Undertaking a Life Cycle Assessment to Calculate the Environmental Footprint of Repurposed Secondary Market Steel Tubulars

Extending the utility of materials through reuse, repurpose and recycling to minimize waste, pollution, water, and the consumption of finite resources, reduce environmental impacts and cut GHG emissions (CO2) are key tenants of the Circular Economy. John Lawrie Tubulars USA conducted a Life Cycle Assessment to calculate the environmental impacts of the repurposing of John Lawrie Tubulars steel pipe products sourced from pipe mill secondary and oil field surplus stockpiles to compare repurposed steel tubulars to those made from prime (new mill) steel throughout their lifecycle. The analysis includes multiple environmental characterization indicators associated with the material processing, on-site operations, supply chain, distribution, and installation of the pipe for foundations. The benefits of repurposed tubulars are consistently beneficial across all environmental indicators when compared to prime steel tubulars. The life cycle analysis results show that for every tonne of steel tubular repurposed there is a 71% - 80% saving of carbon emissions over the use of a prime steel equivalent from cradle to installation. The methodology used in this study will be described, demonstrating the rigor and 3rd party verification process involved in calculating the CO2 emission savings, one of the first of its kind for secondary steel suppliers in North America. With growing pressure on the construction industry to be more resource efficient, and to lower embodied carbon, material reuse strategies are critical to meet targets. This data can be used to demonstrate, and quantify, the environmental impacts and benefits of repurposed tubulars and supports the efficacy of environmental claims and contribution to a circular economy.