The use of steel in new builds can help to minimise the quantities of materials consumed, and for the overall reduction of wastage across the entire supply chain.
The addition of steel to a project can also contribute to the project obtaining up to three Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Rating Scheme points from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA).
According to OneSteel, steel's high strength-to-weight ratio offers opportunities in sustainable design through lighter structures and foundations. Steel-framed buildings can also be efficiently modified and extended due to the inherent adaptability of steel.
Jaclyn Ford, Sustainability Lead at Lendlease Bouygues Joint Venture, said, “Sustainability is extremely important across all aspects of construction, including procurement and supply chain."
“Lendlease Bouygues Joint Venture (NorthConnex) and OneSteel have worked closely together to generate accurate material and energy use data, which has contributed to the project’s leading ISCA rating,” said Ford.
Being 100 per cent recyclable, (and for that matter, also biodegradable) steel is used in a variety of designs ranging from skyscrapers to single level domestic dwellings.
Designing structurally efficient buildings also reduces use of resources by using materials efficiently and maximising usable space.
At the same time,a building becomes more adaptable, and therefore exercises greater value, by accommodating changing requirements over time.
Recently-completed notable builds with a large steel component in the design include the Fitzpatrick + Partners-designed Star City Events Centre and the IGLU Central Student Accommodation by Bates Smart.
