Durable steel makes new Buffalo Bills stadium greener

The Buffalo Bills’ new stadium may not be the best environmentally, but it does have some green credentials.

The stadium’s steel is manufactured locally and climate-friendly, using an electric arc furnace. Studies show the process emits 75% less carbon than traditional steelmaking.

Brian Raff, vice president of sustainability and government relations at the American Institute of Steel Construction, said there are external benefits to using electric arc furnace steel.

“The EAF steel supply chain is just a circular economy,” Raff emphasized. “Everything that is waste, considered waste at one point, is put back into the supply stream, shredded, melted, and then made into new steel, over and over again. »

Some disadvantages of electric arc furnace steel are higher impurities and inclusions and uneven heat distribution.

Other environmental benefits of the new stadium include reduced water consumption, improved rainwater drainage and a modern electrical system. The stadium will accommodate 14% fewer spectators, which will also reduce other environmental impacts. Highmark Stadium will be completed in 2026.

Beyond environmental impacts, construction of the new stadium will create 10,000 union jobs in Western New York, and 60% of the 25,000 tons of steel used for the stadium will be developed in New York.

Raff stressed that local steel production would have an economic ripple effect.

“25,000 tons of steel represents millions of man hours, which means it will keep these manufacturing companies operating,” Raff explained. “The money is coming in, which means they are able to pay their employees. All this money will be saved and spent in local economies.

The project also creates greater opportunities for minority, women and veteran-owned businesses. An important part of the labor agreement negotiations involved involving local workers in the construction of the new stadium.

Edwin is a journalist and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He has previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin started early as a radio intern for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018 he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a BA in Journalism and in 2022 he graduated from Syracuse University with a Masters in Communications.