New alliance in the construction sector

METALS FOR BUILDINGS is a recently formed European alliance in the field of metals for recyclable and sustainable buildings and construction. It brings together nine European metals associations active in the building sector to promote the unique advantages of metal products for recyclable and sustainable buildings. METALS FOR BUILDINGS represents European companies involved in primary metal production, recycled metal production, and downstream metal industries. The European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) is pleased to support this new alliance.

 

Life cycle analysis of raw materials is of central importance. An efficient product life cycle is a key indicator of a raw material's future viability. “Today’s virgin metals are tomorrow’s recycled metals”, said Gordon Moffat, CEO of EUROFER. "For our society, metals represent a 100% recyclable material with no alteration of its properties, and as such, they help to minimize the impact of the exploitation of natural resources."

From this perspective, the use of metals should be considered an investment, not simply consumption. The collection and recycling of metal waste from building demolition or renovation is already a well-established business thanks to the high prices of scrap metal. Long lifespans, high secondary material prices, efficient recovery, low recycling costs, and infinite recyclability make metals the sustainable materials of tomorrow.

"Current European initiatives, standards and criteria mainly refer to the recycled proportion in the composition of materials, an indicator measuring resource savings, very common but insufficient" added Patrick de Schrynmakers, Secretary General of the European Aluminium Association. "Some products may contain a high proportion of recycled materials, but may not be recyclable a second time due to a significant alteration of their properties. Metals, on the other hand, are infinitely recyclable without losing their properties."

METALS FOR BUILDINGS calls on European legislators to highlight the exceptional qualities of metals in construction and their benefits for future generations, taking end-of-life recycling into account in all studies.

David Wilson, ELSIA Secretary, commented: « Sustainability regulations should not only address the origin of a material, but also consider its destination after use. European legislators should not ignore the fact that metals have very high recycling rates.. In the case rolled lead for construction, 100% comes from recycled metal and more than 95% finally returns to life in the recycling loop – it’s hard to find a more sustainable material.”