As global supply chains evolve under climate pressure, one truth is becoming clear: environmental performance is now a competitive asset. In particular, retailers and global buyers are increasingly focused on Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions generated across their supply chain. For operators of cold storage facilities, this means that how you build your infrastructure matters more than ever.
This article explores the carbon footprint of different construction materials—especially concrete and steel—and shows how choosing low-emission alternatives can dramatically reduce your environmental impact. With practical comparisons and lifecycle insights, we’ll help answer a critical question: is your facility helping or hurting your competitiveness in a low-carbon economy?
The Construction Sector’s Emissions Problem
The traditional “bricks and mortar” model of cold chain construction is under growing scrutiny. Concrete, still widely used for warehouse builds, is responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions. That’s a staggering share for a single material. And it’s not just concrete—older refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) still linger in the market, compounding the issue.
As regulations tighten and buyers demand greener solutions, cold chain facilities are being called to account. For many, that means rethinking materials, cooling technologies, and overall emissions strategies
Steel as a Smarter Alternative
- A concrete structure might weigh 10,000 metric tons, emitting 9,000 tons of CO₂.
- An equivalent steel structure might weigh just 1,000 tons, emitting 2,000 tons of CO₂.
The Power of Recycled Steel
Modern steel production increasingly incorporates recycled content. Using 90% recycled steel can reduce emissions to just 0.2 tons of CO₂ per ton. Applied to our case study:
- 1,000 tons of recycled steel → 200 tons of CO₂ emissions total.
That’s just 2% of the emissions generated by a concrete equivalent. This isn’t just a technical win—it’s a strategic one. Companies that embrace recycled steel send a powerful message to retailers and buyers concerned about Scope 3 performance.
Materials Are Market Signals
Your construction choices aren’t just about cost and durability. They now signal your environmental credibility to partners, investors, and global markets. A cold storage facility built with low-emission materials and modern refrigerants can become a differentiator—a clear sign that your business is future-ready.
Cold chain operators who stick to legacy construction approaches risk becoming out of step with the direction of trade. Those who shift now, on the other hand, will benefit from:
- Easier compliance with emerging green building standards,
- Stronger alignment with global retailers’ emissions targets,
- Long-term energy and lifecycle cost savings.
Conclusion: Low-Carbon Construction Is Competitive Construction
In a world where emissions matter more every year, cold storage operators must rethink how facilities are designed and built. Concrete has long been the default—but it’s no longer sustainable. Steel, particularly recycled steel, offers a viable, scalable, and much greener path forward.
The time to future-proof your infrastructure is now. Because in the race to zero emissions, the way you build is as important as what you store.
Ready to lower your facility’s carbon footprint?
By Michele Bruni