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As we approach 2030, the urgency to cut carbon emissions grows, especially within the construction sector. Our industry must prioritize resource efficiency and embrace circular economy principles, shifting away from the traditional take-make-waste model.
At the Galco Group, we believe hot dip galvanizing offers a pivotal solution, fostering durability, deconstruction, disassembly, and the potential for reuse and recycling.
The Durability of Hot Dip Galvanizing
Hot dip galvanizing is an incredibly robust and sustainable method for protecting steel from corrosion, often extending its life by over 100 years with little to no maintenance. This process involves immersing steel articles in molten zinc, resulting in a series of zinc-iron alloy layers that thoroughly cover the steel, both inside and out. This ensures complete protection and significantly enhances the steel’s longevity.
Maintenance-Free and Cost-Effective
One of the standout benefits of hot dip galvanizing is its low maintenance requirements. Galvanized steel products can last for generations, reducing both economic and environmental costs by eliminating the need for frequent maintenance or replacement. This durability translates into significant resource savings, as less energy and fewer materials are needed to produce and transport new steel.
Efficient Resource Use
The urban expansion brings both opportunities and challenges, particularly the growing demand for materials. By extending the life of steel products, galvanizing conserves energy and natural resources. Often outlasting their initial design life, galvanized steel products can be recovered, reused, and repurposed repeatedly. Both steel and zinc are 100% recyclable, with 30% of all zinc used in the process coming from recycled materials.
Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions
In 2021, the Galco Group launched our Carbon Emissions Transition Plan, aiming to cut our carbon footprint by 42% by 2030. This initiative began with the installation of a new bath, furnace, and heat exchanger at our Waterford plant. Recently, we installed a highly efficient 13-metre bath in our Dublin plant, expected to reduce gas consumption by approximately 35%. Over the next five years, we plan to phase in these upgrades across all our facilities.
Galco Responsible Business Policy
Our journey towards sustainability is ongoing. Our Responsible Business Policy is a cornerstone of our commitment to building Ireland’s sustainable future, focusing on four key pillars:
Planet: We strive to minimize the environmental impact of our operations by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste output.
People: We are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive working environment with equal opportunities for all, emphasizing health, safety, well-being, learning, development, and diversity.
Products: We work closely with our customers and suppliers to ensure our products and services positively impact the environment. We actively engage with our supply chain to enhance sustainability throughout our offerings.
Governance: As an ethical company, Galco Group leads by example in governance, ensuring our products and services meet the highest quality standards.
