As one of the most popular building materials on the market, steel has been used in construction projects for an incredibly long time. However, did you know that steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials out there?
Steel buildings are not only trendy but are even associated with a wide range of environmental benefits too. Let’s discover 3 eco-friendly reasons why more buildings should be constructed from steel.
Low Energy Costs
Rising energy costs can be a huge overhead for business and home owners. Therefore, finding new ways to reduce energy bills is essential. Steel is one of the toughest building materials and, consequently, can be reinforced with generous layers of insulation without any impact to overall structural integrity. Steel frames can be wrapped with insulation at ease, which, over time, can prevent buildings from losing warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer. As an energy efficient alternative to other materials, steel structures can help to reduce energy bills.
An additional perk of buildings constructed from steel, such as pre-engineered storage solutions from Armstrong Steel, is that they can be easily adapted to incorporate solar panels. Moreover, it is no secret that environmentally conscious companies, as well as the buildings that house them, are in high demand. With energy costs predicted to continue soaring, solar panels allow buildings to create their own energy, which over time, can prove to be a worthwhile investment.
Reduced Waste During the Construction Phase
When constructing a building from steel, each individual part is engineered, created and delivered with a purpose. Structures are able to be custom designed piece by piece which can, in some case, significantly eliminate waste. This is a stark contrast to other materials such as wood that must be ordered in bundles and cut as needed. With wood, there is always going to be elements of scrap that cannot be reused, and so steel can often be an environmentally favourable choice.
Did you also know that steel is one of the most easily recyclable metals? Steel can be used time and time again without losing any of its inherent properties, making it a popular construction material of choice among eco-friendly builders. It is also possible to repurpose steel for other projects which means it frequently meets green building codes and standards, ensuring a sense of sustainability and environmental progress.
Steel is Resistant to the Elements
One of the most useful benefits of steel where construction projects are concerned is its resistance to mold. Steel cannot absorb moisture and therefore does not host harmful bacteria that can compromise our health. Unlike buildings made from alternative materials, structures made from steel do not require any special treatments to prevent mold, decay, or insect infestation.
Furthermore, steel is also impervious to natural sources of water such as rain, snow and ice. Natural disasters can damage structures in a variety of different ways, but water damage is one of the most common contaminants in buildings of all shapes and sizes. Using steel therefore minimises the risk of damp and mold. Above all, creating structures from steel that are resistant to environmental effects and extreme weather conditions ensures that these buildings can stand the test of time.
Ultimately, thanks largely to its eco-friendly attributes, steel is fast becoming the leading building material in the construction industry. Environmental sustainability is a massive concern to modern building projects, and as a result, the increasing usage of steel is expected to continue rising.
Are you contemplating constructing a building using steel? Take a look at this blog post for some useful tips to save money when purchasing a steel building.
