Could steel be considered eco-friendly? Indeed, and very well so!
Steel may be found in many finishes, including stainless, galvanized, carbon, and mild. Each option offers a unique visual style and a unique set of physical attributes to meet your needs. It's a superb structural and even ornamental material for buildings, and it's also used in the construction and industrial sectors because of its durability.
For steel to be genuinely sustainable, however, both the producer and the fabricator must adhere to the same standards. Otherwise, it may be counterproductive by producing unnecessary additional energy, by-products, and waste.
Steel and eco-friendly architecture go hand in hand, and here’s why.
Why is sustainability in construction crucial?
A large chunk of greenhouse gas emissions is caused by buildings.
Now more than ever, construction companies, architects, and everyone involved in the process are prioritizing environmental responsibility and embracing sustainable practices. At this stage, it has become a marketing tool for some.
In order to impact the world the best way we can, we should strive to be more sustainable, starting from the buildings we live in.
1. Steel produces less waste
Reducing landfill trash is a major factor in making steel a more eco-friendly choice for construction. To get the most out of your steel purchase from a supplier like Cedar Steel, a structural steel supplier in Sydney, for instance, you should buy just the quantity you anticipate using. Exactly what you need to erect one of their steel structures is included in the package. If you find yourself with extras, something went wrong during construction.
As a result, there may be far less waste than with materials like brick or wood. As such, there is a very good argument in favor of using steel in buildings.
2. Steel may be reused and recycled
Steel's recyclability is a major selling point for those who want to use eco-friendly materials. Steel has a high rate of recycling, with around 60% of the amount produced getting reused.
Because of its metallurgical qualities, steel undergoes zero deterioration throughout the recycling process. This means that it could be melted down and recycled forever without impacting the quality of the material.
Steel's ability to be easily recycled substantially lessens the toll that its production from raw materials has on the natural world. As an example, the energy required to manufacture steel cans from recycled steel is 75% less than the energy required to manufacture the same cans from raw resources.
Steel scrap reuse helps save natural resources since it keeps unwanted items out of landfills and allows for their further use in manufacturing.
3. Using pre-engineered steel constructions is even greener
Prefabricated steel systems make the most of the material's robust qualities. Manufacturers of steel buildings may now make the strongest, longest-lasting buildings imaginable while using the fewest amounts of the material.
Pre-engineered metal building packages have all of their components factory-made, meaning that they've been cut, shaped, welded, drilled, and labeled. At the construction site, frame members are put together like a giant erector set. Waste management is second to none. The scrap steel from the factory process is usually sold to a metal recycler.
4. Steel doesn't harm people or nature
Steel does not emit any harmful compounds or pollutants and may be extracted from the environment with the use of magnets. Given that it produces no harmful run-off, it has a far lower environmental impact than many other materials.
And considering how many people use stainless steel cutlery in their own kitchens, this is wonderful news for consumers as well.
5. Steel will save you energy in the future
Steel is one of the most durable building materials available, so you can use more insulation without worrying about it weakening your home's structure. If you have thicker insulation, there’s less opportunity for warm air to escape and cool air to come in.
Therefore, your monthly energy bill will be much less than you’re used to. You can turn down the thermostat on your home's heating system because you don't have to worry about heat loss through the building's envelope.
When you think about how important it is to be aware of your impact when using our planet’s resources, it can truly affect your everyday life. And it should. From using tote bags instead of plastic bags to buying only local produce, everything is changing. Your environmental consciousness should also extend to the building you live in. Therefore, if you’re planning on constructing a new home, or making an addition to what you already have, steel is probably the best option. It can be endlessly reused, and you can buy all the parts pre-cut, so you don’t have to deal with waste. Plus, it’s not harmful to the environment since it doesn’t produce toxic byproducts. Steel sounds really good right now, doesn’t it?