Internationally the main concepts and definitions of green materials for building structures can be generalized with the following characteristics: Reuse, Recycle, Reduce, and Low emission materials. Steel structures are in line with the above characteristics. According to the study, the energy consumption for reinforced concrete buildings is 1.3 times that of steel structure buildings, and the carbon dioxide emissions are 1.6 times the emissions of steel structure buildings. Comparing reinforced concrete structures with steel structures the latter produce carbon dioxide emissions around 20% less and therefore steel structures can be called a green building material and are believed to have minimal impacts on the earth’s environment.

Taiwan is located on a strong seismic belt and steel structures with excellent seismic-proof performance might be the best choice for buildings in Taiwan. However, the application of steel structures in Taiwan started relatively late and the ratio of steel structures is very low compared to those of United States and Japan. We believe that with appropriate promotion steel structures in Taiwan should become popular and enjoy good growth within a short period of time.

For many years CSC devoted itself to the development of high strength structural steels which are designed mainly for the demands of Taiwan which has a frequent earthquakes, typhoons and intensive rainfall. An increase in strength in structural steels not only enhances the security of the architecture, but also reduces the volume of steel and energy loss. Since steel is also 100% recyclable and reusable CSC’s structural steels are indeed green materials for buildings and structures. CSC has also accumulated many successful applications in Taiwan, such as the Taipei 101 super tall building, the slanting bridge across Pingtung Creek, and Taipei Airport MRT Gemini star building which is currently in progress. Although CSC has good cases for structural steels they still need positive promotion.