The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) now has a new member in ArcelorMittal. By becoming a member of the non-profit organization DGNB, the world's leading steel and mining company is now sending out a further signal of its contribution to an environmentally friendly and resource-saving construction industry, having already listed its building products in the DGNB Navigator database since 2020.
ArcelorMittal is already distinguishing itself through its technology for the CO2-neutral production of steel using renewable energies, the optimization and decarbonization of further refinement and production steps, logistics and the expansion and consolidation of the circular economy of the versatile material used in the construction industry.
"Construction accounts for 40 percent of global energy consumption, 40 percent of CO2 emissions, 30 percent of natural resources, 30 percent of waste and 20 percent of water consumption. Our challenge is to meet the world's growing needs while reducing our impact on the environment. As an infinitely recyclable and reusable material, steel is an ideal material for climate-friendly construction as it significantly reduces CO2 emissions in the building sector. With our XCarb® range, we are taking precisely this step: we use XCarb® to refer to all of ArcelorMittal's manufacturing processes, products, initiatives and innovation projects aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. We believe that our commitment to CO2-neutral steel can make a significant contribution to sustainable construction and will serve as a role model in the steel as well as the construction industry," said Dr. Lars Pfeiffer, CEO of ArcelorMittal Construction Germany, and Northern Europe.
"Sustainable construction means consciously handling and using existing resources, minimizing energy consumption and preserving the environment. To enforce this, we need strong members who embrace the ideas of the DGNB and work with like-minded companies to implement our sustainability concept. I am very pleased that ArcelorMittal is now part of this community," says Johannes Kreißig, Executive Director of the DGNB.
CO2-neutral steel production
CO2-neutral steel production plays a major role in reducing the carbon footprint in the construction sector. Manufacturing methods are changing, new industrial plants are being built, the use of renewable energy and scrap as a major raw material in steel production is increasing. Steel is suitable for any use in the construction industry, as it is a very durable, infinitely recyclable, but also very versatile material. It is an important material for the energy transition, as steel with the lowest possible carbon footprint is needed for wind power or photovoltaics.
ArcelorMittal's goal is to reduce European CO2 emissions by 35 percent by 2030 and to be CO2 neutral by 2050. All manufacturing processes, products, initiatives and innovation projects aimed at reducing CO2 emissions have been united by ArcelorMittal under the umbrella brand XCarb®. XCarb® steel made from recycled and renewable material is produced in an electric arc furnace using 100% renewable electricity and up to 100% scrap, already significantly reducing the carbon footprint of steel buildings.
