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advantages and downfalls of using timber or steel alone , we can marry the two to maximize the benefits of both materials by creating an efficient structure that can be more carbon efficient . However , it ’ s important to use each material where it best performs , rather than applying a product where it may not be the most efficient or sustainable solution .”
method uses a basic oxygen furnace to turn extracted materials into steel . The latter is more impactful on the environment and is associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions , but few people realize that 70 percent of the world ’ s steel is produced through extractive methods , with just 30 percent made in EAFs . The opposite is true of the North American market where 70 percent of the steel made comes from an EAF .
“ Nucor is committed to a 2050 net-zero , science-based greenhouse gas target as defined by the Global Steel Climate Council ( GSCC ), which includes Scopes 1 , 2 and 3 . We ’ re taking an active role when it comes to sustainability , from engaging with power suppliers to source renewable energy for our electric consumption to reducing our emissions . However , we also recognize that there is a cost associated with decarbonizing the steel industry at large , and there needs to be a genuine desire from project owners to decrease embodied carbon in their buildings .”
With sustainability in mind , the construction industry is seeing increased demand for hybrid construction using a combination of steel and timber . “ There ’ s a definite surge in the use of timber for construction projects due to its sustainability attributes , as it can naturally sequester carbon ,” Kim elaborates . “ While there are
Exciting future
On a more personal note , Kim shares her career journey to date . “ Having been here for just under four years , I still consider myself a ‘ Nucor baby ,’” she laughs . “ With a structural engineering background , I love seeing the fruits of my labor and Nucor ’ s Construction Solutions business interested me because we ’ re genuinely assisting customers , using our knowledge and insight to suggest what ’ s best for their project . We ’ re a team of professionals with varying construction experience from design and sales to metallurgy and fabrication , which we integrate with owners , developers , architects , and engineers to really add value to a project .
“ We ’ re optimistic about 2025 ,” Kim says as our conversation ends . “ Firstly , we hope to see a few more cuts in interest rates , which will enable some growth in the construction industry . We expect to see continued growth in the data center market and we ’ re also experiencing increased demand for significant projects like stadiums and their surrounding infrastructure , as well as airports , bridges , and renewable energy plants . More generally , anyone looking at the business five years ago would be surprised at where we are today , so the future could hold even more exciting opportunities for Nucor .” ■
Images courtesy of Nucor Corporation
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