The United Kingdom is a world leader in steel construction technology. Steel is the structural framing material of choice across multiple building sectors. There are approximately 100 million tonnes of steel in buildings and infrastructure in the UK. But while many are aware of the durability and efficiency of light steel, there is often a lack of knowledge surrounding the facts about steel sustainability.
While the recovery infrastructure for light steel frame is well established – 99% for structural steelwork and 96% for all steel construction projects – a shift in focus is required from material recycling to design for reuse and a more circular construction approach.
Over the next twelve months, the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) will be spearheading a targeted campaign to showcase the sustainability benefits of light steel framing systems. ‘Sustainable Steel’ will work to further the LSFA’s objective to drive engagement and champion light steel as the most technically advanced material in the offsite portfolio. Growing pressure on the construction industry to meet environmental targets requires developers to improve resource efficiency.
Light steel is perfectly placed to meet these needs - known for being recyclable, recoverable and reusable. The campaign will seek to dispel the myths surrounding the sustainability of steel and provide detailed information and examples of its environmentally friendly qualities.
The LSFA recognises the need for a circular construction economy. Creating a sustainable circular economy forms a crucial part of the plan to reach net zero. The longevity of steel provides an excellent opportunity to meet the guiding principles of reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. These principles form the key points of the Sustainable Steel campaign, which focuses on lifecycle analysis, carbon impact, design for reuse and design for deconstruction.
Achieving a circular construction economy will require cooperation and commitment across the supply chain. Through engagement and education, the LSFA will work with members and the wider construction industry to share and highlight research-driven information and statistics to support the sustainability credentials of light steel systems via the launch of detailed guides and roadmaps.
You can find more information about the environmental impact of light steel on the LSFA website, including a downloadable copy of their most up-to-date sustainability and circular construction guides. The LSFA will also be at this year’s Offsite Expo on 19-20 September. Light steel experts will be on hand at stand J14 to talk with delegates about the campaign and offer insight into the LSFA’s work.
To find out more and get involved go to:: https://www.lsf-association.co.uk/
