Environmental Benefits of Repurposed Tubular Steel Sourced from Pipe Mill Secondary and Oil Field Surplus-Paper

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The paper evaluates the environmental benefits of repurposing steel tubulars from pipe-mill secondary stock and unused oilfield surplus for construction foundations. Using a life-cycle assessment aligned with ISO and EN standards, the study compared one tonne of repurposed tubulars with equivalent new, prime steel tubulars, from material acquisition through delivery and driven-pile installation.<br /><br />For repurposed steel, the estimated carbon footprint was 455 kg CO₂e per tonne delivered to a distribution yard. Transport to project sites and installation brought the total to about 693–694 kg CO₂e per tonne. The equivalent new-steel total was approximately 2,800 kg CO₂e per tonne, meaning repurposed tubulars produced about 75% lower greenhouse-gas emissions. Before site delivery and installation, the reduction was 83%.<br /><br />The assessment used 2022 company operating data, logistics information, installation estimates from Keller North America, and secondary databases, including World Steel Association data for prime steel. It covered three distribution yards and compared deliveries to selected project locations. The study also found that transport of incoming tubulars was a substantial source of emissions, highlighting the value of locating distribution facilities near supply routes and customers.<br /><br />A case study of a Hyundai manufacturing plant foundation in Georgia used 1,115 tons of repurposed steel and estimated emissions savings of approximately 2,350 tons of CO₂e compared with prime steel. The authors conclude that reuse can support lower-carbon construction and provide useful emissions data for project decisions. The assessment was third-party verified, and an Environmental Product Declaration is available.

Keywords

life-cycle assessment

repurposed steel tubulars

carbon footprint

construction foundations

greenhouse-gas emissions

oilfield surplus

pipe-mill secondary stock

Environmental Product Declaration

driven-pile installation

sustainable construction