Zinc Makes Homes Greener and More Sustainable
Building strong communities begins with building strong infrastructure designed to last for generations. From the foundation to the rooftop, zinc enables long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions that enhance a home’s durability and environmental performance.
Through the Zinc Enables Decarbonization (ZED) initiative, the advantages of zinc in residential housing are rigorously quantified and substantiated, making it a cornerstone in the journey toward a more resilient, low-carbon future.
Zinc's Value Proposition
Zinc is an obvious choice for enhancing durability and sustainability in construction. By protecting steel from corrosion, zinc significantly extends its lifespan, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. From strengthening foundations with galvanized steel rebar to long-lasting metal roofs, zinc ensures homes last longer, offering many decades of reliable performance and environmental benefits.
Using galvanized steel rebar to reinforce a foundation can extend its lifespan by 100 years without the need for maintenance
Years
A galvanized metal roof provides reliable protection for a home for 50 years or more
Direct Costs
Building strong communities starts with creating durable homes that stand the test of time. By protecting critical components like foundations and roofs from corrosion, zinc reduces the direct costs associated with maintenance and replacement and provides significant long-term savings to homeowners. Moreover, zinc’s durability minimizes material waste and the environmental impacts of frequent repairs or replacements, contributing to lower carbon emissions and a reduced climate footprint.
< 1%
of construction costs needed to double lifetime of home foundation with galvanized rebar
$50,000 +
United States Dollar
net lifetime savings of average galvanized metal roof due to extended life
Carbon Emissions
Beyond zinc’s cost savings, building with zinc also prevents the carbon emissions associated with extracting, manufacturing, and transporting replacement materials. Fewer carbon emissions also alleviate the financial pressures associated with escalating carbon prices. In this way, zinc supports both economic and environmental goals, providing a practical and scalable pathway toward decarbonization across industries.
tCO2e
tCO2e
Indirect Costs
With zinc, homes become more resilient and provide safer, more reliable living spaces spanning generations. Additionally, the energy efficiency benefits of these zinc-based solutions contribute to long-term reductions in utility bills. White galvanized roofs, for example, enhance insulation and reflectivity, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. These advantages provide homeowners with a more cost-effective, low-maintenance living experience while also supporting sustainability and energy conservation.
$5,800 +
United States Dollar
Zinc's Role In Reducing Embodied Carbon
As the construction industry embraces a low-carbon future, zinc stands out as a key material in tackling embodied carbon. By protecting materials, reducing waste, and enhancing recyclability, zinc not only reduces carbon emissions but also ensures a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
