World Steel Association (Brussels, Belgium)

Broadbent C., e-mail: broadbent@worldsteel.org

Recycling of steel can be complete and multiple, and recycled steel will have all required properties of this material. At present time more than 650 mln. t of steel is annually subjected to recycling. Steel has serious advantages, especially as construction material, in comparison with other competing materials. The technique of accounting of steel service life is described; it is aimed on the most efficient usage of resources and minimization of wastes and losses. A life cycle approach is very important in delivering true sustainability. Legislators and industry decision makers need to understand the importance of analysing the entire life cycle of a product before making legislative or manufacturing material decisions. Too many legislative bodies around the world still enact regulations which only affect the “use phase” of a product’s life, for example water and energy consumption for washing machines, energy consumption for a fridge or CO₂ emissions whilst driving a vehicle. This focus on the “use phase” can lead to more expensive alternative lower density materials being employed but which typically have a higher environmental burden when the whole life cycle is considered. This use phase limitation cannot continue. Life cycle thinking must become a key requirement for all manufacturing decisions.

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