How low-carbon steel is forming the backbone of British infrastructure

Low-carbon steel is becoming increasingly common in construction projects across the UK, supporting ambitions to reduce embodied carbon and contribute towards net-zero targets.

Made from recycled steel scrap and transformed through electric arc furnace production, low-carbon steel marks a step change in the steel used in construction. Rather than being produced through carbon intensive methods such as blast furnaces, low-carbon steel represents a cleaner, greener future that aligns with the industry’s ambitions.

In this blog, we’ll explore how low-carbon steel is strengthening construction projects right across the UK, and what that means along the supply chain – from the communities where steel is produced right through to where it is being used in construction projects.

Why the construction industry needs low-carbon steel

It’s no secret that overarching ambitions to achieve net-zero by 2050 is changing the face of construction. From changes in building practices through to the materials used to build everything from homes to railways, the construction sector is evolving at pace.

While change is constant, some things remain familiar. Steel has been at the heart of construction projects for more than a century, bringing the strength needed to support structures. Today, steel remains as one of the most used materials in construction, with changes largely down to how it’s sourced and made.

These factors in supply are crucial for the construction industry, especially as levels of embodied carbon play a role in determining the sustainability of modern buildings. While overseas steel is often available at lower prices, higher levels of embodied, shipping and longer lead times are the compromise. Instead, steel produced in the UK offers a low-carbon alternative that’s readily available and supports a vital domestic industry.

In practice, that means choosing UK-made low-carbon steel delivers greater levels of certainty and traceability for new projects.

Paving the way for sustainable infrastructure

Sourcing materials responsibly is the starting point for any project that has sustainability in mind. Infrastructure projects are a good example of this, particularly in the renewable energy sector which is investing heavily to secure future certainty.

Wind power projects are well underway with offshore developments in the North Sea and Irish Sea, while investment in Hinkley Point C is supporting the transition to hydrogen. Even away from renewables, significant investment in HS2 is securing the future of high-speed travel in the UK.

All of these projects demand steel to reinforce structural strength. Not only does this steel underpin strength today and support construction process, but it also ensures the longevity of structures – which is crucial in a landscape that is increasingly defined by long-term sustainability.

UK-made low-carbon steel for a sustainable future

At 7 Steel Service, all of our steel reinforcement is made right here in the UK. Starting life as steel scrap that has been sourced domestically and processed to ensure the highest quality, it is then recycled through an Electric Arc Furnace in Cardiff to produce low-carbon steel. What’s more, this entire process takes place through 7 Steel UK, ensuring certainty throughout the production chain.

Once new steel is produced, we get to work in creating reinforcement steel for projects across the country. From cut and bent rebar and reinforcing mesh, through to prefabricated units, each of our products is made in the UK from 100% UK-sourced low-carbon steel.

That means our customers – and their projects – can benefit from shorter supply chains, production and quality certainty, as well as hands-on support. In short, we’re not just delivering low-carbon steel reinforcement, we’re delivering strength, support and simplicity.

Whether we’re supporting major contractors to create the next generation of renewable energy on projects like Priest gill Wind Farm or Net Zero Teesside Power Station, or underpinning the longevity of flagship railway projects such as HS2 – for which our team received the prestigious Best Performing Supplier status – 7 Steel Service is helping to build the future of British infrastructure.

7 Steel Service: leading the way in low-carbon steel

At 7 Steel Service, we’re proud to be supporting UK projects to make significant strides towards a greener future with the use of low-carbon steel reinforcement.

With every stage of our production taking place within the UK as part of 7 Steel UK, every piece of steel reinforcement we produce does more than underpin the strength of new projects. It strengthens UK resilience, bolsters local communities and contributes towards the long-term security of our industry.

Find out why we’re the perfect low-carbon steel partner for your next project here 7 Steel Service or stay up to date with our latest work on LINKEDIN