Data Overview: Steel in the Construction Sector

April 23, 2026 | Reading time: 4 minutes

Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world—and continues to set records as a building material. A look at some surprising statistics. And at a medieval hardening method that still fascinates scientists today.

of the construction steel used in Germany is recycled: Globally, steel is the most frequently recycled material. The reason: The material can be reprocessed and reused as often as needed. The German steel industry recycles approximately 20 million tons of steel and iron scrap annually.

15.000m²

of the surface area of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 828 meters, was clad in stainless steel. 39,000 tons of reinforcing steel provide it with stability.

At31

the construction industry is the largest customer of steel manufacturers. It is followed by the automotive industry (25 percent) and mechanical engineering (12 percent).

Did you know that…

…Lard hardens iron into steel?

Scientists at the University of Tartu (Estonia) tested a historical method of steel production. A Benedictine monk named Theophilus had hardened iron with lard in the 12th century. The researchers therefore coated iron plates with the lard, wrapped them in wild boar skin and leather straps, and heated them. Metallographic result: The carbon from the fat and the skin had penetrated deep into the iron.

Steel at home in residential construction

Fast, sustainable, and cost-effective: from modular developments combatting the housing shortage to affordable single-family homes for every stage of life – groundbreaking projects showcase the future of building with steel.

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03/03/2026 | Article

Major renovations: Steel countering Germany's standstill

A total of 500 billion euros for a stable future: How we are leveraging the government special fund to upgrade our infrastructure and operate in a more climate-friendly way. And what role steel is playing in all this.

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