Going Green with Stainless Steel
The world is changing rapidly, and if we want future generations to enjoy a high-standard of living we need to look at ways of ‘going green’ in an effort to preserve the environment and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. You might be surprised to learn that stainless steel (SS) is one of the most ‘green’ materials you could possibly use. Not only is it recyclable, but the production process releases minimal CO2 emissions. Combined with its long service life and minimal need for maintenance, it is one of the best materials you could possibly choose whether for construction or personal interest projects.
In this blog post, Mascot Steel will be highlighting the green properties of SS. We hope you find this interesting!
The Need for Green
Fossil fuels have been relied upon for too long, and as we all know supplies will not last forever. CO2 emissions negatively impact air quality whilst also contributing towards global warming, and we are already witnessing changes within the global climate. Many factories and multi-national corporations are now looking at ways of reducing their environmental footprint through the adoption of new production materials/techniques which minimise their impact on the environment.
The Australian Stainless Steel Development Assoc has a clear message for all specifiers, and they hope that in time every specifier will have a strong understanding of the “cradle to grave” characteristics of specified materials. Stainless steel is by far the best choice of material, as it uses less energy and hazardous materials than alternatives and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Very little SS finds its way to landfills, and that which does will not adversely affect soil or ground water quality.
It is for the above reasons and many more that SS stands out as a preferred choice of material for construction, automobile manufacture and other heavy-duty applications. Any company looking to reduce their environmental footprint and make a positive statement to others should be utilising SS as much as possible for the below reasons.
- 100% Recyclable
Stainless still may look hard and permanent, and you may think it would be impossible to recycle such a hard item. But you will be pleased to learn that SS is 100% recyclable. In fact, around 50% of all SS materials used throughout the world today contain scrap materials.
SS never loses its strength and corrosion resistance, so it can be used over and over again to great effect. Most SS also has magnetic properties, so it’s easy to separate it from recycling and keep it out of land fill.
- Efficient Production
Alternative materials emit large amounts of CO2 (carbon dioxide), whilst SS is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly materials to produce. It is interesting to note that the carbon footprint of aluminium and magnesium is far higher than that of SS. By purchasing SS, you are helping to preserve the environment and ensure greener futures.
Exceptionally Durable, Minimal Maintenance Required
SS is favoured for its outstanding strength and corrosion resistant properties. You can expect a SS structure to last decades and still look great with only a small amount of maintenance required. SS is hygienic and does not harbour bacteria. Other surfaces may require use of harsh detergents and cleaning chemicals which negatively impact the environment, whereas SS can be cleaned down with a soapy solution and bucket of water on an infrequent basis.
Mascot Steel Fabricators – Ensuring a Strong Future for All
Here at Mascot Steel we are passionate about SS and reducing our environmental footprint. We are immensely proud of our 40 year history in steel processing, fabrication and supply and are looking forward to continued success. If you are a builder, hobbyist or construction company searching for a quality SS supplier in Sydney, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today – we’d love the opportunity to assist you.
