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Comment by jacknews | Hacker News Reader

I think the new processes for smelting steel are carbon neutral, and steel is highly recyclable. I think it would make sense to have hybrid steel-wood buildings, using a steel superstructure. And also use MgO cement where something mineral is needed or desired, as I think that is also carbon neutral.

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We're working towards carbon neutral steel, but not there yet. Here's an article https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-a-warming-planet/th...

Yes maybe it's not quite full production ready yet, but it looks like it's very close, going by for example this https://www.treehugger.com/boston-metal-electrifies-steel-ma...

How long will it take to rebuild or refurbish every steel manufacturer

Probably quicker than a wholesale transition to 'wooden skyscrapers'.

Don't get me wrong I do like the idea, but I also see a place for 'green steel'.

> I think it would make sense to have hybrid steel-wood buildings

Why? What advantages do you imagine come from not using wood?

Steel is much stronger so you can build much bigger buildings with it. Imagine 25-stories apartment/office building with steel skeleton and wood for walls.

Exactly, and CLT can even be used structurally, but it has diminishing returns as buildings get bigger, which is where steel could come in. And I think steel is easily recycled.

At least ~300ft buildings are no problems at all. That's not 25 stories but it's still the vast majority of buildings.

I did not say not to use wood. What advantages do you 'imagine' for using wood as main supporting structures, against something already extensively used, steel?

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