Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from using Chinese steel in the U.S. are significantly greater than that of comparable steel made in North America, according to a series of reports by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Two peer-reviewed reports (one in North America and another in China) compared hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel coils produced in North America to the same product produced in China and shipped to the North American market. This type of steel is primarily used in the construction and automotive sectors.
The study found that hot-dip galvanized coil sourced from China results in nearly 50% higher GHG emissions. “In the sustainable design of steel-framed buildings, one of the most important decisions an owner or architect can make regarding environmental impact is to ensure the building’s steel is produced in North America,” said Mark Thimons, vice president of sustainability for SMDI.
Thimons cited an example from another SMDI study involving the design of a four-story cold-formed steel office building in Minneapolis in which the building core and shell includes about 100 tons of HDG. If steel from China was used for this building instead of North American-produced steel, the GHG emissions associated with the production of the steel would increase by more than 100 tons (CO2eq).
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Code-conforming wood design guide available
The guide summarizes provisions for the use of wood and wood products in the 2018 IBC.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
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.