Outokumpu clarifies stainless steel's role in LEED green building certification
Outokumpu Oyj has issued guidance detailing how its stainless steel products align with the requirements of the LEED green building rating system.
Helsinki – Steel company Outokumpu Oyj has provided specific information on how its stainless steel building products meet or support the criteria of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system.
The LEED system, developed in 2000, is a globally recognized standard for evaluating green buildings. Outokumpu's guidance highlights the durability, reusability, and low maintenance needs of stainless steel, which contribute to reducing a building's life-cycle environmental impact. The material's high recycled content, typically over 85% annually, and its potential for reuse support LEED's requirements for material sourcing and life-cycle assessment.
Outokumpu offers product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) that conform to ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards, documenting the environmental impact of its steel production. The company also emphasizes that its stainless steel does not contain hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, or mercury and complies with REACH regulations, contributing to better indoor air quality and reduced health risks.
The company notes that stainless steel can also help meet other LEED criteria, including reducing the heat island effect (depending on finish) and minimizing emissions, as uncoated stainless steel panels do not release volatile organic compounds. From a construction and demolition waste management perspective, stainless steel scrap has high value as a secondary raw material due to its 100% recyclability without loss of quality.
Outokumpu melts its stainless steel in Finland, Sweden, or the US. The company states that the durability and recyclability of its products make them a suitable choice for environmentally conscious construction projects seeking LEED certification.