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Update #25 | Sustainability News from the University of Waikato, Southeast Asia and Steel Dynamics

In this report, learn about the University of Waikato’s research on sustainable steel-framed housing, Southeast Asia’s shift to dry construction with steel framing and Steel Dynamics’ Global Steel Climate Council low-carbon steel certification.

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BuildSteel™ is tracking the sustainability initiatives of Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) members and their partners. Here is some recent sustainability news related to the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing industry.

Steel Solutions for New Zealand’s Housing Crisis

Facing a national housing crisis in New Zealand, the University of Waikato, Te Kura Mata-Ao School of Engineering, is advancing sustainable solutions through innovative engineering and construction research. In partnership with industry leaders, the University is using recyclable materials, including cold-formed steel (CFS). For its part, CFS is achieving faster, more sustainable construction.

Cold-Formed Steel Structures Research Group University of Waikato

The Cold-Formed Steel Structures Research Group at the University of Waikato conducts cutting-edge testing in its structures laboratory, equipped with compression and bending test rigs, a wind box for roofing tests, and more.

“In partnership with industry leaders, we are exploring cutting-edge construction methods using recyclable materials, including cold-formed steel and composites, to make construction faster and cheaper,” the University says.

It adds: “Our research on affordable housing revealed how cold-formed steel may be … used to create cost-effective, durable and sustainable housing.” 

Besides CFS, the researchers also highlight the disruptive potential of 3D printing technology in delivering faster and more efficient housing. 

Read the complete article from the University of Waikato.

Steel Framing Supports Shift to Dry Construction

In Southeast Asia, wet construction methods like concrete and masonry are common. Low labor costs and cultural preferences associate such materials with strength and permanence. However, these traditional materials carry environmental drawbacks, including high embodied carbon and limited recyclability.

Dry construction uses prefabricated materials, including cold-formed steel (CFS) studs and gypsum board. They replace on-site mixing and offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative in hot, humid climates. 

Construction 10-Story CFS-NHERI Building, Seismic Fire Testing cold-formed steel framing

Dry construction using prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) panels, as shown here at UC San Diego’s 10-story shake table test, offers a faster, more sustainable alternative to on-site mixing in hot, humid climates.

“Steel is among the most recyclable building materials,” the ArchDaily notes. “Steel studs can be melted down and reformed with minimal loss of quality — offering a truly closed-loop process.” 

CFS framing also reduces on-site waste. It can be cut with precision, reused within a project or stored for later use. In contrast, wet materials like concrete and plaster must be mixed and applied quickly, often resulting in waste.

As cities across subtropical Asia continue to densify, the shift to steel-based dry construction offers a smarter, more sustainable path forward. Steel supports adaptable design, reduces environmental impact and aligns with circular building practices. In the end, this helps the region to modernize without compromising its future.

Read the complete article from ArchDaily. 

Steel Dynamics Achieves Climate Council Certification

Steel Dynamics Inc., one of the largest steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States and an SFIA member, announced that each of the company’s steel mills have achieved Global Steel Climate Council product certification. The GSCC certification validates that SDI’s products are on the glidepath to meet the Paris Climate Agreement’s 1.5° C goals.

Steel Dynamics Global Steel Climate Council GSCC product certification

The GSCC’s Steel Climate Standard provides a single, technology-neutral framework for product certification. It provides steel customers with transparency when making lower-carbon emissions steel purchasing decisions. The Steel Climate Standard is aligned with the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. 

“Steel is an integral component of the global economy and foundational to the world’s essential infrastructure,” said Mark Millett, chairman and CEO of Steel Dynamics. “The GSCC product certification is recognition that lower-embodied carbon steel products necessary for the transition to a lower-carbon global economy are available now.”

Read the complete Steel Dynamics news release.

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