World Steel Association’s #steeltalks Twitter Debate Recap

On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, the World Steel Association presented a Twitter debate, #steeltalks, focused on steel and its role in creating a more sustainable world. With more than 250 participants in the debate, the topic made for interesting debate and conversation among industry professionals.

Instead of simply telling you what was said, we’re going to show you a recap of the debate!

#steeltalks Questions:

To get started, here are the questions @worldsteel (the World Steel Association) asked the six panelists, sparking debate and guiding the conversation.

This year’s debate considers the following: Is steel the competitive material choice in a sustainable world? And if so, why? #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

Why is steel the material of choice in sustainable world? Sajjan @JSWsteel, can you share your views on this? #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

Karl @TataSteelEurope, What innovative solutions has the steel industry developed to play a key role in the green economy? #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

Tom @aisisteel, is innovation at the top of the steel industry’s agenda in USA? #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

Julian @JulianAllwood, What challenges must the steel industry overcome to become more environmentally sustainable? #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

Gordon @GordIrons, What innovations has allowed steel to successfully compete against other materials in a sustainable world? #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

As you can see, the questions were all centered on how steel is a green option for building materials and the innovations needed to keep steel competitive in a sustainable world. Now we’re going to dive into some of the interesting comments and conversations prompted by the questions.

On sustainability:

100% recyclable, at its core steel is an inherently sustainable product. Here are some thoughts on this topic and how the steel industry can further its role in “green” building.

#SteelAndSustainability are inevitable partners. Steel has propelled human evolution & industrial revolution. More reasons are. #steeltalks

— WillOfSteel (@jswsteel) January 27, 2015

#SteelAndSustainability Universal usage, abundant raw materials, affordability, favourable strength:weight, 100% recylability. #steeltalks

— WillOfSteel (@jswsteel) January 27, 2015

Low-cost high-strength steel is helping the construction sector meet their greenhouse gas emissions #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

Unlike wood & plastic, steel does not wear out after 40 years of use making it the ideal construction material #steeltalks

— worldsteel (@worldsteel) January 27, 2015

.@worldsteel Steel is key for infrastructure which in turn ensures efficient logistics, greater safety & reduced emissions. #steeltalks

— WillOfSteel (@jswsteel) January 27, 2015

Steel can be continuously recycled without losing quality, setting it apart from other materials that need to be “downcycled.” #steeltalks

— AISI (@aisisteel) January 27, 2015

Steel is the planet’s most recycled material (22bn tons in last 100 years), with no degradation. Even waste gases can be used. #steeltalks

— WillOfSteel (@jswsteel) January 27, 2015

@SBEC_eu Steel is recognized in all major #greenbuilding standards and rating programs: a great choice for sustainable building #steeltalks

— JMC Steel Group (@JMCSteelGroup) January 27, 2015

Steels life cycle advantages vs competing materials come from lower energy use, higher recyclability and resource conservation. #steeltalks

— AISI (@aisisteel) January 27, 2015

According to the US EPA, steel is the only domestic industry that has reduced energy demands while still increasing production. #SteelTalks

— AISI (@aisisteel) January 27, 2015

@worldsteel steel has the low energy use now, but further reductions will be required, research is underway with ULCOS #steeltalks

— Gordon Irons (@GordIrons) January 27, 2015

On education:

Education is a large part of creating the awareness of steel’s sustainability and what a versatile product it is. Here at JMC Steel Group, including Wheatland Tube and Atlas Tube, we believe education about steel as a sustainable building product must begin sooner than later.

@WheatlandTube @TataSteelEurope @worldsteel #steeltalks learning is offered on http://t.co/MD4wDJWMZB. More courses on the way this year

— steeluniversity (@steeluniversity) January 27, 2015

Industry leaders need to partner with more universities to educate and inspire. Change the perception of the industry #steeltalks

— Wheatland Tube (@WheatlandTube) January 27, 2015

Reaching engineering students at the undergrad level is key for introducing them to steel and its advantages in their field #steeltalks

— Atlas Tube (@AtlasTube) January 27, 2015

.@ArcelorMittalUS Agreed! We offer tours of our plants to engineering students at local universities to introduce them to steel #steeltalks

— Atlas Tube (@AtlasTube) January 27, 2015

With advanced technologies in use, steel industry is a great place for young engineers. #steeltalks

— WillOfSteel (@jswsteel) January 27, 2015

While that doesn’t nearly cover all of the great comments from the hour-long debate, those were some of the points that stood out to us the most.

Feel free to share some Tweets we missed in the comments below. If you missed the debate, head on over to the World Steel Associations Twitter profile or search the #steeltalks hashtag on Twitter!