AGA releases environmental study results on hot-dip galvanized steel

June 30, 2010

The American Galvanizers Association, Centennial, Colo., in conjunction with the International Zinc Association, has completed a life-cycle assessment (LCA) study for hot-dip galvanized steel. Life-cycle assessment is a standardized scientific method for the systematic analysis of all mass and energy flows, as well as environmental impacts attributed to a product system, from raw material acquisition to end-of-life management.

The AGA and IZA collected worldwide data from hot-dip galvanizers and zinc producers and hired two renowned environmental firms—Five Winds Intl. and PE Intl.—to study the environmental impact of hot-dip galvanized steel during use and the end-of-life management.

Hot-dip galvanized steel lasts for 70 years or more without maintenance, meaning no additional impact is accrued during the use phase. Additionally, because both zinc and steel are 100 percent recyclable without the loss of any properties, there also is no additional impact at the end of life. In fact, because of the recyclability of the product, hot-dip galvanized steel actually receives an energy credit at the end of life.

Therefore, the total impact of hot-dip galvanized steel is isolated to the production phase, and the total LCA values mirror the production phase, with the exception of the energy credit.