Net-zero and lightweight steel technologies for the construction sector: Overview and case studies in Italy

The construction industry is responsible for approximately 25% of global emissions, about a third of which are associated with the construction process, being a voracious steel consumer, accounting to 50% of global demand. Given these impacts, there is an urgent need for the construction steel chain to define a realistic decarbonization path. In this context, the paper focuses on a promising technology, the Light-weight Steel Frame (LSF), providing an overview coupled with real applications. LSF and drywall techniques have been shown around the world to result in cost-effective and sustainable buildings under different aspects: fast in construction, seismically resistant, high levels of thermal and acoustic performance, energy efficient, and aesthetic value. The publication also addresses a review of the latest regulations and methodologies for sustainability and carbon neutrality assessment, to clarify challenges and contributions that the steel company can provide to the construction sector in terms of sustainability and circularity.