John Lawrie Tubulars Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) & Carbon Savings in Steel Tubulars
Verified 98.51% lower CO₂ compared to new mill steel
What is an Life Cycle Assessment, and why does it matter?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardised methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service across its entire life cycle—from raw material extraction and production, through use, to end-of-life disposal. In our business, LCA has been instrumental in identifying environmental “hotspots,” reducing waste, improving operational efficiency, driving innovation in product design, and supporting transparent, evidence-based sustainability reporting.
In the construction industry, LCA plays a crucial role by enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions aimed at minimising a building’s overall environmental footprint. It helps identify areas of high impact, optimise the use of materials and energy, and compare alternative, more sustainable design solutions. By integrating LCA into the planning and design phases, the industry can significantly contribute to long-term environmental performance and regulatory compliance.
Our LCA Study 2025
Rather than rely on data simply pulled from the Internet, John Lawrie Tubulars has undertaken not one but 2 UK-specific Life Cycle Assessments on its steel tubulars management and operating processes, the first was completed in 2020 and the second in 2025. The LCA’s were performed by Giraffe Innovation Ltd., an award-winning environmental and technical consultancy in the UK.
The CO2 emissions calculated in the UK LCA includes full life cycle use of the steel tubulars including any incoming transportation, handling and manufacturing, outgoing transportation, and installation of the tubulars (for top driven piles). The John Lawrie Tubulars CO2 emissions were then compared to steel industry emissions for new mill pipe using the same “ship to” locations as the John Lawrie Tubulars analysis.
LCA Results
These figures are based on the machinery and processes we use, the figures are unique to our business and are non transferable to competitors offering a similar product.
- The results of our NEW Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the repurposing of surplus steel piping, by John Lawrie Tubulars shows that 1 ton of repurposed tubular steel pipe has a carbon footprint of 29.84kg CO2e per tonne (cradle to gate).
- By comparison, the new mill seamless pipe procured through distributors has a carbon footprint of 2,005.76kg CO2e per tonne (cradle to gate).
- This means that the John Lawrie tubular products save 1,975.92kg CO2e per tonne, which is 98.51% of the carbon emissions. In other words, the material carbon footprint of repurposed tubular products has less than 2% of the impact of those made from prime steel.

What are the Benefits for your business?
JLT can provide a customised CO2 Savings Certificate to preferred suppliers and valued customers on a job basis, monthly basis or annually.
Highlighting CO₂ savings in your business demonstrates a clear commitment to climate responsibility, helping to build trust with customers, investors, and stakeholders. It supports compliance with ESG and Net Zero targets, enhances brand reputation, and can differentiate your business in competitive markets. CO₂ reduction in steel tubulars often goes hand-in-hand with cost savings and material efficiency, while also opening up opportunities for green financing and public sector tenders. Communicating measurable CO₂ savings makes your sustainability efforts credible, drives innovation, and strengthens your overall business strategy.

Explore Case Studies with CO₂ Savings!
Steel Tubular Piling at Glasgow Airport
John Lawrie Tubulars provided 36no. 339mm dia thick-walled steel tubular bearing piles for the project. Using John Lawrie Tubulars’ repurposed tubular products and bespoke procedures saved this project 258.05 tCO₂e.
Piling for Warehouse Infrastructure
6,872.37 mtrs of Steel Piles installed for foundations in Northampton, our products and procedures saved this project 1575.42 tonnes of CO₂e.
Endformedᵀᴹ Helical Piling for Telecoms
177.8mm Dia Galvanised Steel Helical Endformedᵀᴹ Piles with Square hats for Telecoms installation in Derby. Using John Lawrie Tubulars’ repurposed tubular products and bespoke procedures saved this project 5.80 tonnes of CO₂e.
Piling for Wind Farm Foundations
2650.66 mtrs of 273mm Dia Steel Piling Supplied for Tacher Wind Farm, Wick. Using John Lawrie Tubulars’ repurposed tubular products and bespoke procedures saved this project 475.99 tonnes CO₂e!












