Sustainability 101: Life Cycle of Steel Joists and Deck

The attributes and benefits of open web steel joists and steel deck are well known to the civil engineering community. Their efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio, versatility, ease of erection, high durability and cost-effectiveness make steel joists and deck pivotal elements of today’s roofing and flooring systems. However, less often discussed are the production process and the environmental impact of steel joists and deck. This webinar will dive into the life-cycle stages of steel joists and deck, leading the audience into the realm of steel manufacturing and sustainability. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of steel joists and deck will also be described. Considerations on how steel joists and deck could help designers meet sustainability targets and practical suggestions for specifying green steel products will be discussed. The webinar will also explore steel’s critical role in supporting a circular economy and zero-waste policies.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the life-cycle stages and manufacturing process of steel joists and deck.
• Comprehend the sources of carbon emissions associated with steel joists and deck production.
• Demonstrate why steel joists and deck provide an excellent option for sustainable construction.
• Become familiar with the concept of circular economy in the construction industry.