Debunking Common Myths About Steel’s Sustainability

Updated: October 23, 2025

Steel is often misunderstood when it comes to sustainability. Despite its reputation as a heavy, energy-intensive material, modern structural steel is among the most sustainable building options available. The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has addressed several prevalent myths to shed light on steel’s true environmental impact. (AISC Sustainability)

Myth #1: Green Steel Increases Project Costs and Delays

Reality: Most structural steel used in the U.S. is already “green.” Produced in electric arc furnaces from recycled scrap, these wide-flange members contain an average of 93% recycled content. This process not only reduces emissions but also maintains cost and schedule parity with traditional steel production methods. Choosing steel doesn’t mean compromising on sustainability. (Sustainability by the Numbers)

Myth #2: American Steel Mills Are Outdated and Polluting

Reality: The landscape of American steel mills has transformed. Advancements in electric arc furnace technology have significantly reduced emissions. Today, steel production is cleaner and more efficient, with mills operating in harmony with the environment.

Myth #3: Local Sourcing of Other Materials Is Always Greener

Reality: Steel’s exceptional strength-to-weight ratio means less material is needed, reducing transportation emissions. While other materials may be sourced locally, their lower strength requires more material to achieve the same structural integrity, leading to higher environmental impacts. (Myth vs. Fact: The Sustainability of Steel vs. Timber)

Myth #4: Steel Is Not Recyclable

Reality: Steel boasts a remarkable recycling capability. At the end of a building’s life, 98% of its structural steel is recovered, with over 95% being melted and reused without loss of properties. This “multi-cycling” ensures steel remains a valuable resource throughout its lifecycle. (More than Recycled Content)

“At the end of a building’s life, 98% of its structural steel is recovered, with over 95% being melted and reused without loss of properties.”

Myth #5: Steel-Making Is Extractive and Hard to Recycle

Reality: Contrary to this belief, steel is inherently circular. The industry is moving towards net-zero emissions, with ongoing innovations in recycling and deconstruction. Designing buildings for deconstruction and reusing steel components are becoming standard practices, further integrating steel into the circular economy. (Circular economy)

Myth #6: The Steel Industry Isn’t Innovating in Sustainability

Reality: The steel industry is at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Transitioning from traditional blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces has already halved the carbon footprint of steel. With investments in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, the industry is committed to achieving net-zero emissions in the coming decades. (AISC’s Sustainability Partner Program)

Myth #7: All countries use equally sustainable production methods

Reality: The U.S. steel industry boasts the lowest average carbon emissions intensity among the top steel producers worldwide. This is due to a high share of EAF steelmaking (70%) and a clean electricity grid. Sourcing your steel domestically is one of the easiest ways to reduce the footprint of your project’s steel package. (China, Global Warming and Hot-Rolled Structural Steel Sections)

“The U.S. steel industry boasts the lowest average carbon emissions intensity among the top steel producers worldwide.”

Conclusion

Steel stands as a testament to modern sustainability in construction. Its recyclability, efficiency, and ongoing innovations make it a cornerstone of eco-friendly building practices. For those aiming to reduce their project’s environmental impact, steel is not just a viable option—it’s a leading choice.

For more insights into sustainable steel practices and recommended specification language, explore AISC’s Sustainability Designer Toolkit at aisc.org/sustainability-toolbox/sustainability-designer-toolkit/.

ABOUT OUR EXPERT:

Max Puchtel is the Director of Government Relations and Sustainability at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). He represents the structural steel community on state and federal government issues, including Buy American policies, trade, transportation funding, and Buy Clean policies; and he’s responsible for leading AISC sustainability efforts, including the development and publication of three industry-wide Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for fabricated structural steel. He is active in many professional, standards, and industry groups; including the Structural Engineering Institute (ASCE-SEI) Sustainability Committee, the National Council of Structural Engineering Associations (NCSEA) Sustainable Design Committee, Association for Iron and Steel Technology, and Green Globes Consensus Bodies.

About the American Institute of Steel Construction

Based in Chicago, AISC is a not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry in the United States. AISC supports a wide variety of technical and market-building activities, including specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, sustainability and industry advocacy. For more than a century, AISC has been a reliable resource for information and advice on the design and construction of domestically fabricated structural steel buildings and bridges.