Steel and the Circular Economy
Steel is central to a circular economy, one where resources and materials are kept in use for as long as possible and then repaired, returned or recycled. Steel can be infinitely recycled and is 100% recyclable without loss of quality, in some cases it can even be reused without reprocessing. It is also inherently non-combustible, ideal for bushfire-prone locations, is strong and dimensionally stable so can be used in constructions of all sizes.
To learn more about how BlueScope supports circularity visit the BlueScope Circularity Resource Hub
Sustainability of LYSAGHT® steel building products
All LYSAGHT® building products are manufactured from steel produced by BlueScope in Australia. BlueScope has several sustainability certifications and credentials to support the selection of products manufactured from steel produced by BlueScope in Australia, including LYSAGHT® products.
Thermal efficiency with Thermatech®
Choosing the right roof colour and roofing material can mean real savings on energy bills and help create more comfortable temperatures within a home. Twenty-one of the core Classic colours in the COLORBOND® steel range (that’s all of them except for Night Sky®) together with the six Matt colours feature special Thermatech® solar reflectance technology.
Thermatech® technology is designed to reflect more of the sun’s heat on hot sunny days, which can help keep homes cooler in the summer1. In addition, choosing pale toned roofs may also contribute to cooler local communities. Note that any potential glare problems that are sometimes associated with pale roofs may be overcome with design elements like orientation and roof pitch.
The solar absorptance of the different colours varies, and can be checked by comparing the values printed on the back of COLORBOND® steel swatches and on our colour pages.
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Results will depend on roof colour, roof shape, level and location of insulation, type, location, shape, and function of the building.
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CORSTRIP® film for protection
Some COLORBOND® steel products are delivered with CORSTRIP® film, or other low-density polyethylene (LDPE) strippable film to protect the product from damage during rollforming, storage, transport and installation.
Please contact your relevant waste management provider to discuss requirements for recycling this type of material.
CSIRO Test Results for COLORBOND® steel
Sustainability and maintenance:
- Low maintenance: The material requires low maintenance and can typically be cleaned with just water, reducing long-term costs and hassle.
- Durability: Its durability means it needs to be replaced less often, which is a key environmental benefit.
- Thermal efficiency: Certain lighter colours with Thermatech® technology are designed to reflect more solar heat, which can help keep homes cooler and reduce energy consumption.
Global GreenTag GreenRate™
GreenRate™ is a robust and comprehensive third-party verified ecolabelling program aligned with the ISO 14024 standard for environmental labels and declarations. Selected BlueScope steel products have obtained GreenRate™ certification through evaluation against a range of sustainability attributes including in relation to toxicity of materials and availability of environmental footprints (water and greenhouse gas emissions).
ResponsibleSteel™
The ResponsibleSteel™ certification can give organisations in the steel value chain confidence in the environmental, social and governance performance of our steelmaking facilities, and may help them to meet their climate objectives and manage supply chain risks. BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks, where the steel for BlueScope’s branded steel products is manufactured, has achieved ResponsibleSteel™ certification. Further information on all these certifications is available from the BlueScope Corporate website.