Building Green: How Recycled Steel Can Revolutionize Sustainable Construction In India

As civil engineers, we are aware that the use of steel on construction sites is very common because steel is the best material available in terms of durability and accessibility in the market. However, it’s also true that excessive use of steel can have drawbacks. Recent research conducted over the past year has shown that steel production and consumption are increasing every year. In 2021, the global production rate of steel was 1.86 billion, and this figure continues to rise due to high demand.

As the world is increasingly concerned about climate change, it’s crucial for everyone to make a contribution by using sustainable construction techniques. Using recycled steel on construction sites is particularly important. While steel is a vital material for construction, its production can have negative environmental effects. Let’s try to understand this in detail

India’s Steel Industry Surge

India’s IS the Second Largest Consumer of Finished Steel,

India’s steel industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, emerging as a global powerhouse. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Government of India, India now ranks as the world’s second-largest consumer of finished steel, a testament to its rapid growth and potential. From 109.25 million tons (MT) in 2018, India’s crude steel production surged to a provisional 124.72 MT in 2022, marking a significant 5.5% year-on-year increase [Your Source].

India is the world’s second-largest consumer of finished steel.
Crude steel production surged from 109.25 MT in 2018 to 124.72 MT in 2022.
Global crude steel production in 2022 reached 1878.5 MT.
China remains the largest steel producer globally.
World Steel projects India’s steel demand to grow by 6.7% in 2023.
India’s steel consumption is expected to rise by 7.5% in fiscal year 2023-2024.

Why We needs to Focus on the Recycled Steel

Because of Environmental benefits: Steel production from virgin ore is a major contributor to environmental problems. Here’s how recycled steel helps
Because of Lower CO2 emissions: Manufacturing steel from recycled scrap requires significantly less energy than virgin steel, resulting in a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 70% compared to virgin steel
Because of Reduce air and water pollution: Recycling steel avoids the air and water pollution associated with traditional steel production processes like coking coal, which release harmful pollutants
Because of Conserves resources: Recycled steel uses existing steel, reducing the need to extract new iron ore, a limited resource. This helps in conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of mining
Because of Economic Benefits: Recycling of steel also provides economic benefits:
Because of Lower production costs: Recycled steel requires less energy and raw materials than virgin steel, potentially reducing production costs.
Because of Job creation: The recycling industry creates jobs in the collection, processing and transportation of scrap steel.
Because of Sustainable steel industry: Focusing on recycled steel is an important step toward a more sustainable steel industry. This allows us to meet the demand for steel while reducing the environmental impact of its production.

The Need for Continued Focus:

While recycled steel offers significant benefits, there is still room for improvement:

Increasing recycling rates: Globally, about 35% of steel comes from recycled scrap, but this percentage has the potential to increase significantly.
Improved recycling technologies: Investing in and developing improved technologies for sorting, processing and utilizing scrap steel can further increase the efficiency and economic feasibility of recycled steel.

What are the Practical Applications

Recycled steel can be used for a wide range of structural elements, including beams, columns, and reinforcement bars in concrete. It offers the same strength and durability as virgin steel, making it a perfect choice for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.