Circular Steel 2024
Circular Steel 2024
An inspiring day for steel reuse
On September 10th, I hosted Circular Steel which brought together 150 attendees in London for an insightful and collaborative day dedicated to advancing the reuse of structural steel in the construction industry. With over 90 companies represented, the event was a key moment for professionals to share knowledge, explore practical challenges, and drive forward innovation in the circular economy.
The agenda for the day was structured around five panel discussions, each addressing critical aspects of steel reuse. The first session, Meeting the Demand, chaired by Holly Price of Keltbray, explored fundamental questions such as how and when to deconstruct buildings for optimal steel recovery, whether there is a real demand for reused steel, and whether incorporating reuse into demolition tenders increases costs. These discussions shed light on the strategic considerations that developers and contractors must weigh when planning for steel reuse.
The second session, Writing the Brief, led by Will Arnold of IStructE, tackled some of the common pitfalls that can lead to missed opportunities for steel reuse. Panellists discussed how clients and developers should better frame their project briefs to encourage reuse, asking the right questions early on and aligning the project team’s approach to ensure that reuse opportunities are maximised.
In Buying the Stock, chaired by Rob Mumford of Gardiner & Theobald, the conversation turned to the practicalities of sourcing reusable steel. Key topics included potential contractual and insurance considerations, the importance of designing with reuse in mind, and whether these factors might affect project timelines. This session also delved into the logistical realities of incorporating reused materials into project planning.
The technical challenges of steel reuse were addressed in Testing & Fabrication, led by Jonathan Davis. Panellists discussed how reclaimed steel is re-fabricated, noting the differences between this and systems optimised for new steel stock. Special measures and fabrication times were highlighted as important considerations when working with reused materials, giving the audience a practical understanding of how these factors impact the construction process.
Finally, Lessons Learned, chaired by Brogan MacDonald, wrapped up the day’s discussions by sharing real-world examples of successful steel reuse projects. This session allowed for a broader reflection on the insights gained from the day and highlighted the tangible benefits of incorporating steel reuse into future projects.
Throughout the day, attendees also had the chance to explore case study boards displayed around the venue, which showcased innovative steel reuse examples. These case studies are already available on the Circular Steel website, and recordings of all the panel sessions will soon be made available online for those who were unable to attend.
The event’s success was made possible by the support of its sponsors, with special thanks to the platinum sponsors, Keltbray and Excess Materials Exchange.
