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The flow of steel into the construction sector

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  • Moynihan, Muiris C.
  • Allwood, Julian M.

Abstract

Half of the world's annual production of steel is used in constructing buildings and infrastructure. Producing this steel causes significant amounts of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere. Climate change experts recommend this amount be halved by 2050; however steel demand is predicted to have doubled by this date. As process efficiency improvements will not reach the required 75% reduction in emissions per unit steel output, new methods must be examined to deliver service using less steel production. To apply such methods successfully to construction, it must first be known where steel is used currently within the industry. This information is not available so a methodology is proposed to estimate it from known data. Results are presented for steel flows by product for ten construction sectors for both the UK and the world in 2006. An estimate for steel use within a ‘typical’ building is also published for the first time. Industrial buildings and utility infrastructure are identified as the largest end-uses of steel, while superstructure is confirmed as the main use of steel in a building. The results highlight discrepancies in previous steel estimates and life-cycle assessments, and will inform future research on lowering demand for steel, hence reducing carbon emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Moynihan, Muiris C. & Allwood, Julian M., 2012. "The flow of steel into the construction sector," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 88-95.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:68:y:2012:i:c:p:88-95
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2012.08.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hu, Mingming & Pauliuk, Stefan & Wang, Tao & Huppes, Gjalt & van der Voet, Ester & Müller, Daniel B., 2010. "Iron and steel in Chinese residential buildings: A dynamic analysis," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(9), pages 591-600.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Serrenho, André Cabrera & Mourão, Zenaida Sobral & Norman, Jonathan & Cullen, Jonathan M. & Allwood, Julian M., 2016. "The influence of UK emissions reduction targets on the emissions of the global steel industry," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 174-184.

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