As the demand for resilient, low-maintenance infrastructure grows, corrosion mitigation has become a defining sustainability challenge for governments and industry alike. This work evaluates the long-term performance of zinc-based corrosion protection systems—specifically hot-dip galvanizing and metallized coatings—in comparison with conventional barrier coatings widely used across transportation, industrial, and municipal structures. Through case studies spanning bridges, utility structures, and high-salinity industrial environments, this research highlights lifecycle cost savings of up to 70%, dramatic reductions in maintenance intervals, and the environmental impact associated with eliminating repeated recoating cycles. The study also examines zinc’s circularity profile, including its recyclability, low embodied energy, and contribution to reduced carbon output when deployed at scale. Findings demonstrate that when infrastructure owners shift from short-term barrier approaches to zinc-centric strategies, they unlock significant gains in sustainability, operational efficiency, and infrastructure reliability. This presentation outlines a scalable framework for agencies and engineers to transition toward more durable systems—reshaping corrosion protection as a sustainability initiative rather than a maintenance line item.
