Is Light Gauge Steel more sustainable than structural steel? We believe so. Here are a few comparisons to help you decide.

When 1 ton of structural steel is made in a Basic Oxygen Furnace or blast furnace, it generates approx. 1.7-1.8 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The purifying and hot rolling process consumes approx. 20-25 gigajoules of energy.

To convert I-beams or universal beams into finished products, the steel is cut to size with power saws, sandblasted, welded together, and painted to prevent corrosion. Each one of these steps involves extra emissions and energy. If the steel is used in our domain (on a rooftop), it requires a big crane which has to stay onsite as long as the sections are moved into place due to their weight. More emissions.

Compare this to our favourite: Light Gauge Steel. There are only approx. 0.4-0.8 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per ton in an Electric Arc Furnace. The purifying and cold rolling requires approx. 7-9 gigajoules of energy.

Our roll-formers cut exact lengths of steel — no wastage. No cutting, welding, or painting. And our ultra-lightweight prefabricated systems only require a small to medium crane for as long as it takes to place them on the roof, then it can leave. Our installers carry sections by hand with ease.

These are some of the sustainable reasons why we choose Light Gauge Steel for our platforms, screen walls and louvres.