The environmental impact of construction
materials is a growing concern. If an
appropriate grade and finish are selected,
there should be no need to replace stainless
steel, even if the building life spans hundreds
of years. Stainless steel scrap has a high
value – so it is not discarded. Stainless steel
is 100% recyclable and there is no limit to
how much recycled scrap can be used to
produce new stainless steel.
Metal loss due to corrosion can potentially
add toxic elements to the environment and
the lost metal cannot be recycled. Replacing
lost metal adds an additional environmental
burden (energy consumption, mining,
mineral extraction). Stainless steel corrosion
loses are negligible. (See comparative
corrosion data.)
Because stainless steels are inherently
corrosion-resistant, no protective coatings
are needed, and the adverse environmental
impact associated with coatings (out-gassing
of volatile organic compounds [VOC],
replacement, and removal for recycling)
is eliminated. No acids or harsh chemicals
are needed to clean stainless steel.
Stainless fasteners and anchors help ensure
that stone, masonry, pressure-treated lumber,
slate, and tile reach their full service life
potential.