Advancements in products, production methods, and new technologies have helped POSCO expand the expectations of what a sustainable steel company should be.  

In honor of Earth Day, The Steel Wire takes a look back at seven recent initiatives & breakthroughs from the last year that have helped POSCO become an industry leader in sustainable development.

POSCO GIGA STEEL: Lighter for EVs, Less Production Emissions

As the auto industry heads toward producing lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles, they need materials that are both strong and light. Car bodies manufactured with POSCO GIGA STEEL and other advanced high strength steels could see a 26% reduction in total weight. Also, based on its life cycle assessment measuring carbon dioxide emissions from production to recycling, POSCO GIGA STEEL performs remarkably well as an eco-friendly material. According to the World Steel Association, steel emits 2.0 to 2.5 kg of carbon emissions when producing 1 kg of material while aluminum emits 11 to 12.6 kg when producing the same amount.

See how POSCO GIGA STEEL offers an ideal material solution for automakers looking to make more lightweight and fuel efficient cars.

POSCO’s Smart Factory Introduces Artificial Intelligence

When POSCO introduced artificial intelligence into its smart factory operations in February, they were able to create higher quality products using a more sustainable production method. Coating weight control is a highly sophisticated process that keeps the coating layer consistent. Quality can deviate depending on the worker, but with POSCO’s new AI technology they can ensure quality control while reducing wasted zinc during production.

Read more about how POSCO is using AI and smart factory technology to make its operations more efficient and sustainable.

POSCO’s Advancements in Lithium Extraction Recharge the Battery Industry

Lithium extraction traditionally takes anywhere from 12-18 months using a slow evaporation technique. However, POSCO’s new extraction method, which came online in February of this year, takes from 8 hours up to one month while also offering a purity rate of 99.9% and increasing the lithium recovery rate to over 80%, which reduces the resources needed for extraction making the process more sustainable and eco-friendly. Also, in a first for the industry, POSCO developed a way to extract lithium from recycled batteries. Both of these innovations have helped create more eco-friendly processes for an industry that is expected to grow exponentially in coming years.

Find out more about POSCO’s developments in lithium extraction and its efforts to reshape the industry.

POSCO Expands Production of its Non-Oriented Silicon Steel for Electric Vehicle Drive Motors

Top-grade non-oriented silicon steel is a core ingredient in high-efficiency premium consumer electronics and electric vehicles. It is an environmentally-friendly material that saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions. With the completion of its non-oriented silicon steel (Hyper NO) facility on February 20, production has increased from 80,000 to 160,000 tons, which is enough to supply parts for approximately 2.6 million electric vehicle drive motors.

Read more about POSCO’s efforts secure its position as a leading supplier to the growing electric vehicle market.

POSCO Humans Selected as Innovation Leader for Sustainable Solar Power Development

POSCO Humans received excellent evaluations last January for its steel structures that were built for solar facility installations. In particular, POSCO Humans received high marks for its structure that are used exclusively for floating solar power generation facilities and exclusive bolts that utilize PosMAC. It is a bolt-assembled structure that eliminates the need for hole machining and special tools.

Discover how POSCO developed floating solar panels using PosMAC.

POSCO’s World Premium Stainless Steel Shows No Corrosion After 18 Years at Incheon Airport

The first passenger terminal at Incheon International Airport was built in 2001 using POSCO’s 446M steel, and after 18 years, few signs of corrosion have been seen. Building exteriors and roofs are the most visible parts of buildings, while also being the most vulnerable to corrosion. Materials used in their construction should be both corrosion-resistant and aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, when planning for the second terminal, they decided to use the same type of steel along with the application of the bead blast process that will create a rough texture on the roof to lower the reflectivity rate for aircraft pilots during take-offs and landings.

Find out how POSCO’s stainless steel products offer decorative and durable interior and exterior options in buildings.

PosMAC Shines at Renewable Energy India

PosMAC was recognized at the Renewable Energy India expo for its unique properties that make it uniquely suited for solar energy development. PosMAC is not just lightweight, it is also non-corrosive and durable enough to last 20-30 years.

Find out more about PosMAC at the Renewable Energy India expo, or find out more about PosMAC.

Throughout April & May, The Steel Wire will explore the uses and benefits of POSCO GIGA STEEL and what POSCO is doing to lead the industry with new automotive steel solutions.   Subscribe to our newsletter today.

Steel has become a crucial ingredient for our effort towards a greener future, and we can see it becoming more popular as eco-friendly methods gain momentum over conventional building techniques in the construction industry.

So what makes steel such a valuable material for energy-saving homes? Several reasons can explain to the prospective homeowner as to why the metal should be highly considered for a more sustainable future.

Recyclable and Durable

Steel is one of the most recyclable materials in the construction industry – and this is due to its reusability. It does not wear down after years of use, and can easily be repurposed for other uses without losing any of its original properties. The metal is considered 98% recyclable, which is more than almost every other material used for building.

Building frames are one of the core construction elements that developers like to use steel for, since reliability is an appealing characteristic for composing structural foundations.

When steel is used for a project, each piece is manufactured for a specific purpose and custom designed to fit the structure. Wood and other materials usually come to the construction site in freeform, so when it becomes tailored to fit its designated place, the excess parts produce waste when discarded.

Conservation Practices

Since it’s considered one of the strongest materials on the market, steel can also support thicker layers of insulation without affecting its overall structure. Thicker insulation lets homes maintain ideal temperatures in hot or cold weather, which ultimately cuts costs on energy bills.

Steel’s high strength to weight ratio also lets it require less material than traditional building technologies, which could result in saving 30 to 70% more in natural resources. The lighter structures contribute to a 30% reduction of CO₂ emissions during construction.

Solar panels are another way that steel frames are able to reduce energy and cut costs. Steel is strong enough to support solar panels, and, also, a typical return on investment for a solar panel is 15-20%.

Environmentally Sound

One of the greatest characteristics of steel is that it is impervious to mold and termites. Unlike wood or other natural materials, it does not require any special management to prevent mold, decay or insect infestation – excellent for buildings that can stand the test of time.

Steel is also resistant to natural occurrences, such as snowstorms, earthquakes and floods. In current times, where earthquakes have become more frequent in different parts of the world, it’s reassuring to know that steel homes can resist earthquakes up to 7.9 on the Richter scale.

Water damage is also not a problem for steel, hence contamination from mold and insect infestations are not common issues for building owners.

Modular Convenience

There are two green building techniques that have spearheaded trends outside the traditional methods of building, and steel plays a primary part in both processes.

Prefabricated homes, or homes that are manufactured off-site, are structures that come in standard sections that can be easily shipped and put together. They save a lot of time and money, especially since less specialized workers are needed and the frames are created for immediate assembly.

Many prefab parts are made from steel, due to its flexibility to be formed into interesting and customizable designs. Some of the more advanced steel frame systems are made to be extremely lightweight and precise – they are often laser cut to produce a prefab foundation that is modern while eco-friendly.

Raised metal frames also have a low carbon footprint and are less intrusive to the surrounding ecosystem, since modular homes do not require a lot of site modification.

Zero Waste

Another type of building, zero-energy buildings, have also caught steam in modern sustainable construction.

Zero-energy buildings (ZEB), or net-zero energy buildings (NZEB) are defined as buildings with zero net energy consumption – meaning the annual amount of energy used per year is almost equal to the energy produced on site.

They’re specially designed to use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, allowing them to operate independent of the electric grid that chains traditional homes. Steel’s role in zero-energy buildings begins in the steel beams that form the skeleton, attributing to these homes’ high ceilings and large interiors, which also help save energy.

Also, as people started to realize the negative environmental effects buildings can have, governments are developing codes and standards to make them more sustainable. Long-lasting steel not only supports green building, but also reduces costs – another important reason zero-energy buildings are gaining interest.

Steel for the Long Run

As more and more people become interested in green building, the use of steel for these purposes has steadily grown steadily. Cold-formed steel is considered to be the highest in terms of sustainability, and has even become recognized in major green building programs.

With people and even local governments becoming more interested in prefabricated homes and zero-energy buildings, we are bound to see the usage of steel develop in the years to come.

Both individuals and corporations must become more environmentally responsible, being mindful of the levels of waste water, trash and emissions produced both at home and in the office. Considering these factors in the architectural designs of the future, we can ensure a healthy and sustainable planet. Yet, a number of buildings are a step ahead and have already incorporated sustainability into their own designs, setting the precedent for future architectural endeavors. On this World Environment Day, let’s take a look at a few of them.

Northeast Asia Trade Tower (NEATT)

Standing 68 stories tall, the Northeast Asia Trade Tower in Songdo International Business District, Incheon, is the tallest structure in South Korea. It is also the crown jewel of POSCO’s leading innovative technology, utilizing revolutionary features such as a 3D exterior design, a seismic force resisting system and high level security and anti-disaster measures.

Yet, NEATT, which is a mix of office spaces, a luxury hotel, serviced residences and retail stores, also serves as a model of sustainable design strategies, carefully balancing energy conservation, increased indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. Its range of passive design strategies, which include daylighting, natural ventilation and energy efficient HVAC systems, as well as its eco-friendly, non-toxic construction materials, have ensured that the skyscraper is not only friendly to the environment, but to its human inhabitants, too.

Monte Rosa Hut

Perched above the skiing mecca of Zermatt, Switzerland, the Monte Rosa Hut is a lodging space used by hikers in route to the summit of the same name on icy glacier treks. The five-story crystal-shaped building was constructed on stainless-steel foundations with a wooden spiral interior covered by a silver aluminum shell. During its construction, materials and workers were transported by train to Zermatt, requiring 3,000 helicopter trips.

The hut uses solar power for about 90 percent of its energy and heat requirements. Excess energy is stored in valve-regulated lead-acid accumulators, which ensure power in all kinds of weather. Large windows allow the sun to heat air inside the building, and melting glaciers in the area provide the lodge’s water supply, which is collected and stored in a nearby reservoir. (Image from http://bit.ly/1AJVsUa)

Meera Sky Garden

Perhaps no other building on this list is as one with nature as the Meera Sky Garden in Sentosa, Singapore. This eye-catching, eco-friendly home was designed by Guz Architects, and it overlooks the island’s harbor.

Divided into four distinctive floors, each of which is covered with a grass roof, the home appears as if it is four separate houses, yet is still seamlessly connected by a natural element. Not only are these garden-like spaces visually pleasing, but the grassy roofs help to keep the interior temperatures at a minimum, saving energy. (Image from http://bit.ly/1ddeBTx)

Pixel

While Pixel’s chaotic, colorful exterior is the first thing one might notice about the small office building in Melbourne, Australia, its sustainable design is what really makes it noteworthy. Some of its design innovations include a panel shade system that allows natural light into the office, while at the same time, reducing glare and heat. More impressively, Pixel utilizes wind turbines to generate its own electricity.

As Australia’s first carbon neutral office building, Pixel was also the first building to ever be granted a perfect score on the country’s Green Star sustainability rating system. (Image from http://bit.ly/1JoxIpS)

Bank of America

When the Bank of America building was erected in Manhattan, New York in 2009, it set the standard for all environmentally responsible buildings to come. Its base-to-roof insulating glass external structure enhances heat insulation while creating a large source of natural light, while the building’s extensive solar panels produce energy for the building.

And the Bank of America knows how to save water. Its greywater system collects and recycles waste from sinks and water fountains into the refrigeration system, while its catchment systems collect and save around 45 inches of rain that fall on the site each year. Such sustainable features landed the skyscraper the LEED Platinum Award, the highest level of the internationally recognized green building rating system.

The Change Initiative

In a city that is seemingly ever under construction, The Change Initiative (TCI), an eco-lifestyle shop that stocks everything from environmentally-conscious detergent to greywater recycling tools, sets itself apart from other buildings in Dubai.

Often noted as one of the most sustainable commercial buildings in the world, the majority of the materials used to create TCI are recyclable. The roof is coated with heat-reflective paint and is embellished with solar panels that generate about 40 percent of the building’s energy, while the building’s outer structure has three times the insulation of the average building. (Image from Gundeep Singh) 

For more information about current worldwide green initiatives and for ways that you can “consume with care,” check out the World Environment Day website.

The POSCO Green Building, which was completed in 1 year and 2 months after starting construction last September, consists of an office building (5 floors, B1~4F, total square of 5571㎡), joint housing building of 5 units (3 floors), 4 modular home units and a PR exhibition hall.

 The POSCO Green Building was carried out as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport R&D project, ‘Research on spreading green technology to market demand-based new buildings’ which aims to present a new approach to domestic green building construction, and considered environment-friendly and low energy in the processes from design and construction to operation and disposal.

 More than 100 green technologies including solar power, geothermal air-conditioning and heating, vacuum outsulation, and ICT (Information Communication Technology) are applied to the building, optimizing energy performance and saving energy usage from 30 to 100% compared to existing buildings. Further, it is an environment-friendly building where approximately 35% of the energy required by the building is self-generated utilizing new renewable energy.

 Energy reduction materials developed by POSCO were also greatly used. In the front of the building, a steel curtain wall, which boasts the best domestic insulation performance, was installed, generating insulation effects of more than double existing aluminum curtain walls, while vacuum outsulation was applied to the exterior walls to increase heat retention ability.

 In addition, self-cleaning steel plates were applied to the building’s exterior walls, allowing for the overall exterior to maintain a clean appearance while pollutants can be removed by rainwater. This steel plate has a 30% longer lifecycle than regular steel plates. High corrosion-resistant alloy gilt steel plates were used in the facilities to save rainwater, and high manganese steel that reduces vibration was experimentally applied for the first time to the sound-blocking floor to solve noise between floors.

 The Green Building also considers the environment in disposal on top of construction. Slag from production of melted iron was incorporated in place of cement, an important construction material, to reduce energy necessary to produce the cement. Reuse steel structure methods were applied to the steel frame for the building. Dampers were installed to absorb vibration to prevent shifts from external shocks such as earthquakes, and supplementary materials were combined using bolts so they can be reused once the building’s lifecycle ends.

 Further, a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), which controls air-conditioning & heating and OLED lighting automatically by analyzing the production-delivery-consumption process of energy and sensing temperature differences caused by sunlight, is applied to improve energy efficiency and allow intelligent energy management.

 POSCO plans to utilize the Green Building as a model to spread energy-reduction type homes.

 The POSCOMAGIC R&D Center, which focuses on non-ferrous mineral research, will be also established in the Green Building, consistently carrying out industry-academia research linked with POSCO’s non-ferrous business and developing competitive new environment-friendly materials

 A showroom will also be made available in the PR exhibition hall, marketing environment-friendly steel construction materials applied to the Green Building, while the design-construction-energy management system operation experience of the Green Building will be proactively utilized for the green construction industry both domestically and internationally, contributing to the creation of new demand in environment-friendly steel construction materials. In addition, the Green Building will be open to the public and give an opportunity to meet new materials and steel construction materials applied in the building.