Why Steel Materials are Best for Eco-friendly and Sustainable Buildings

The construction industry has been making great strides towards sustainable and eco-friendly building practices in recent years, and one of the key materials at the forefront of this movement is steel. Steel is a highly sustainable and eco-friendly building material, making it ideal for use in the construction of eco-friendly buildings. In this blog post, we will be discussing the reasons why steel is one of the best materials for sustainable construction, and why Erectors, Inc is the premier choice for the erection of metal buildings using eco-friendly and sustainable building materials.

Why Metal Buildings Are More Energy Efficient

Steel is durable, long-lasting, entirely recyclable, and makes for great insulation. It can also be modified easily, paving the way for even greener infrastructure. 
​Not only is the structure itself energy efficient, but metal buildings also require minimal maintenance intervention, meaning a reduced carbon footprint due to construction. Want to know more? Read on as we break down why metal buildings (both commercial and industrial) are so energy efficient.

Minimal Energy Loss

Gaps in materials are notorious for letting heat out and cold air in. Even if there are no visible holes or gaps, it is still possible for drafts and air leaks to occur. This is especially true for wooden structures, where the lumber can settle and twist over time. With these structures, you are effectively losing money every time you put the heat on.
​Steel buildings do not struggle with this. Steel does not ‘settle’ or twist. There should be no gaps or draftiness with a steel building, meaning that the energy you use for heating your space will be well spent. Your waste will be minimized, and your energy efficiency will be greatly improved.

Improved Temperature Regulation

Though it may sound counterintuitive, steel roofing is highly appropriate for the summer months. There is no denying that metal heats up fast due to how quickly it absorbs heat. However, the versatility of steel means it can be easily adapted for greater insulation and ventilation. 
​Even something as simple as the insulated sealant can make a massive difference. From a structural perspective, steel buildings tend to have thicker walls, meaning greater space for insulation. You could also add vents to the roofing without compromising the building’s integrity. Simply put: steel provides you with options that other materials may not.

Less Electric Consumption

Like how you may decide to add vents to your steel roofing, skylights are also highly popular. With the introduction of skylights, you only need to use electric lighting when necessary. 
​Additionally, steel buildings are often fitted with more windows than buildings made from other materials. You can see this in many of the tallest skyscrapers. For example, look at the windows on the Empire State Building. By letting the light in throughout the day, your building immediately becomes more energy efficient as the need for electricity lessens. Steel buildings can be designed to take full advantage of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating, which helps to make the building more energy-efficient. Additionally, steel is a great conductor of heat, which can be harnessed to improve the energy efficiency of a building, making it a sustainable building material.

Completely Recyclable

Outside of how you manage your energy, steel buildings are more energy-efficient on the whole as they are 100% recyclable. Steel is the most recycled material on the planet, as it maintains its original integrity even once the process is complete. The process of turning steel scrap into new steel is massively energy efficient. ​

Cheaper to Manufacture

The manufacture of any material requires energy, but the manufacture of steel has evolved greatly over the years. The energy required to produce steel has decreased as much as 60% since the 1960s and continues to fall to this day. By investing in steel buildings, you are helping to reduce global energy consumption in construction. One of the main reasons why steel is a great choice for sustainable construction is its high level of recyclability. Steel is the most recycled material on the planet. Structural steel is 93% recycled and 100% recyclable, making it a material that is circular for generations. Instead of going to the landfill or an incinerator, decommissioned bridges and buildings go right back into the supply chain to become steel again and again; it can be recycled repeatedly without losing their strength or quality. This means that the use of steel in sustainable construction can help to reduce waste in the environment, making it an eco-friendly building material. All structural hot-rolled sections produced in the U.S., including typical wide-flange beams and columns, are made in electric arc furnaces. This technology uses electricity to melt cars, refrigerators, decommissioned bridges, and another scrap into new steel without any loss of quality. The average new member contains 93% recycled steel, and EAF steelmaking has 75% less emitted CO2 than traditional steelmaking.

Strength and durability

Strength and durability are two other key features of steel, making it ideal for use in sustainable construction. Steel buildings can withstand high winds, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, making them a reliable and durable choice for the construction of eco-friendly buildings. Steel is also resistant to fire, rot, and pests, ensuring that a building will last for many years with minimal maintenance, making it a sustainable building material.

Sustainability of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs)

While steel is an excellent choice for sustainable construction, not all steel building systems are created equal. Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs) are the best option among steel building systems due to their efficiency and flexibility. PEMBs are designed and manufactured in a controlled environment, reducing the need for on-site construction and minimizing the risk of weather-related delays. This makes PEMBs an efficient and cost-effective choice for sustainable construction. In addition, PEMBs are highly customizable, making it easy to design a building that meets the specific needs and requirements of each project.
At Erectors, Inc, we are the premier choice for the erection of metal buildings using eco-friendly and sustainable building materials. Our team of professionals has extensive experience and expertise in steel construction, and we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. We use only high-quality steel materials and equipment, ensuring that each building is built to last and meet the demanding requirements of sustainable construction.
We also provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services, ensuring that each building is kept in good condition for as long as possible. Our team of professionals is available to perform maintenance and repairs, as well as provide emergency repair services as needed. This helps to ensure that each building is always in top condition, providing the reliability and durability required for sustainable construction.
​In conclusion, steel is an excellent choice for sustainable construction due to its high level of recyclability, energy efficiency, strength, and durability. At Erectors, Inc, we are the premier choice for the erection of metal buildings using eco-friendly and sustainable building materials. Our experience, expertise, and use of high-quality materials and equipment ensure that we provide our customers with the best possible service, helping to build a more sustainable future.