Engineering & Construction
Galvanized Steel Leads the Way in Sustainable Building Practices From Cost Savings to Environmental Benefits
Builders are discovering how a durable coating strategy slashes both project costs and carbon footprints simultaneously
Key takeaways
Builders are discovering how a durable coating strategy slashes both project costs and carbon footprints simultaneously
As the construction industry navigates the complexities of sustainability and economic pressures, the role of galvanized steel has become increasingly pertinent in sustainable architecture. This material, celebrated for its durability and low environmental impact, is gaining attention amid global steel market fluctuations and rising demands for sustainable building practices. With significant shifts in manufacturing and infrastructure projects driving steel demand, industry leaders are advocating for materials that not only endure but also align with environmental stewardship.
In this context, how can architects and builders further leverage the benefits of galvanized steel to meet the dual demands of durability and sustainability in construction?
Paul Doherty, AIA, and CEO of The Digit Group, shares his insights on the transformative impact of galvanized steel in the realm of sustainable architecture, drawing from his extensive experience with this material in various projects. He encourages the adoption of sustainable building practices, including the integration of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs, to enhance the environmental benefits of using galvanized steel in construction projects.
“Using galvanized steel in our projects has a longer lifespan than untreated steel or other coatings because of its resistance to corrosion. In addition to preventing corrosion, galvanization adds an added layer of zinc protection to the steel. This coating layer allows the steel to maintain its structural integrity and strength. Galvanized steel is known as an environmentally sensitive material. Compared to other coatings, the galvanization process consumes very little energy and the zinc used for the coating is a natural and recyclable substance,” Doherty explains.
Galvanized steel is known as an environmentally sensitive material. Compared to other coatings, the galvanization process consumes very little energy and the zinc used for the coating is a natural and recyclable substance.
— Paul Doherty, CEO at The Digit Group
About the author
As published by Forbes as “Changing the World”, seen on Bloomberg TV and reported by CNBC as one of America's Business Titans, Paul is a Registered Architect and one of the global Industry's most sought after thought leaders, strategists and integrators of process, technology & business. Paul is the Founder & CEO of The Digit Group, Inc. (TDG), a leading Smart Cities design, build, operate and solutions company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. TDG's Smart Cities are being showcased as an example of leading design during the Venice Biennale Architettura 2021. He is an author, educator, analyst and consultant to Fortune 500 organizations, government agencies, prominent institutions and the most prestigious AEC firms in the world. Paul has spent the past 30+ years in the industry after graduating cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology and graduating from the Career Discovery program at Harvard University’s GSD.
