Aluminium, the third most abundant element on the planet and the most plentiful in the earth’s crust brings significant benefits to the world of construction. It is used in many areas of a building, often incorporated into complex assemblies, such as windows and curtain walling. With the everincreasing need for responsible, sustainable and low waste construction, aluminium has a well-earned place in the future of construction.
Lightweight, strong and long lasting
Aluminium weighs roughly a third of the equivalent volume of steel, which makes it the go-to material for high rise buildings. Combining it with various alloys can create a strong material for a variety of uses. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, naturally generating an oxide coating that protects it. Surface treatments further improve this, so it continues to look great for many years.
Sustainable and reusable
Policymakers are keen to encourage a circular economy in construction. The European Commission is leading a Circular Economy Package for businesses to use resources in a more sustainable way. This will address “closing the loop” of production lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use.
Metals, and aluminium in particular, lend themselves well to the circular economy, with over 75% of all aluminium produced since the 1880s still in use today. It can be recycled without loss of quality and the recycling process uses up to 95% less energy than the primary production process. Its relatively low melting point reduces the carbon footprint of manufacturing. It also has a high-performance thermal rating which prevents heat loss and saves energy. As so much aluminium is still in use, the end-of-life recycling rate is relatively low. This is good news for the environment, as the time between manufacture and end-of-life can be relatively long. The process is extremely efficient however, and more than 90% is recycled.
The CAB Closed Loop Recycling (CLR) Scheme sorts and separates the higher quality aluminium scrap from scrap containing mixed alloy grades and the scheme contributes to industry-wide aluminium recycling data.
Positive impact
Aluminium’s properties have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the sustainability of a building and is still a critical part of the assembly of many elements in construction. There are a whole host of uses for aluminium in residential high-rise buildings. Door and window frames, seamless gutters that don’t leak or drip and fire-resistant balcony decking are now regular design features. It can be styled to a wide variety of shapes and textures and take colour well, so it looks great in any setting. The façade of a building particularly benefits from aluminium as a component in products that contribute to visual comfort, safety and security, durability and innovation potential.
“The Council for Aluminium in Building have been advocating for the use of aluminium in construction since 1994 and have amassed over 120 members across the supply chain.”
“the recycling process uses up to 95% less energy than the primary production process.”
“Over 75% of all aluminium produced since the 1880s is still in use today.”