but important challenge."
Ludkovsky added that the firm had "landed on a radical new approach to construction which is underpinned by a clear philosophy: to build a sustainable business around a sustainable construction industry that delivers for future generations".
