16 March 2023
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Ventilation specialist Swegon has presented its first concept product made from carbon dioxide-reduced steel – a GOLD RX – at the ISH trade fair in Frankfurt.
The manufacture of steel consumes large amounts of both resources and energy. As ventilation units are primarily made of steel, there is considerable potential to reduce the carbon footprint of embodied carbon in production, by replacing traditional steel with steel that has a lower climate footprint.
In January, the first delivery of XCarb RRP (recycled and renewably produced) Magnelis from the steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal was received at Swegon’s Kvänum factory, where the company manufactures ventilation units. According to ArcelorMittal, XCarb RRP Magnelis has an approximately 70% lower CO₂ footprint than traditionally manufactured steel. XCarb RRP is mainly produced from recycled steel and uses 100% renewable energy in the manufacturing process.
The first concept air handling unit has now been produced, and the plan is to gradually introduce carbon dioxide reduced steel into ongoing production, starting during the second quarter of this year.
Robert Siverby, supply chain director at Swegon Group, said: "We are delighted to now be phasing in carbon dioxide-reduced steel in our large ventilation units. We all have to contribute and reduce our climate footprint, and this transition is enabling us to reduce not only our own, but also our customers’ footprint.”
Swegon was among the first in the industry to develop EPDs (Environmental Product Declaration) for its products, and has a significant amount of EPDs in its portfolio.
Based on the existing EPD for GOLD RX, size 12, the total Global Warming Potential (GWP) is expected to be reduced by approximately 20% with the transition to XCarb RRP Magnelis steel, given that all the steel is replaced. The introduction of XCarb RRP is a first step in the company’s journey towards fossil-free steel.
