SSAB, a Nordic and US-based steel company, and Finnish builder Parmaco have collaborated to construct a concept building made entirely of fossil-free steel.

This innovative project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable urban development by utilising SSAB's HYBRIT technology steel. The building is claimed to be the world's first such structure.

The collaboration between SSAB and Parmaco represents a bold move towards a greener future in construction, with the potential to set new industry standards for sustainability and innovation.

Parmaco, which has experience in delivering spaces for educational, commercial, and governmental use, plans to incorporate pilot deliveries of this pioneering steel throughout the entire structure of the new building.

The company expects to commence construction in early 2025, with the goal of completing the project within the same year.

The fossil-free steel utilised in this project is produced using the HYBRIT technology, a collaborative effort between SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall.

This technology replaces coal with hydrogen and fossil-free electricity in the iron ore reduction process, resulting in water as the only by-product instead of carbon dioxide emissions.

SSAB has made this environmentally friendly steel available for pilot deliveries to select partners, marking a significant step towards reducing the construction industry's carbon footprint.

SSAB Europe executive vice-president and head Olavi Huhtala said: “With the HYBRIT technology, we remove one of the key problems with traditional steelmaking by largely eliminating fossil carbon emissions from the production process.”

At the core of Parmaco's approach is its proprietary product, Fixcel. This advanced steel cell, which forms the building's framework, is known for its properties that enhance indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption.

The use of Fixcel in the concept building will further cement Parmaco's commitment to sustainable and efficient construction practices.

Parmaco chief executive officer Jukka Joutsenkoski said: "At Parmaco, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction. 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 responsible buildings that do not compromise on quality or durability."