The world’s first building made of fossil-free steel is scheduled to be built in 2025

Swedish steelmaker SSAB and Finnish smart building company Parmaco have teamed up to develop the world’s first concept building made entirely of fossil-free steel. Development is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed by the end of the same year.

Fossil-free steel is steel that is made without the use of fossil fuels in the production process.

Traditional steelmaking processes rely on fossil fuels such as coal and coke to heat the iron ore and convert it into steel. These fossil fuels release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

In this concept building, Parmaco plans to use experimental or trial supplies of fossil-free steel manufactured using HYBRIT technology.

“Our collaboration with Parmaco represents an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the potential of fossil-free steel in the construction industry,” said Olavi Huhtala, EVP and Head of SSAB Europe, in the press release.

Huhtala added: “With HYBRIT® technology, we are eliminating one of the main problems of traditional steelmaking by largely eliminating fossil carbon emissions from the production process. Together with partners like Parmaco, we can reduce the climate impact of building materials and show what is already possible.”

Reduce CO2 emissions

Steel production contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions. Carbon Brief estimates that steel products are responsible for approximately 11% of all CO2 emissions.

Interesting technology It was previously reported that HYBRIT is a collaboration between SSAB and state-owned utility Vattenfall.

HYBRIT began testing its fossil-free steel production process in Luleå, northern Sweden, in 2020. The goal was to completely eliminate the use of coking coal, a centuries-old component of ore-based steel production.

In August 2024, HYBRIT announced the successful production of fossil-free steel and stated that it could be produced on an industrial scale.

By replacing coal and coke with fossil-free energy sources such as green hydrogen, CO2 emissions can be reduced to zero. The byproduct is water, not carbon dioxide.

Rough calculations suggest that the introduction of HYBRIT technology could lead to a reduction in net carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden by more than 10%.

Sustainable construction

Parmaco is a company specializing in the design and construction of versatile spaces for various purposes, including schools, daycare centers, offices, homes and government facilities.

A key factor in their success is their innovative product Fixcel. Fixcel is a steel cell that serves as a building frame and offers benefits such as improved indoor air quality and reduced energy consumption.

“We are very pleased to partner with SSAB on this groundbreaking project,” said Jukka Joutsenkoski, CEO of Parmaco. “At Parmaco, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable building. We have the technology ready and soon we will have the right material. The use of SSAB’s fossil-free steel in our Fixcel technology is a natural progression in our mission to create environmentally friendly buildings that do not compromise on quality and durability.”

This project marks a significant step towards a more sustainable building future.

According to the press release, the fossil-free steel is proof of its feasibility and is currently available for trial deliveries to selected partners.

The building is a model for sustainable construction and shows that urban growth can be green.