Steel-concrete girders with a green character

Manufacturer Peikko has now also developed an ecological alternative with the same strengths. This was appropriately named DELTABEAM Green.

DELTABEAM originated more than thirty years ago in Finland. The hybrid beam combines the advantages of steel and concrete. Since then, the beam has helped shape thousands of projects worldwide. The general evolution towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach gave Peikko's engineers the idea of developing a green variant, without sacrificing practical benefits. The team is doing just that with at least 90 percent recycled steel and renewable energy.

Adding value to any project

By bringing steel and concrete together in a single beam, DELTABEAM creates several practical advantages on site. For example, large spans with fewer columns are possible. DELTABEAM has an integrated fire resistance of up to 180 minutes. An additional fire-resistant cladding with paneling or paint is therefore not necessary. In addition, the beams make the installation of pipes under the floor easy and flexible floor layouts are possible for future use.

DELTABEAM Green retains those benefits but adds a green touch. Sales and marketing coordinator Joris van Hezewijk explains: "Our DELTABEAM Green is made of more than 90 percent recycled steel. To this end, we have sought out a number of partners who supply this raw material. We are talking about a minimum percentage. It could just as easily be 99 percent. It depends on the custom design." Renewable energy is used for production. Transportation can also be done in an eco-friendly way, using biodiesel or environmental compensation for the fuel. "Our Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are a simple tool for professionals, allowing them to interpret the positive impact on the environmental impact of their project. For all these reasons, DELTABEAM Green is a rewarding solution for BREEAM or LEED certification."

Success story in Norway

Despite its young existence, DELTABEAM Green has already proven its added value. For example, in an apartment complex on a harbor in Norway (Havne-parken FK 1), where the beams are not only figuratively, but also literally green. The client and architect were aiming for a BREEAM Excellent score. Thanks in part to one kilometer of DELTABEAMs, or 150 beams, that goal was achieved. As for transportation, the client opted for biofuel to further reduce the ecological footprint. "And we want to keep tightening up that transport story," Joris van Hezewijk emphasizes. "Today, the DELTABEAM Green is only produced in Finland. But if it catches on, we want to expand production to other countries as well and drastically reduce transport kilometers that way."