Global Perspective
Life cycle of steel
By – K . Seshusharan
VII - A
Life cycle of steel
Life cycle analysis of steel is done
for determining environmental impact.
Three aspects which determine the
environmental impact are :-
(i) production of steel product
(ii) use of the steel product
(iii) recycling of the end of the life
material.
How steel is sustainable
Steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials because:
Due to its strength, you don’t need a lot to do the job
It’s endlessly recyclable – some steel mills only use scrap to
produce new steel
There’s relatively little energy used to produce it
The waste it produces is reusable
It’s not toxic to humans or the environment
Learning objectives
Properties of Steel that Contribute to Sustainability
1.1 Durability and Longevity
1.2 Recyclability
1.3 Energy Efficiency in Production
Benefits of Using Steel in Sustainable
Construction
2.1 Reduced Environmental Impact
The use of steel in construction significantly reduces environmental impact in several ways:
Lower Carbon Footprint: Steel production and construction techniques have become more
energy-efficient, reducing the carbon footprint of steel structures.
Recyclability: The high recyclability of steel means that less waste is generated during
demolition, and recycled steel can be used in new projects, conserving natural resources.
Resource Efficiency: Steel's durability and strength result in fewer resources needed for
maintenance and repairs over the building's lifespan.
what is steel made of?
steel is an alloy consisting primarily of iron, carbon, and manganese,
along with trace amounts of silicon, sulphur, and oxygen.
This alloy contains 2% and 1% of carbon and manganese,
respectively. However, low, medium, and high-carbon steels are
created, and commercial-quality steels usually have significantly
lower concentrations of these components.
Top 10 Steel Producing Countries in the
World
1. China - 1,032.8 million metric tons ...
2. India - 118.2 million metric tons ...
3. Japan - 96.3 million metric tons ...
4. United States - 85.8 million metric tons ...
5. Russia - 75.6 million metric tons ...
6. South Korea - 70.4 million metric tons ...
7. Turkey - 40.4 million metric tons ...
Making process of steel
Steel is manufactured through several
stages :-
Primary steelmaking: Smelting iron
into steel.
Secondary steelmaking: Adding or
removing other elements such as
alloying agents and dissolved gases.
Tertiary steelmaking: Casting into
sheets, rolls, or other forms.
Raw materials: Iron ore, coal, and
limestone are used.
Processes: Blast furnace/basic oxygen
furnace route and electric arc furnace
route are commonly used.
Uses of steel
Environment-friendly and sustainable material.
Lightweight construction.
Easy recyclability.
Versatility in design.
General engineering and manufacturing
Automobile industry.
Tableware, utensils, automobile bodies, screws, and hinges.
Who produced the steel
While no one knows of one person (or even one culture) that invented steel first, the “Father of Steel” is
widely considered to be Sir Henry Bessemer. An English engineer in the 1800s, he played a huge role in
the beginning of the modern steel industry.
What is the purpose of the steel
The purpose of steel is vast and essential in various industries. It is primarily used for:
Construction: Steel is the most important engineering material, utilized in buildings, bridges, and infra
structure due to its strength and durability1
.
Manufacturing: It is used to fabricate a wide range of products, from tools and machinery to vehicles a
nd appliances2
.
Versatility: Steel's properties allow it to be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, making it a susta
inable choice for many applications1
What is the Environmental impact of steel production
Mining of iron ore The main ingredient in
the production of steel is iron ore mined
from Earth. ...
World’s most energy consuming industry
The making of steel from the mined iron
ore is also highly energy demanding. ...
Steel production is highly polluting ...
Greenhouse gas emissions from steel
production
What is mean by sustainability
Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources.
Sustainability is not just environmentalism.
The Example sustainability is wind energy, solar power, geothermal energy, and
hydropower etc .
Recommendations for sustainable steel
use
• steel production is adapting to meet these challenges
head-on. Innovations in recycling, cleaner technologies,
and responsible sourcing are all contributing to a more
sustainable and environmentally friendly future for steel
production.
• While the road to environmental sustainability in steel
production is challenging, the commitment to reducing
energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource
depletion is a testament to the industry’s dedication to
forging a greener future.
Steel benefits: 4Rs of the circular
economy
Reduce: High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels
reduce the weight of components with the same or
better functionality.
“Reuse: Steel products are durable and robust and can
therefore be used many times.
“Remanufacture”/”Repair” (reconditioning/repair): Steel
components can be repaired using various methods,
which extends their service life.
“Recycle”: Steel can be recycled as often as
required. ...
Conclusion
The steel industry plays a critical role in modern infrastructure. But is
responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions. As the world transitions to a
low-carbon future, steel producers face increasing pressure to reduce their
carbon footprint.
Amid recent economic challenges faced by the steel industry and its
broader societal impacts, it is more crucial than ever for industry and
governments to uphold a long-term vision for a just and green transition
over the next three decades.
Questions in sustainability about
steel
Questions and answers
1. what steps can you take to use your Steel more sustainably?
Ans:- 1. Reduce steel usage: Optimize designs to use minimal steel.
2. Choose recycled steel: Select steel products with high recycled
content.
3. Reuse steel: Repurpose steel from existing structures or products.
4. Recycle steel: Ensure steel waste is recycled responsibly.
2 . How can governments and companies contribute to sustainable steel
production?
Ans:- 1. Implementing policies and regulations: Encourage sustainable
steel production through laws, incentives, and tax breaks.
2. Investing in research and development: Fund initiatives that explore
new, sustainable steel production technologies.
3. Promoting recycling and waste reduction: Encourage steel recycling,
reduce waste, and implement extended producer responsibility.
4. Developing sustainable procurement practices: Prioritize sustainable
steel in public procurement processes.
3 . What are the challenges in making steel 100% sustainable?
Ans: - 1. Decarbonization: Steel production requires high-
temperature processes, making it difficult to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
2. Alternative reduction agents: Replacing coal and coke with
sustainable alternatives, like hydrogen or biomass, is a
significant technical challenge.
3. Scalability: Developing sustainable steel production
technologies that can be scaled up to meet global demand is a
major hurdle.
