With buildings and the building construction sector combined now responsible for over a third of the globe’s energy usage, there has been a growing call for greater sustainability across the industry. Also, more and more people are concerned about the environment and looking for ways to reduce its impact. As a result, businesses around the world are listening to consumers and are joining the green movement.
One way construction companies are changing their approach is by using more raw materials in their products that have a lower environmental impact. Named green metal, aluminum has become a popular choice due to its high performance and environmentally friendly features.
Climate change is the top priority
From shifting weather patterns to rising sea levels, climate change is happening at an unprecedented rate
Man-made climate change continues to be the defining issue of recent times and the greatest threat to life on earth. From shifting weather patterns to rising sea levels, climate change is happening at an unprecedented rate.
As a result, one of the aluminum industry’s main goals is to produce metal in a way that generates the smallest carbon footprint possible. Across the industry, many providers have taken the initiative and made great strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions during aluminum production.
Renewable energy
Leading from the front, producers in Europe and North America have made big developments in reducing the emissions associated with aluminum. One way they have done so is with the introduction of hydropower.
By using this clean, renewable energy to produce aluminum they have significantly lowered the amount of CO2 emitted. As a result, hydropower has reduced emissions by around half.
Eco-friendly process
Furthermore, hydropower is used to make more than 75% of the aluminum in Europe as well as North and South America.
In addition, with the highest Recycling Efficiency Rate (RER) in the world, Europe recycles 81% of aluminum scrap available in the region. Therefore, as green options of production grow, the industry continues to develop more eco-friendly processes in the manufacturing of aluminum.
100% recyclable
The initiative addresses the full life cycle of aluminum and reinforces commitment to a sustainable future
Infinitely recyclable, it only takes 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum to recycle it. Also, aluminum recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 95% compared to primary aluminum production. The International Aluminium Industry (IAI) adopted a global sustainability program in 2009, named the Aluminium for Future Generations Initiative.
The initiative’s primary objective is 'for the aluminum industry to continue its global growth, while optimizing environmental performance'. The initiative addresses the full life cycle of aluminum and reinforces the industry’s commitment to building a sustainable future.
eco-friendly solution
With almost 75% of the aluminum ever produced worldwide still in use, it is clear to see this green metal provides an impressive eco-friendly solution. Furthermore, aluminum can be melted down and recycled over and over again without any loss of quality or properties.
The University of Delft’s findings reinforces the high quality of recycled aluminum. The university proved that aluminum used in building and construction has a recycling rate between 92% and 98%. Moreover, when using the correct technology. the quality of this recycled product is equal to the primary metal.
repeated recycling process
Secondary aluminum is helping to reduce climate change whilst delivering robust versatile building material
In addition, aluminum is an 'energy bank', recovering most of the original input every time the product is recycled. Therefore, reclaiming the energy used in primary production during the repeated recycling process.
Furthermore, recycling one tonne of aluminum can save over 16 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions globally, significantly reducing the industry’s environmental impact. With 20 million tonnes of recycled aluminum produced in 2019 around the world, secondary aluminum is helping to reduce climate change, while delivering robust versatile building material.
To conclude
As the aluminum industry continues to invest and develop new and more sustainable processes and recycling rates of aluminum remain high, the future of this green metal looks promising.
More and more focus is being put on sustainable construction and how the built environment can reduce its carbon impact.