The idea of green building standards is largely a matter of interpretation, as is much of the world’s “green” thinking. It is not (yet) enshrined in law but is becoming more and more widespread as everyone becomes more aware of their responsibilities to the planet – and pre-engineered steel construction companies are, or should be, no different.
If this is a concern for you in your construction project, here are some points to look out for.
Steel is Getting Greener
In terms of recycling, steel has no rivals in the construction industry. It is clearly, famously recyclable, and the quality doesn’t suffer when it is reincarnated. The process of purification that is undergone by gold and silver is similar to what happens to steel: it is melted down, and the extreme temperatures make it very difficult for anything of a lesser status to survive, so what you are left with is 100% steel. In addition, the process uses fewer resources than creating “virgin steel,” so you’re helping the environment by the very fact that you’re reusing what has already been refined once and doesn’t use too much energy the second time.
The steel manufacturing industry has cleaned up its act in recent years as regards emissions, so the overall impact on the environment is reducing all the time. It is not perfect yet, but the industry is taking its responsibilities seriously. There is a huge difference these days from what might be called the golden age of heavy industry, and while the US’s “rust belt” might be a sad sight, it is also a sign of changing attitudes. The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries in the UK had a huge impact on other countries, in many good ways but also many bad ones, but the world is more thoughtful about the whole thing now. Steel production in the US is one of the areas where lessons have been learnt, and changes have been made.
Insulation in Prefabricated Steel Structures
It is not just metal buildings that need insulation, but the famous heat-conducting properties of steel make it an obvious target for those who fear energy is being wasted. In fact, modern insulation methods have changed the game completely and steel buildings can now come with low fuel bills because we simply don’t allow much heat to escape.
Most of the temperature leakage is through the roof, so any construction company worth its salt will pack that with materials that form a barrier. Fiberglass rolls have been with us for many years and are still a popular method, along with reflective insulation foil and mineral wool. Foam injection is another option in certain situations. If you are hot on this subject, ask your steel structures contractor for some specific information about what they would do if given the contract.
The other side of the coin comes in hot climates, where air-conditioning generates large electricity bills as the operator strives to keep the interior cool. Modern reflective coatings and paints can see off much of the sun’s output in your direction, while ventilation and insulation take care of the situation in their own ways. In all these aspects and more, today’s prefabricated steel structures are far superior to previous generations.
Less Material Overall Makes Steel Buildings Better for the Environment
The versatility and sheer strength of steel mean you can use less of it than other construction materials. With a self-supporting steel roof, for instance, there is by definition no need for support in the form of pillars and posts.
The Speed of Construction
Steel buildings can be put up more quickly than those using traditional materials because much of the work is done at the factory and what is delivered to your site is a kind of construction kit, with girders and interlocking panels already cut to size and holes pre-drilled, so the frame can be erected quickly and the panels fitted together firmly and snugly (good for insulation) so that walls and roofs grow as if by magic. There is therefore far less preparation work going on onsite (fewer emissions), less noise being made, which is another of today’s considerations, and the job is completed in a shorter time, resulting in less labor cost, which may not be green but is certainly a welcome bonus for the customer.
Prefabricated Steel Buildings Clearly Help Meet Green Building Standards
If you are about to award a contract to a manufacturer of prefabricated steel structures, make them aware of your environmental concerns and make sure they share your point of view and will act responsibly on your behalf.
