Synopsis:
Mike Kraus from ArcelorMittal Steligence® champions steel's potential in construction for reduced emissions. In an interview, he emphasizes the resource-saving, CO₂-reducing, and recyclable nature of steel, advocating its possibilities in reshaping the construction sector.
Article:
Mike Kraus, a representative of ArcelorMittal Steligence®, actively promotes steel's virtues at prominent events like FORUM:BAU and climate festivals. His objective: sway architects and planners towards embracing steel's numerous advantages in construction—its eco-friendliness, resource efficiency, and recyclability. Kraus sheds light on steel's role in building transformation.
In discussions, what does the #Bauwende hashtag signify for you? Mike Kraus associates #Bauwende with recognizing the construction sector's substantial carbon footprint, amounting to 40% of CO₂ emissions. It’s a call for pivotal change and an exploration of how to initiate this transformation.
How do you engage with architects and planners regarding steel's emission reduction potential? Many are intrigued by the innovative solutions steel offers, notably the XCarb® initiative for CO₂ reduction. While major corporations express interest aligning with high climate goals, some postpone exploring these avenues. Only 30% actively engage, which remains insufficient.
In the context of CO₂ reduction, what can steel offer presently? Consider trapezoidal sheet metal for logistics halls—a simple switch to lower-emission materials yields substantial CO₂ savings. Raising awareness among project developers and planners about these available options is crucial.
Why is steel a viable CO₂ reduction solution in construction? Steel solutions can achieve remarkable CO₂ reductions, up to 35% in certain cases. Collaboration unveils ingenious solutions; for instance, slimming down a stadium's grandstand blueprint resulted in cost savings, surprising the client.
What strategies should be employed to propagate steel's CO₂ reduction capabilities? Increasing dialogue with decision-makers is vital. Shifting from concrete-centric practices, Germany particularly, towards considering lighter, slimmer steel structures offering larger spans, presents a paradigm shift. CO₂ savings vary from 24 to 85% across different product domains, showcasing immense potential.
Can you share a successful case? A hybrid logistics hall combining concrete and steel saved 71% CO₂ in the structure, while trapezoidal sheet metal led to 65% CO₂ savings. By switching from concrete to steel composite slabs, a project achieved a significant 67% CO₂ reduction, amounting to 2,450 metric tons of CO₂ saved.
What inspires your optimism? The steel industry, somewhat stagnant before, now produces up to 85% lower-emission steel. Kraus sees this as a chance to offer substantial alternatives and become a frontrunner once more.
Conclusion:
Mike Kraus champions steel's transformative role in construction, emphasizing its potential for substantial CO₂ reduction. Collaborative efforts and innovative steel solutions present a promising pathway to reshape the industry.
