sustainability

Our commitment to sustainability in practice

At Severfield Europe, we translate our sustainability ambitions into concrete actions at all levels of our organisation. From the use of environmental analysis tools and conscious material choices to making energy and mobility more sustainable, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our impact. Below, we highlight some of our most important sustainability measures.

1. ANALYSIS

✅ Insight into environmental impact with in-house analysis tool

To make sustainable construction concrete and measurable, we have developed an advanced analysis tool in collaboration with SGS. This tool enables us to make informed choices during the design process based on objective data about environmental impact. The tool provides insight into all relevant factors that influence the total environmental impact of a project, such as the transport of materials, the use of machinery, processing and assembly methods. The proportion of reused and recycled steel is also included in the calculation. With this measurement method, we can clearly show our clients the environmental impact of certain choices, so that decisions can be made in an informed manner and in line with their sustainability ambitions.

✅ Project-specific LCA’s

We offer the option of having a project-specific Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) drawn up, carried out and assessed by an independent party. An LCA is a useful tool for making informed, sustainable choices. The environmental impact of materials and processes is translated into measurable figures, allowing you to compare different options objectively. You will receive an LCA that is fully tailored to your design or implementation. This provides insight into the environmental performance of your project and supports you in making responsible decisions. Because the analysis is independently assessed and verified, you are assured of an official, validated LCA that complies with the applicable standards.

2. CIRCULARITY

✅ Optimaliseren materiaalgebruik tijdens ontwerpfase

When the goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions, the greatest gains can be made by reducing the volume of steel used. We achieve this by optimising the construction, for example through more efficient profile choices and the use of more sustainable steel such as S460. By designing smartly, we not only reduce material use, but also the overall environmental impact of the project. This approach fits seamlessly with the principles of sustainable construction and makes a structural contribution to a lower carbon footprint.

✅ Sustainable alternative to structural steel

We can offer a sustainable alternative to structural steel: CO₂-reduced steel. This structural steel is produced using 100% sustainable energy and 100% scrap metal. This results in a saving of approximately 50% of the CO₂ equivalent. To achieve this, we utilise sustainable steel initiatives such as XCarb® from ArcelorMittal and SALCOS® from Salzgitter AG. Both producers are strongly committed to the transition to climate-neutral steel production. By using this type of steel, we can offer our clients a responsible alternative that aligns with our ambitions in the field of sustainable construction.

XCarb®SALCOS®

✅ Reusing materials in new constructions (donor steel)

We strongly believe in the value of circular construction. When a project lends itself to it and the customer has a need for it, we can use donor steel: steel from existing structures that, after inspection, testing and any necessary processing, is reused. This enables us to achieve a significant reduction in environmental impact, raw material use and waste. The selected profiles usually come from load-bearing structures of buildings or civil engineering structures, where they were mainly subjected to static loads. Thanks to this limited dynamic load, the steel is technically suitable for reuse in similar or lighter applications. Our working method complies with the applicable standards, including NTA 8713 & NEN-EN 1090. This approach delivers both ecological and economic benefits, including a lower MKI (Environmental Cost Indicator), reduced use of primary materials and savings on demolition and new production.

Example project | Showroom Baan Twente

✅ Fully recyclable steel

Steel is naturally 100% recyclable without any loss of quality. This property makes it one of the most circular building materials. On average, 92% of the steel profiles we use consist of recycled material.

3. ENERGY

✅ Green energy for our locations

Our production sites are fully powered by green electricity from renewable sources such as solar energy. This enables us to reduce our scope 2 emissions and contribute to the energy transition. Our production sites are certified by our energy supplier Engie. Engie confirms that the electricity we consume in 2026 will be fully sustainable through the purchase of government-approved Guarantees of Origin (GOs). These GOs originate from Dutch solar energy.

Accreditation Severfield Steel Construction Accreditation Severfield De Haven

4. MOBILITY

✅ Transport HVO100 (100% renewable diesel fuel)

For the transport of steel structures and materials, we have the option of using HVO100, a 100% renewable diesel produced from waste streams such as used vegetable oils and fats. HVO100 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel, without the need to modify vehicles.

✅ Electric internal transport

Electrically powered lifting and hoisting equipment is used for both horizontal and vertical internal transport. These quiet and emission-free vehicles are a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel or LPG-powered machines.

✅ Use electric vehicles on construction sites

Where possible, we use electric aerial work platforms, cranes and terminal tractors on our construction sites.

✅ Encouraging employees to use electric cars

We encourage the use of electric cars among employees. For example, we offer charging facilities at our locations and consider electric or hybrid alternatives when replacing lease cars.