Steelmaking has been in transition for over thirty years, moving from higher impact primary steelmaking, to lower impact secondary steelmaking using recycled steel. This session aims to inform attendees of an appreciation of the various manufacturing processes, then along with a good understanding of the local supply chain it’s possible to deliver low impact steel framed buildings today, which can meet demanding embodied carbon targets. But the key to a carbon neutral steel industry is decarbonising primary steelmaking, which accounts for approximately 70% of global manufacture.

Multi-billion-dollar investments are required to achieve this interim goal and transform the way that we make primary steel. A first of its kind CCU plant has been inaugurated in Europe,  ground has been broken on a transformative new hydrogen ready steel plant, strategic acquisitions have been made and partnerships have been formed with the industrial players that can provide the renewable power infrastructure to enable the transition to low carbon steelmaking. But, importantly, it’s also possible to improve the carbon offer of secondary steelmaking too, by embracing renewable energy, XCarb® steel is an example of this.

How do developers and designers choose partners who are really engaged with the Paris agreement and are able to deliver it, moving the steel industry/construction sector forward together toward that common goal? Rather than being just a material supplier, early tender/design collaboration with major developers is already reaping benefits.