The American Institute of Steel Construction has released updated environmental product declarations (EPDs) “to help designers and building owners design more environmentally friendly buildings and bridges,” according to an AISC news release.
The organization develops industry-average environmental product declarations (EPDs) for three products: fabricated hot-rolled structural sections, fabricated steel plate, and fabricated hollow structural sections (HSS)—the latter developed with the Steel Tube Institute. “These documents are designed to facilitate an accurate, apples-to-apples comparison of the structural materials on the market today,” the release says. These documents are updated every five years.
“Many people associate steel with old smokestacks and air pollution, but structural steel is now the premier green building material,” said AISC President Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD. “Over the past three decades, the steel industry has reduced greenhouse gas and overall emissions by 36%. And the American structural steel industry is leading the way to a greener future with a carbon footprint nearly half the world average. By comparison, Chinese structural steel has three times the global warming potential of domestic steel.”
Many rating systems (LEED V4), standards (ASHRAE 189.1), green building codes (IgCC), and specific customers require the submission of environmental product declarations (EPDs) for products delivered to the project site. These EPD life-cycle assessments provide information on environmental impacts related to the manufacture of the product, including global warming potential, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, and ozone creation.
AISC works with its mill members to develop industry average EPDs for structural steel produced in the United States. In addition to quantifying the impacts of the mill processes, the EPD work quantifies the industry average per ton environmental impacts of the fabrication process.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Texas flood prevention initiative would create nation’s most ambitious barrier system
Plan including sand dunes and mechanical barriers would cost as much as $32 billion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Multimedia app identifies construction hazards
Researchers say program will reduce injuries, save lives.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Cities take action to keep cool as climate heats up
Initiatives include cool streets, cool roofs, and broader urban tree canopy.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
5G expected to give a boost to construction technology
Virtual reality, Internet of Things, robotics, and drones will all benefit from enhanced data flows.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2019
New edition of Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete available
American Concrete Institute document includes major technical changes.
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2019
Coaching pays off for new managers
Study finds increased engagement and readiness for new roles.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2019
New curtain wall design guidelines released
AAMA document includes mandatory language, optional language, and detailed technical commentary.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2019
Cities modify density zoning to spur more affordable housing projects
Solutions include eliminating single-family zoning and allowing taller apartments in higher-density zones.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2019
More designers focusing on acoustic properties of buildings
Recognition that structures should be acoustically satisfying.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2019
Illinois law makes all single-occupancy restrooms gender-neutral
All must comply by January 1.
