Are rising energy costs causing you to explore options for the Environmental Benefits of Steel Buildings? Steel is among the top choices for green construction materials. But what exactly are the Environmental Benefits of Steel Buildings?
Eco-friendly advancements in the construction industry have helped make steel a smart option overall — for both commercial and residential property owners. Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits this material offers!
Sustainable Factors
Steel offers incredible sustainability for all of the following reasons:
- Greater strength to weight ratio that reduces amount of material needed
- Often made of recycled material
- Lower amounts of water and energy needed to manufacture
Comparing steel to another material, such as wood, can help you appreciate its sustainability. Using trees to build wooden structures means having to replace them — and wait years for them to grow. But steel can be manufactured faster or made from recycled steel in order to construct buildings.
Recyclable and Reusable
As mentioned, steel is a recyclable material. Many buildings use recycled steel, reducing the need for new material to be produced. When this material isn’t needed anymore, it can be fully recycled rather than being sent to landfills. These reusable and recyclable properties make steel a better choice for the environment overall.
Reduced Construction Waste
Building steel structures typically results in less waste during the construction process, especially if pre-fabricated structures are used. Having a lower amount of waste means less cleanup is needed — and pieces of steel leftover from construction can usually be used or recycled for other purposes.
Green Design Options and Certifications
Steel buildings come with options that can boost their eco-friendly qualities even more. Light or white roofs, for example, help reflect an even greater amount of sunlight for lower energy usage. Certain construction processes and practices also help give these structures LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
Long Lifespan
Having a steel building means you’ll have a structure that lasts for many decades. This reduces the need to have new construction done. Steel’s durability also results in a lower need for extensive repairs throughout the years.
This material can withstand all of the following hazards that reduce longevity in other materials:
- Fires
- High winds
- Water damage from rain and snow
- Pests
Increased Energy Savings
Steel structures aren’t just better for the environment — they’re also better for your budget. This building material can help save on energy usage and costs in the following ways:
- Exteriors reflect the sun’s heat for cooler interiors and reduced AC usage
- Insulated interiors help keep heat inside and block cold air from outside during winter
- Insulation helps keep cool air in and hot air outdoors during warmer months
Enjoy the Environmental Benefits of Steel Buildings Arizona
Planning to add a steel building to your property? Our experts at Bunger Steel can help! We offer years of experience designing and constructing environmentally friendly steel structures — from garages and sheds to aircraft hangars and equestrian riding arenas.