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IMOA launches sustainability case studies
05/08/2013
IMOA has launched the first three in a series of case studies which examine how the unique properties of molybdenum are making a contribution to sustainable development. The case studies show how the use of molybdenum generates sustainable benefits in the construction and power generation industries.
The first two studies examine the role of molybdenum in sustainable buildings. The Federal Building in San Francisco, USA, was designed incorporating a sophisticated computer-controlled sunscreen made from molybdenum-containing Type 316 stainless steel. Combined with natural ventilation, this greatly reduces the need for air conditioning, cutting the building’s energy consumption by two-thirds. The molybdenum in the stainless steel significantly increases its resistance to corrosion from the urban coastal environment and helps to guarantee a design life of 100 years.
The second study showcases the use of high-strength steel (HSS) in the roof of the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. HSS enables stronger and lighter structures than conventional steel, meaning that less steel was needed, saving resources, cost and energy in production and transportation. Molybdenum is a significant raw material in the highest grades of HSS and contributed to a 17% reduction in the quantity of steel used, a 17% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the lifecycle of the stadium and a 14.5% saving in the roof cost due to the reduced tonnage and costs of fabrication.
The third study looks at thin film photovoltaic panels to generate electricity from the sun.Energy from non-fossil sources has grown steadily and is predicted to more than double by 2020. Solar is an increasingly important source of renewable energy and molybdenum provides several advantages as a component of the back electrode in CdTe cells, and as the sole material of the back electrode in CIGS technology.
Commenting on the publications, Tim Outteridge, IMOA Secretary-General, said: “The case studies are part of our ‘MoRE FOR LESS’ activity. They are designed to highlight how a small amount of molybdenum in a product or application can make a significant contribution to sustainable development.”
The first three case studies are available to download from the sustainability section of the IMOA website:
www.imoa.info/molybdenum/molybdenum_sustainability_case_studies.php
General information for media
IMOA is a non profit trade association, representing the majority of the molybdenum industry worldwide. It works to raise awareness about the unique properties of molybdenum, its beneficial effects on materials performance, its safety in use and its contribution to sustainable development.
Molybdenum is added to alloy steels to improve strength, toughness, hardenability and weldability for numerous applications in the automotive, shipbuilding, construction, mining, chemical, oil & gas and energy generation industries. In stainless steels and superalloys, it improves corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance and finds uses in many industrial applications. It is also used in a variety of products from catalysts and lubricants to pigments and paint.
IMOA has a strict antitrust compliance policy which delegates of all meetings are required to observe. All such meetings are observed by legal counsel.
For more information please email the communications team at media@imoa.info.
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