American Manufacturers Are Among the Cleanest in the World. Let’s prove it.

The following is an excerpt from RealClear Energy (read the full article). 

American Manufacturers Are Among the Cleanest in the World. Let’s prove it.
By Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute

January 17, 2024

Kevin Dempsey is the President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute.

U.S. manufacturers have a compelling environmental story. American companies produce goods that emit 40% less carbon dioxide (CO₂) than the global average for the same products.

The American steel industry, for example, has the lowest CO₂ emissions per ton of steel produced of any of the major steel-producing countries and accounts for just 1-2% of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Globally, the steel industry emits around 8% of total world GHG emissions.

The American steel industry, and the manufacturing sector as a whole, have made significant investments in cleaner and more sustainable production processes. With these innovative technologies, we are committed to further reducing our environmental impact.

But unless companies overseas do the same, American manufacturing’s commitment to sustainability will put us at a disadvantage.

This is because the U.S.’ higher environmental performance comes with costs that many of our competitors are exploiting to capture global market share.

Read the full article from RealClear Energy, including information about a policy initiative the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is considering called “Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency” (PROVE IT) Act, to create an official source to verify the superior carbon efficiency of vital American industries, like steel.

Sustainability Tools and Resources

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) and its partner organizations have developed tools and educational resources to provide information on the use of steel to create a more durable and sustainable infrastructure. These resources include:

Videos

• Durability Strategies for Steel Bridges
• Life Cycle Costs Matter When Comparing Steel and Concrete Girder Bridges
• Building a Sustainable Infrastructure Three-Part Video Series
• Sustainability and the Life Cycle of Steel

Tools

• Zinc Coating Life Predictor (American Galvanizers Association)
• Time to First Maintenance Chart for Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings (American Galvanizers Association)
• Sustainable Infrastructure Rating Systems
• Life Cycle Cost Calculator (National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association)

Resources

• Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
• Steel Bridge Construction: Myths & Realities
• Sustainability of the American Steel Industry
• North American Steel Industry Leading: Innovation and Environmental Sustainability

Webinars/Educational Events

• Webinar: Sustainable Development and Hot-Dip Galvanizing
• See the SSSBA Events Page