This autumn in Klaukkala, Finland, the world's first roof made of fossil-free steel was installed in a house, which aims to be as responsibly built as possible in every aspect.

SSAB, the steel manufacturer, plans to start large-scale production of fossil-free steel in 2026. Even before this, beginning in early 2024, Ruukki will offer low-emission LowCarbon products made from SSAB's Zero steel.

In Klaukkala, a detached house is rapidly nearing completion. The house represents a significant milestone in Finnish steel construction, as it features a roof made from fossil-free steel, a world first.

'Building our own house has always been a goal and a dream for my wife and me. It was also clear that it would be built as environmentally friendly as possible, with log as the material,' says Tuomas Kara. For him, the forest and nature are close to his heart, both through work and hobbies, as he works in forestry and spends a lot of free time in the woods.

The construction became timely with the family situation, as the family of four started to desire more space and a natural environment. 'We spent about a year looking for a plot with the family. In Espoo, they are hardly available and the price level is high. Klaukkala was a natural choice, as my wife is from there. Now, work life also allows this well, as it is not necessary to be in the office every day,' Kara says.

When Kara was planning with Honkarakenne, he heard about the possibility of choosing a fossil-free roof. 'Of course, I wanted to join this project. The Ruukki Classic steel roof is long-lasting, easy to maintain, and simply stylish. That's why it was a natural choice for our modern log house.'

Responsibility is important for Kara's family, and attention has been paid to materials in the construction project. 'We have chosen carbon-sequestering logs grown in certified forests as the building material, a roof from fossil-free steel, and additional insulation is cellulose wool made from recycled materials. However, it is not possible to prevent all plastic use. We have a big pile of different plastics at the construction site. All building materials are wrapped in plastic, and there is still a lot of potential for product development on that side.'

Logistics is one factor that affects the fossil emissions caused by construction. Kara notes that the construction site has been planned to minimize material transport. Jouni Metsamaki, Head of Roofing business at Ruukki Construction, points out that it's also good business to transport as much as possible in one go. 'Ruukki aims to complete the delivery in one visit, using biodiesel or biogas for transportation.'

The energy consumption of the building is also a significant aspect. 'We have invested in geothermal energy, and solar energy also interests us. We haven't been able to implement everything at once, but we will do it gradually,' Kara says. According to the plan, the house will be completed next spring. 'Our older daughter is now four years old and the younger one is almost a year old. We intend to build a long-term home for the family and plan to live here for at least 30 years.'

Step by step towards a green transition

SSAB has been developing fossil-free steel production for a long time. When production with the new HYBRIT technology starts in Oxelosund, Sweden, in 2026, large-scale fossil-free steel production will begin. 'We received fossil-free raw material for the roof's pilot production from SSAB, and we have several other related projects underway. We are gradually moving towards lower carbon emissions in our production,' says Metsamaki.

Ruukki will introduce a low-carbon product portfolio to the market as early as 2024. 'We are proud to contribute to the green transition in our industry. We want to be a pioneer in sustainable construction and help our customers significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings over their entire lifecycle with our building products made from SSAB's fossil-free steel,' says Anna Talas from Ruukki, responsible for new businesses.

Talas explains that there is already clear demand for building products made from fossil-free steel in commercial construction, while demand in residential construction is still increasing. Roofs made from fossil-free steel will become part of Ruukki's broader range of fossil-free and low-carbon products. 'The spearhead among roofing products will be Ruukki Classic LowCarbon, made from SSAB's recycled-based Zero steel. Ruukki is also offering a solar roof through partners. The low-carbon product portfolio for roofing products is planned to be expanded in the future, and low-carbon products are already available in commercial construction,' says Talas.

The implementation of the world's first roof made from fossil-free steel was carefully chosen. 'We wanted to pilot the first-ever building products with carefully selected customers who have a strong sustainable development agenda. Honkarakenne, as a pioneer in responsible timber construction, is an excellent partner for the Klaukkala project.'

Technically, the manufacturing process of roofing profiles made from fossil-free steel does not differ from that of other roofing profiles. Metsamaki notes that the difference is mainly in the raw material, which is fossil-free steel. 'In addition, we have made significant efforts at different stages of the supply chain to reduce the carbon footprint of our products. We use fossil-free energy and material and logistics options that have the smallest possible environmental impact.'

In 2024, Ruukki will launch the low-emission Ruukki Classic LowCarbon roofing product made from recycled steel in several markets, with a carbon footprint up to 70 percent lower than that of a standard steel roof. Products made from fossil-free steel will be offered on a commercial scale from 2026.

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