The Sustainable Steel Council is a group of industry leaders committed to the circular economy and Aotearoa New Zealand’s low emissions future.
Dr Troy Coyle, chair of Sustainable Steel Council says New Zealand’s steel industry has a critical role to play because steel is fundamental to a new style of economy that underpins a more sustainable and low-emissions future – the circular economy.
“As a governing body, our mission is to enable Aotearoa New Zealand business to realise and harness the opportunities a circular economy presents and confidently manage uncertainty,” says Coyle.
“It’s about optimising what we do now to successfully overcome the challenges of the future, realising that sustainability is about being responsible in the present. Durable and infinitely recyclable, steel has a powerful story to tell.”
In a circular economy, society reduces the burden on nature by ensuring resources remain in use for as long as possible. The Sustainable Steel Council has established systems and tools that enable businesses to action the circular economy through improving sustainability through the entire supply chain from steelmaking, creative design, precision manufacture and construction to reuse, remanufacture and recycling.
Fundamental to the Council’s principals is that steel:
• Builds beauty
• Enables sustainable choices
• Creates communities
• Is resilient
• Embodies creativity
• Embraces a circular economy
The steel industry has long been a part of society and it supports people and communities across New Zealand.
It is part of New Zealand’s local metals manufacturing sector, which generates over $3.2 billion in gross domestic product each year, and that provides over 28,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the steel industry, according to Manufacturing Matters in February 2020.
“Steel is an important part of our future, it will continue to shape our economy and will adapt, grow and innovate to remain a strong contributor. Steel is a versatile material with timeless appeal and is the backbone to Aotearoa New Zealand’s evolving infrastructure and environment.
“Moving to a low-emissions economy is the right thing to do now and for future generations.”