New Delhi: India is urbanizing at an unprecedented rate and the cities are expanding, resulting in an increased demand for world-class sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. With the Indian government’s ambitious Smart Cities Mission aiming to create 100 sustainable urban centers, the focus is on innovation and sustainable materials that are long-lasting, easy to maintain and can strengthen the path to achieving this vision. Stainless steel, with its unique blend of strength, durability, and shine, is emerging as an answer to the demands of sustainable infrastructure.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
While development has been a buzzword in India for many decades, the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation are a stark reality staring at us. Urbanization in India is setting some stringent challenges for the environment. With around 62 million tonnes of waste being produced annually, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, sustainable materials like stainless steel help to cut down on waste and conserve resources. Since the durability of stainless steel surpasses those of other materials, structures last for many decades, leading to reduced GHG emissions and waste over time.
Durable, Recyclable & Versatile
Stainless steel, an alloy of iron and chromium, possesses unique properties that make it an ideal choice for sustainable urban development. According to a study by the Indian Steel Association, stainless steel structures can have a lifespan of over 100 years, significantly outlasting other building materials. Its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion mean that structures built with stainless steel require less maintenance over their lifespan, reducing the overall environmental impact.
The fact that stainless steel is 100% recyclable and can be melted and remelted without any loss of its quality works in favour of the alloy to be chosen as the key ingredient in building sustainable cities. Moreover, stainless steel has a closed-loop kind of recycling, which implies that stainless steel products can be used and reused in the manufacturing process over again, thus reducing material wastage and creating a cost-effective proposition. Recycling existing stainless steel for urban development also leads to a considerable reduction of the emission-intensive process of metal mining, leading to a clean and green landscape.
The diverse applications and aesthetic value of stainless steel make it a choice for individual households and industries. From a fastener in a machine to a flange in pipelines, an angular profile in construction to a wire in a circuit, stainless steel is present across sectors and structures in the urban setup.
Social and Economic Benefits of Stainless Steel
The benefits of stainless steel are not restricted to sustainability and longevity but also have a positive impact on economic growth. The creation of jobs in the industry and its ancillaries, along with support to the local community through the development of necessary infrastructure and CSR makes a huge impact on the socio-economic ecosystem. India is one of the highest producers of stainless steel, and the industry is also one of the leading contributors to our economy. By putting stainless steel at the forefront of urban development, India can drive domestic production, boost employment, and develop a sustainable and resilient cityscape.
Moreover, its hygienic properties make stainless steel a good option for healthcare facilities, food processing plants, and public transportation systems.
Settling Challenges with Seamless Shine
While Indian cities brace for futuristic infrastructure, they also face significant challenges such as pollution, scarcity of resources, and resilient infrastructure with aesthetic value. Stainless steel can address these challenges effectively, considering its versatile application, and reusability. The strength of the alloy and its corrosion resistance allows it to be used in critical infrastructure exposed continuously to air, water, or chemicals and at the same time its shining exterior adds to the aesthetic of any structure or object.
By incorporating stainless steel into urban infrastructure, India can enhance the topography of its cities and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
To implement the idea of sustainable development, India must embrace materials like stainless steel or green steel and create an example of smart and environmentally responsible development.
