Preparation for Reuse of Structural Steel: Emission Assessment and Strategies for Minimisation

Abstract

Significant efforts have been made to reduce emissions from the construction sector, a major source of pollution in Europe and worldwide. In this context, the reuse of structural steel components has emerged as a promising strategy, offering an alternative to both primary and secondary steel production, whose emissions remain non‐negligible. Environmental Product Declarations often report negligible impacts for reused materials, but rarely document the underlying processes, limiting reproducibility. This study analyses the emissions associated with the reuse of a steel portal frame from a single‐storey industrial building, focusing on preparation‐for‐reuse processes classified under Module C3 within the EN 15804 framework, and compares painting and galvanising to assess their influence on emissions attributed to Module A1–3 of the subsequent life cycle. By retracing the sequence of decisions and processes, the study presents a reproducible assessment approach that can support designers in evaluating reuse options and identifying solutions with lower environmental impacts.