The steel industry has taken massive leaps forward in terms of technology and infrastructure over the past decade. In fact, over half the steel products currently in use today, was not in existence ten years ago. This is proof of the massive development in infrastructure and technology that the steel industry has been subject to. The steel industry has been historically viewed as an enemy of the environment, but slowly, this perception is beginning to change. The global steel industry is collectively taking steps to make sustainability an unshakeable aspect of this industry. The research behind steel use has allowed us to minimize the carbon footprint of steel production. Steel has now evolved from being an obstacle to ecological preservation, to being an ally.
Here are a few of the ways that the steel industry has evolved to meet the global need for sustainability-
1. Saving Water:
While producing steel 30 years ago may have been fairly resource intensive, currently steel is an industry that is really light on resources that do not include essential raw materials. 90% of the water used by the global steel industry is cooled, cleaned and returned to source, even then most of the loss is caused by evaporation, wherein the water returns to the water cycle.
2. Saving Electricity:
Through constant research and development, the energy used to produce a ton of steel today has reduced by 60% in the last 50 years.
3. Constant Recyclability:
Steel is infinitely recyclable and can be recycled over and over again without the slightest loss of strength. While this may be an ingrained quality of steel, the steel industry as a whole has upped its efforts to capture and recycle steel products. The recovery and reuse of steel products has reached a 97.6% material efficiency rate according to Worldsteel organization. Steel is today the most recycled material in the world, with over 600 mega tonnes recycled annually.
4. Promoting Sustainability:
It is not only the Steel Industry driving change, but also the material steel itself. Steel is the most widely used material used in the field of renewable energy. Steel has found vital use in the generation of clean energy through solar, wind and tidal means, and is the most widely used material fo renewable energy infrastructure.
Also read: Environment conservation in Steel sector
5. Reducing Carbon Emissions
Modern steel plants are investing in low-carbon technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From adopting energy-efficient furnaces to switching to cleaner fuels, these innovations ensure that steel production leaves a smaller carbon footprint. Agni Steels is actively exploring ways to minimize emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
6. Smart Waste Management
The steel industry has improved waste handling and by-product utilisation. Slag, a by-product of steel production, is now used in cement, road construction, and agriculture, reducing landfill use and promoting circular economy practices. This approach ensures that steel manufacturing contributes to sustainability beyond just recycling steel.
7. Green Building and Construction
Sustainable steel products are increasingly used in green buildings and eco-friendly construction projects. Steel’s recyclability, strength, and durability make it ideal for energy-efficient buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. Builders and architects rely on materials like Agni Steels TMT rods for projects that meet LEED and other green building certifications.
8. Innovation in Renewable Energy Applications
Steel plays a pivotal role in the renewable energy sector. It is extensively used in wind turbine towers, solar panel frameworks, and tidal energy infrastructure. Agni Steels supports these initiatives by providing high-quality steel that ensures durability and long-term performance in renewable energy installations.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Stewardship
Many steel companies, including Agni Steels, actively engage in CSR initiatives focused on environmental conservation. From planting trees to supporting community recycling programs, these actions reinforce the industry’s commitment to sustainable development.
10. Future of Sustainable Steel
With continuous research, next-generation steel production is expected to further reduce environmental impact. Innovations such as hydrogen-based steelmaking, carbon capture, and digital monitoring of energy consumption promise a future where steel production is even more sustainable and efficient.
Agni Steels is a supporter of continued sustainability practices in the global and domestic steel industry, while using wind energy to supplement our energy needs for production.
