Zinc Makes Homes Greener and More Sustainable
Zinc plays a transformative role in building stronger, more sustainable communities, particularly in the decarbonization of residential buildings. From the foundation to the rooftop, zinc enables long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions that enhance the durability and environmental performance of homes.
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.
Value In Use
Building strong communities starts with creating durable shelters 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, offering homeowners significant long-term savings. Moreover, its durability minimizes material waste and the environmental impacts of frequent repairs or replacements, contributing to lower carbon emissions and a reduced climate footprint. With zinc, homes not only become more resilient but also provide safer, more reliable living spaces for generations to come, strengthening the foundation of thriving, sustainable communities.
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Value in Use of average foundation using galvanized steel rebar.
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Value in Use of average roof made of galvanized metal.
Direct Costs
Galvanized roofs and rebar in foundations deliver significant lifetime savings for homeowners, making them an investment in both durability and financial well-being. By reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements, these materials lower maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of homes, translating to substantial savings over generations. Additionally, the energy efficiency benefits of these zinc-based solutions contribute to long-term reductions in utility bills. Galvanized roofs, for example, enhance insulation and reflectivity, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. Together, these advantages provide homeowners with a more cost-effective, low-maintenance living experience while also supporting sustainability and energy conservation.
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Lifetime cost savings of average foundation using galvanized steel rebar.
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Lifetime energy savings of average roof using galvanized metal.
Carbon Value
Academic and market researchers predict that carbon prices will need to surpass $150 per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions to drive meaningful decarbonization efforts (CRE, 2023). This underscores the urgent need for solutions that not only address operational carbon but also tackle embodied carbon in construction and manufacturing. Zinc is a critical part of this equation, as its ability to extend the lifespan of materials significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement. By protecting steel and other materials from corrosion, zinc minimizes the production of new materials, thereby lowering the embodied carbon footprint of buildings and infrastructure.
Furthermore, this extended durability reduces the social cost of carbon emissions associated with extracting, manufacturing, and transporting replacement materials. This translates to fewer emissions over the lifecycle of a product and helps 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.
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.
