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I think the new processes for smelting steel are carbon neutral, and steel is highly recyclable. I think it would make sense to have hybrid steel-wood building

I think the new processes for smelting steel are carbon neutral, and steel is highly recyclable. I think it would make sense to have hybrid steel-wood buildings, using a steel superstructure. And also use MgO cement where something mineral is needed or desired, as I think that is also carbon neutral.

SECProto 4y ago
We're working towards carbon neutral steel, but not there yet. Here's an article https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-a-warming-planet/the-promise-of-carbon-neutral-steel https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-a-warming-planet/th...
- jacknews 4y ago
  Yes maybe it's not quite full production ready yet, but it looks like it's very close, going by for example this https://www.treehugger.com/boston-metal-electrifies-steel-manufacturing-5703606 https://www.treehugger.com/boston-metal-electrifies-steel-ma...
  - diordiderot 4y ago
    How long will it take to rebuild or refurbish every steel manufacturer
    - jacknews 4y ago
      Probably quicker than a wholesale transition to 'wooden skyscrapers'. Don't get me wrong I do like the idea, but I also see a place for 'green steel'.
diordiderot 4y ago
> I think it would make sense to have hybrid steel-wood buildings Why? What advantages do you imagine come from not using wood?
- 988747 4y ago
  Steel is much stronger so you can build much bigger buildings with it. Imagine 25-stories apartment/office building with steel skeleton and wood for walls.
  - deleted 4y ago
    [deleted]
  - jacknews 4y ago
    Exactly, and CLT can even be used structurally, but it has diminishing returns as buildings get bigger, which is where steel could come in. And I think steel is easily recycled.
  - alkonaut 4y ago
    At least ~300ft buildings are no problems at all. That's not 25 stories but it's still the vast majority of buildings.
- jacknews 4y ago
  I did not say not to use wood. What advantages do you 'imagine' for using wood as main supporting structures, against something already extensively used, steel?

SECProto 4y ago

We're working towards carbon neutral steel, but not there yet. Here's an article https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-a-warming-planet/the-promise-of-carbon-neutral-steel https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-a-warming-planet/th...

jacknews 4y ago
Yes maybe it's not quite full production ready yet, but it looks like it's very close, going by for example this https://www.treehugger.com/boston-metal-electrifies-steel-manufacturing-5703606 https://www.treehugger.com/boston-metal-electrifies-steel-ma...
- diordiderot 4y ago
  How long will it take to rebuild or refurbish every steel manufacturer
  - jacknews 4y ago
    Probably quicker than a wholesale transition to 'wooden skyscrapers'. Don't get me wrong I do like the idea, but I also see a place for 'green steel'.

diordiderot 4y ago

> I think it would make sense to have hybrid steel-wood buildings Why? What advantages do you imagine come from not using wood?

988747 4y ago
Steel is much stronger so you can build much bigger buildings with it. Imagine 25-stories apartment/office building with steel skeleton and wood for walls.
- deleted 4y ago
  [deleted]
- jacknews 4y ago
  Exactly, and CLT can even be used structurally, but it has diminishing returns as buildings get bigger, which is where steel could come in. And I think steel is easily recycled.
- alkonaut 4y ago
  At least ~300ft buildings are no problems at all. That's not 25 stories but it's still the vast majority of buildings.
jacknews 4y ago
I did not say not to use wood. What advantages do you 'imagine' for using wood as main supporting structures, against something already extensively used, steel?