Archive for category: General News

European steel will burn through emissions budget 15 years ahead of time, unless new technologies are deployed within the next decade

• Only a quarter of these companies’ carbon budget remains, and current trajectories would see the industry exceed its budget in 2035.
• Companies have between now and 2033 to stop using current production methods and invest in new steelmaking technologies.
• The cost of transitioning is estimated at between US$4 and 34 billion for these companies, so they will need to rely on public funding and partnerships.
• SSAB and ArcelorMittal rank highest on their readiness for the transition, while Severstal, Metinvest and Erdemir are identified as being least prepared.

Tuesday, 14^th September 2021, London: A new report from Industry Tracker, the climate research house for investors, has found that the European steel industry has less than 26%  (12-35%) of its carbon budget remaining and companies must rapidly shift their business models to reach net zero. This means the industry’s existing assets could release 2.3 billion tonnes of CO2 in their lifetime, compared to a 2050 budget of just over 3 billion (based on the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario).

The report, Steeling for Net Zero, provides an in-depth assessment of 10 of the largest and most impactful steel companies, that account for 68% of primary steel production in Europe, including ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel, Thyssenkrupp and SSAB. The research analyses how these companies are positioned to action transition plans and achieve net zero, based on their targets and existing asset portfolios.

Having been on an upward trajectory since the mid-20^th century, emissions from steel now account for 7-9% of all global emissions, and demand for the metal is on the rise.

The biggest contributor to emissions from the steelmaking process comes from the blast furnace. This is the dominant method of making primary steel and has been in use since the 14^th century. With this carbon intensive method, there is no way of achieving the required reduction in emissions to meet the EU’s 2050 net zero target. Reductions from efficiency improvements have all but plateaued – over the last two decades, the companies analysed have only reduced their emissions intensity by an average of 1% per year.

Blast furnaces have a long life cycle of about 15-20 years before they need upgrading. This is an expensive process, costing on average US$175 million, meaning these furnaces cannot be shut down prematurely without incurring write-offs. This risks companies getting locked in to carbon intensive methods unless they start investing in new technologies and timing their transition correctly.

Industry Tracker’s analysis finds that these companies will need to stop renewing blast furnaces before 2030 and have between now and 2033 to begin investing in new technologies, including green hydrogen steelmaking. The estimated cost of making the shift to green hydrogen DRI ranges between US$4 and 34 billion for companies, depending on the size of their current asset base. Using asset-level data, it is revealed that these companies have collectively used up three quarters of their 2050 carbon budget, and in a worse case projection, 3 companies have already exceeded their budget from locked-in emissions.

8 of the 10 companies analysed have emissions reduction targets, with ArcelorMittal, Voestalpine, Tata Steel and Salzgitter all making commitments to become net-zero, climate or carbon neutral by 2050, whilst SSAB aims to achieve this by 2045.  However, most of the emissions cuts outlined in these targets come after 2030, when they are at high risk of missing the window for investing in vital new technologies.

The analysis does show that some of the leading European steel companies – such as SSAB, ArcelorMittal and Tata Steel – are starting to develop the low-carbon innovations required to significantly reduce their footprint. This includes hydrogen-based steel production which can reduce emissions to near zero, as well as Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) which could cut emissions from traditional steelmaking routes in the mid-term.

70% of the companies in the report are involved in projects developing “blue” or “green” hydrogen production, including ArcelorMittal, Thyssenkrupp and SSAB. This is encouraging as it indicates they are not just investing in hydrogen-based steel production technologies, but are also getting involved in developing supply chains to ensure they have access to the large volumes of hydrogen needed to scale up this type of sustainable steelmaking.

For the most part, however, these technologies are still early stage, and they must be rapidly scaled and commercialised to meet global climate targets.

The current balance sheets and cash flows of these steel companies are not sufficient to support the cost of the transition. This means companies must leverage partnership opportunities, whilst subsidies, direct public funding and investment capital must be made available.

Carole Ferguson, Managing Director of Industry Tracker, commented: “Steel is used across many products and sectors that are integral to the way we live. However, with a large carbon footprint and a growing emissions profile, steel remains a problem child in the path to net zero. With momentum starting to build for new technologies, particularly green hydrogen, steel companies have the opportunity to break out of their current capital intensive business models. I am optimistic that with public support, cross sector partnerships and investment capital seeking to solve the climate crisis, steel companies have the potential to lead the way in the transition and drive the green hydrogen economy.”

Code for Construction Product Information published to raise standards

• Eleven clause Code for Construction Product Information published
• Code guidance and ‘Preparing for the Code’ information pack issued to support manufacturer preparation for registration
• Management of Code transferred from CPA to independently governed CPI Ltd

The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), Code Guidance and a ‘Preparing for the Code’  information pack have been launched today to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information in the manufacturing industry.

The Code has been developed as a direct response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster. The Code promotes urgent positive culture and behaviour change in the approach and management of product information by the construction product manufacturing industry.

The Code offers manufacturers the opportunity to demonstrate a progressive approach through their willingness to provide assurance for their product information, and recognition for their efforts to prioritise product safety.

It aims to ensure that disingenuous marketing practices and the provision of misleading product information becomes a thing of the past, so that those using products in the construction and maintenance of buildings – including specifiers, architects, consultants and contractors, as well as the ultimate end users of the building – can trust the information provided by manufacturers when making design decisions, installing and using and maintaining verified products.

A robust eleven point code published

The Code – developed by the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following industry-wide consultation – has been built on the principle that product information must be Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous. The Code has eleven clauses covering critical aspects from responsibility for product information to transparency of information regarding performance, proof of stated claims and general information and competency.

An independent and robust validation process is being put in place to underpin the Code that will rebuild trust in the provision and management of product information by all stakeholders, setting the market for UK construction products ahead of others.

Support for manufacturers preparing for the verification process

Alongside Code guidance, a ‘Preparing for the Code’ information pack has been published today to help manufacturers gain an understanding of the Code and prepare for the verification journey.

Registration for verification will open towards the end of 2021, supported by detailed guidance. Organisations can register their interest now to receive updates ahead of the launch of verification.

Independently managed Code and verification

Management of the published Code and its verification has been formally handed over from the Construction Products Association to Construction Product Information Ltd (CPI Ltd) – a newly established not-for-profit organisation with independent governance and management being set-up to administer the CCPI.

Adam Turk, Chairman, Construction Products Association’s (CPA) Marketing Integrity Group

“I am delighted that the Code has been completed, with responsibility now handed over to the team at CPI Ltd who will administer and run it. The entirety of the construction industry has contributed to this work over the last three years, through numerous engagements, a Call For Evidence and an Industry Consultation. My sincere thanks go to the many members of the Marketing Integrity Group and the Technical Sub-Committee; your input, engagement, earnest debate and stoic determination to get this right is to be commended and applauded. The industry is indebted to you.

“There has been overwhelming support for the principle of the Code itself as we endeavour to re-instil confidence in construction products generally. It is now time for our Industry to demonstrate its integrity by getting behind the Code, and putting building safety first. The faster that all Manufacturers register their interest and begin the journey, the sooner that users of our information will be able to rely on it to be Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous.”

Dame Judith Hackitt DBE, Author, Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety said:

“Clear and unambiguous product information is an essential element in rebuilding confidence and trust which was lost after the tragedy of Grenfell Tower. I am pleased to see industry taking action and publishing the Code for Construction Product Information. Responsible manufacturers can and should now lead the way in doing the right thing and be recognised for doing so.”

Amanda Long, Chief Executive of Construction Product Information Ltd, said:

“The Code should be a priority for all involved with construction product manufacturing. By focusing on culture, leadership and ethics the Code for Construction Product Information will build trust and is a progressive step towards ensuring that building safety is a priority for those responsible for the provision of construction product information.”

Enabling responsible manufacturers to assure their product information and be recognised for their efforts, the Code will support urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the industry ahead of regulation.”

www.cpicode.org.uk

BRONZE AND IRON AGE SKELETONS UNCOVERED AT CAMBRIDGESHIRE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

A team of archaeologists have unearthed human remains during the excavation of a Bronze to early Iron Age settlement on This Land’s™ Burwell site, in advance of the development of 350 new homes.

Vapourtec’s easy-HC10 delivers significant cost savings

A unique handheld sprayer has been launched which turns mildly salty tap water into a powerful disinfectant which kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19.

The easy-HC10 uses an electrochemical reaction to instantly convert tap water containing just 0.25% salt into hypochlorous acid, a powerful disinfectant which the human body itself produces to fight infection.

It’s thought the British designed and manufactured device could be adopted by cleaning companies and operators eager to reduce the need to buy and store traditional disinfectant.

The easy-HC10 has been designed by Vapourtec, a leading manufacturer of flow chemistry equipment used throughout research and the chemicals industry.

“Hypochlorous acid is a powerful disinfectant which our bodies already use to kill germs. The easy-HC10 instantly produces it from nothing more than tap water and salt, eradicating the need for costly disinfectant” says Duncan Guthrie, Vapourtec’s founder and Managing Director.

Hypochlorous acid is a disinfectant which occurs naturally in the blood stream of all mammals. Highly effective at killing bacteria, fungi and viruses, and neutralising odours, it is also one of the only disinfectant agents which is non-toxic to humans.

It is used commercially as a powerful disinfectant but has a relatively short shelf life when stored.

The new easy-HC10 is a handheld sprayer powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and features a 2-litre reservoir which is filled with tap water and just 5 grams of salt.

Pulling the trigger produces an instant spray of hypochlorous acid solution, the concentration of which can be controlled depending on the intensity of disinfection needed, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

The spray rapidly kills germs and viruses, yet is safe to use on solid and fabric surfaces and around people and pets.

The battery has a 90-minute run time and each 2 litres of water produces around 25 minutes of continuous spraying, making the device ideal for disinfecting larger areas like offices, schools, health settings and public transport.

However, it’s the cost saving and convenience which the creators believe will appeal most to potential users.

“The easy-HC10 means there is no need to buy, store and carry around traditional disinfectant or bleach. It can cost up to 96% less to use than NHS-grade disinfectants” adds Duncan.

With commercial disinfectant costing between £0.75 and £4 per litre, the easy-HC10 requires just a few pence worth of tap water and 5 grams of salt each time it is refilled.

The device weighs just 3kg when empty and features a shoulder strap for carrying and operation. It dispenses the fine disinfectant spray at a rate of around 5 litres per hour for commercial and professional use.

“The device has some sound environmental benefits too as the disinfectant leaves no harmful residue and it eradicates the need for single-use plastic disinfectant bottles” adds Duncan.

The unique micro-Ion flow reactor within the device is protected by a patent and the easy-HC10 is now available to buy through Vapourtec and online.

Visit www.easy-hclo.com for more details

Following the sobering message from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, a coalition led by C40, the Global Alliance for Building and Construction (GlobalABC), The Resilience Shift, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announce #BuildingToCOP26 — a partnership to promote radical collaboration for climate action ahead of the Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day at COP26.

The BuildingToCOP26 Coalition — a group of business and government networks focused on sustainability in the built environment — are coming together for the first time to spotlight the built environment’s potential in accelerating climate action.

Working with the UN High Level Climate Champions, the COP26 Presidency and the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Coalition’s efforts will culminate on 11 November at the COP26 Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day, which will rally awareness, action and collaboration among all stakeholders in the
built environment.

Why cities, regions and the built environment matter

Buildings are responsible for almost 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions and 50% of all extracted materials. By 2050, 1.6 billion urban dwellers will be regularly exposed to extremely high temperatures and over 800 million people living in more than 570 cities will be vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal flooding.

By 2050, the world’s building stock will double and almost 70% of the global population is projected to live in urban areas. By 2060, global material use is expected to more than double and a third of this rise is attributable to materials used in the building and construction system. The built environment’s demand on natural resources accelerates climate change, and inefficient, unhealthy buildings negatively impact human health and wellbeing. However, efficient buildings are one of the biggest investment opportunities worth an estimated $24.7 trillion by 2030.

Despite this, under $3 of every $100 spent on new construction goes to efficient buildings. Out of the 186 countries that have submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 136 countries mention buildings, 53 countries mention building energy efficiency, and 38 specifically call out building energy codes. Most countries do not include full building decarbonisation targets and certain areas such as building materials are under addressed.

To limit warming to no more than 1.5℃ as set out in the Paris Agreement, the Coalition calls for emissions from building projects globally to be halved by 2030, and to reach net zero life-cycle emissions for all buildings by no later than 2050.

In order to meet these decarbonisation targets and establish the built environment as a major solution provider to the climate crisis, the Coalition is promoting radical collaboration across the built environment system and spotlighting frontrunner action, solutions and policy pathways across business, cities and governments.

The Coalition aims to achieve three specific outcomes for COP26 and beyond:

1. The system’s stakeholders unite behind a single voice and ambition towards shared goals:By 2030, the built environment should halve its emissions, whereby 100% of new buildings must be net zero carbon in operation, with widespread energy efficiency retrofit of existing assets well underway, and embodied carbon must be reduced by at least 40%, with leading projects achieving at least 50% reductions in embodied carbon.

By 2050, at the latest, all new and existing assets must be net zero across the whole life cycle, including operational and embodied emissions. (UNFCCC Human Settlements Pathway).

In parallel to decarbonisation targets, building resilience into the transformation of the built environment is critical to support urban populations and vulnerable communities in the face of future climate impacts. (UNFCCC Resilience Pathway).

1. All countries are encouraged to include full building sector decarbonisation targets, concrete policies and measures, and related implementation mechanisms in their NDCs.GlobalABC is working with its country members and beyond on a country commitment ‘Buildings as Critical Climate Solution (BCCS)’ that will advance building sector measures at the national level, creating the appropriate enabling environment towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction system.

   Learn more about how countries can incorporate buildings action into their NDCs and where the buildings and construction system is in supporting the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

2. 1,000 cities and at least 20% of the largest built environment businesses by revenue are committed to the UN’s Race to Zero.Businesses and sub-national governments are urged to join the Race to Zero and the Race to Resilience. The Race to Zero’s goal by COP26 is to have 20% of the built environment system by revenue to join the Race to Zero. This will create a ‘breakthrough point’ to help mainstream climate action in the system.

Cities are urged to join the Cities Race to Zero, as major policy enablers and owners of real estate who can go further, faster.

Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Champions for COP26, said:

“We can’t win the Race to Zero without winning the Race to Resilience as well. Climate breakdown and the pandemic multiply inequalities — social, environmental and economic gaps are widening across nations and across the Global North and South. By 2030, we must catalyse action by non-state actors that builds the resilience of four billion people from groups and communities who are vulnerable to climate risks.”

With focus and collaboration, the goal of halving the building sector’s emissions by 2030 is possible. The Coalition invites stakeholders across the built environment to join them to win the race to a zero emissions and resilient built environment, regions and cities.

Find out more at www.BuildingToCOP.org.