In the journey to decarbonise the construction industry, steel stands out as one of the most critical materials to address. While efforts have been focused on reducing operational carbon in buildings – largely through energy efficiency and renewable energy integration – the spotlight is now shifting towards embodied carbon.
This is the carbon emissions associated with materials used in construction. Steel, which is responsible for a significant portion of a building’s embodied carbon, is now central to the conversation.
Globally, the construction industry accounts for nearly 40 per cent of carbon emissions, with steel being a key contributor1. As Australia moves towards decarbonisation, the need to tackle emissions from the production of steel is a key focus.
Recognising this, the introduction of SENSE Solutions®, delivered by InfraBuild, is a range of innovative, sustainable steel products designed to reduce the embodied carbon of a building without disrupting the traditional construction process.
The challenge of decarbonising steel
Steel’s role in construction is well established across all facets of the built environment. It is durable, strong, and versatile, and its recyclability is unrivalled. In fact, steel is considered one of the world’s most recycled materials. However, its production has long been associated with high carbon emissions due to the energy-intensive processes involved.
This is where the challenge lies: how do we continue to harness steel’s strengths while reducing its environmental impact?
As the construction industry inches towards its 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation goals, innovative solutions are required to decarbonise steel, which is responsible for a significant share of the sector’s overall emissions.
SENSE Solutions® addresses this challenge head-on. Through a combination of university-based research and development, local manufacturing, and a focus on sustainability, the SENSE Solutions® range redefines the capabilities of steel as a sustainable innovation.
Simplifying the pathway to sustainable steel
The challenge of introducing sustainable materials into construction often comes down to complexity. Developers, engineers, and builders operate within tight timelines and budgets, and any new material that requires significant changes in processes or additional costs can quickly become a burden.
SENSE Solutions® has taken this into account through its flagship product SENSE 600®, which is designed to be as simple to use as InfraBuild’s 500 MPa alternative.
Structural engineers can continue using their existing design software, steel fixers follow the same welding procedures, and builders don’t need to change how they install it on site.
In short, SENSE 600® integrates seamlessly into construction projects, making it a practical solution for reducing embodied carbon.
Recyclability and the circular economy
A key focus of SENSE Solutions® is to support Australia’s circular economy. Manufactured at InfraBuild’s Australian-based electric arc furnace (EAF) facility, SENSE 600® is made from 100 per cent recycled scrap steel, eliminating the burden on virgin steel.
By integrating recyclability into the production of SENSE 600®, SENSE Solutions® is supporting a future where steel can play a central role in a lower-carbon, circular economy for the construction industry. This aligns with global sustainability goals, where construction materials often have a long lifespan and contribute significantly to a project’s overall environmental impact.
Strength meets sustainability
One of the most impressive aspects of SENSE 600® is that its sustainability benefits don’t come at the cost of performance. This innovation development was supported through partnerships with Monash University and the University of New South Wales, resulting in a steel innovation that uses up to 16.7 per cent less raw material yet retains the same load capacity as InfraBuild’s 500 MPa standard steel and delivers up to a 39 per cent reduction in embodied carbon.
This higher strength and innovative bar design introduces new possibilities for construction solutions. By offering a lower embodied carbon solution without compromising on performance, SENSE 600® is also CodeMark certified and complies with AS/NZS 4671:2019, meaning there are no additional certification steps or compliance hurdles to navigate with regard to Australian Standards.
Locally produced for a sustainable economy
As Australia faces high demand for projects across construction, transport, energy, and utilities, the availability of higher quality sustainable steel will be critical for shaping the future of our built environment.
With Australian infrastructure projects valued at $691 billion over the next five years2, the commitment of SENSE Solutions®’ to local production will be a contributing factor for boosting national productivity. This will ensure a secure, resilient supply chain for major projects while supporting the local economy and local jobs across the entire supply chain, from manufacturing through to construction.
Redefining steel for a decarbonised future
SENSE Solutions® is leading the charge towards a more sustainable construction industry – one where lower embodied carbon, circular economy principles, and local production are central to every project.
As Australia’s construction sector seeks ways to decarbonise, innovations like SENSE 600® provide a clear, accessible path forward for supporting and building a sustainable future of construction.
- WBCSD (2018).WBCSD 2018 Report: Reporting Matters. Geneva: World Business Council for Sustainable Development. ↩︎
- Source: The Australian Infrastructure landscape and the opportunities for the local steel industry. Publication Date, 10 September 2024
https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/listing/speech/australian-infrastructure-landscape-and-opportunities-local-steel-industry ↩︎
