Sustainable Development

The desire for sustainable development and green building practices continues to rise as everyone learns more about the environmental advantages. Sustainable development is the social, economic, and environmental commitment to growth and development that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Hot-dip galvanizing can contribute positively to sustainable development initiatives because of its longevity in corrosion protection, 100% recyclability, and minimal environmental impact.
Click here for an overview of benefits hot-dip galvanized steel provides.

The hot-dip galvanized coating is comprised of over 98% zinc metal. Zinc is a naturally occurring element commonly found in all living organisms, and is essential to life. Zinc, like steel, is 100% recyclable without the loss of any properties. Additionally, because galvanizing provides maintenance-free corrosion protection for 50+ years, it does not require additional energy, materials, or environmental impact expended to constantly maintain the coating.

The following pages include information about the low environmental impact of hot-dip galvanized steel based on life-cycle assessment (LCA); the thorough study of product/material “greenness.” LCA measures energy use and emissions from the cradle. i.e. mining of zinc and steel, to the grave, meaning through the galvanizing process, and throughout the use and end of life phases.

Additionally you will find research about how coupled with low life-cycle cost, the second element of sustainable development, hot-dip galvanized steel is truly a smart and sustainable construction material.

If your environmental interest is more of a snapshot in time, the LEED® page explains how LEED® credits/points can be earned by using hot-dip galvanized steel in building construction.

Finally, the remaining pages contain information from the International Zinc Association’s (IZA) focusing on zinc metal itself as a healthy, environmentally safe, and 100% recyclable metal.

To learn more about hot-dip galvanizing’s sustainability visit any of the following pages: