Once environmental discussions focused on lifecycle analysis including recycling buildings at the end of life. More recently the focus has been on embodied carbon. But this is only part of the sustainability equation which reflects the manufacturing and construction phase.
As part of Etex Group, sustainability is a key driving force in EOS Framing's strategy and as innovators in light steel systems, the leading light steel frame manufacturer wants to inspire construction professionals to develop buildings that are not only safer but more sustainable.
Light steel frame construction is used extensively in the UK in a wide range of developments. The overriding benefits of safety, quality, speed, strength and value are widely acknowledged. But the sustainability benefits are often overlooked.
Environmental Product Declaration EOS has been awarded an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with EN 15804+A2 and ISO 14025 / ISO 21930. The scope of the EPD is cradle to gate which provides information about the light steel framing systems impact upon the environment and includes a comprehensive Lifecycle Assessment. This assessment considers the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing process, distribution and also its end-of-life value, such as whether it can be recycled or reused. Steel is an example of a highly sustainable building material with qualities well-suited to circular economic use and capable of being reused and infinitely recycled without loss of quality.
An EPD is an important validation tool for manufacturers such as EOS to provide transparent data about the environmental sustainability of its products and for specifiers to make informed purchasing decisions. Taking EPDs into consideration when selecting materials for construction projects can help specifiers meet client sustainability requirements.
EPDs can also be used by specifiers to help control building waste, a significant environmental and costly issue currently faced by the construction industry and encourage the re-use and recycling of building materials at the end of their life. Furthermore, making informed product choices at the specification stage can contribute to the reduction of the developer's carbon footprint over the lifecycle of the building helping reach net zero targets.
Recycle and Reuse
Manufactured from the most abundant component on earth, steel can be recycled or reused endlessly without detriment to its properties. This unique characteristic gives steel a high value at all stages of its lifecycle. The recovery infrastructure for steel recycling is highly developed and extremely efficient and has been in place for decades. Current recovery rates from demolition sites in the UK are 99% for structural steelwork and 96% for all steel construction products – figures that far exceed those for any other building material.
Site waste is virtually eliminated by the use of prefabricated light steel systems compared to the industry average wastage of 10% in construction materials. Cold rolled steel components are manufactured to length, the swarf and offcuts produced which are minimal, can be recycled so there is no production waste.
A lifecycle approach will be a 'game changer' for the light steel framing sector in the sustainability stakes and long-term analysis will show that steel is intrinsically more sustainable than other construction materials. Its properties make it the ultimate sustainable construction solution in terms of its longevity, material and recycling properties and most importantly, enhancing the safety credentials of new buildings.
About EOS
In collaboration with Etex group partners, Siniat, a leading expert in plasterboard and drylining, together with fire protection specialists Promat and FSi – EOS has developed light steel frame infill non-loadbearing and loadbearing walling and flooring systems. The steel used is made from 59% recycled content and is 100% recyclable.
The EOS range of Pre-Assembled Frames (PAF), Thruwall® and Thrubuild® systems have been developed to eliminate uncertainty surrounding specification decisions and are covered in the EPD. All components – light steel frame, external and internal boards, glass mineral wool insulation, fixtures and fixings – have been rigorously tested together for fire, acoustic, weathering, irtightness, and mechanical performance. Only tested configurations are available for specification. Following a validation process, Etex certify the EOS systems range and offer a 30-year product and performance warranty.
EOS Framing take their responsibilities as a manufacturer extremely seriously. Light steel frame systems are rigorously tested, manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards together with specifications and durability standards CE/ UKCA EN1090 and are backed by Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) Accreditation.
Delivering confidence and certainty in the construction process, EOS empower specifiers to be technical forerunners in the offsite sector and our Environmental Product Declaration can help reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings across all construction sectors.
For more information visit: www.eosframing.co.uk
Read the full article, go to Light Steel Frame Magazine
