Metal Buildings: Environmental Benefits of Building with Steel
One of the primary environmental benefits of metal buildings is that the material can be recycled into other products.
Metal buildings are renowned for many things in the construction industry. Their qualities include:
- Strength and longevity
- Wide, open spans
- Weatherproof and rodent-proof
- Modern design capabilities
- Multi-functional design applications
One thing they don’t get a lot of credit for is their environmental benefits. In many regards, pre engineered metal buildings are one of the most environmentally sustainable construction methods available.
Recyclable
Every bit of steel that goes into a metal building is 100 per cent recyclable. In fact, pretty much all of the steel being produced today contains at least some recycled steel.
In some cases, certain building components can be disassembled and reused on another site.
Durability
Metal buildings are designed to last a long time and provide years of virtually maintenance-free operation. While other building types might require additional resources to keep them running properly, steel structures just keep going. These extended building life expectancies help conserve steel.
Health
Unlike some structures—such as those built with treated wood products or some built-up roof products—steel doesn’t release environmental pollutants into the ground or the air. To make certain you are using the most environmentally friendly products available, ask the manufacturing company about the type of metal coating they use.
To learn about trends in metal building coatings, check out or post: Coatings on Metal Buildings Bring Aesthetics to the Forefront.
Energy Efficiency
Advances in steel building technology make these structures very efficient in terms of heating and cooling loss. Insulated roofing and wall panels systems have helped make pre engineered metal buildings a popular option for energy efficiency.
In particular, they help minimize energy transfer around:
- Doors
- Windows
- Roofs
- Foundation
Less Onsite Building Materials
Pre engineered metal buildings arrive onsite ready to be assembled. They come complete with all of the components and materials you need. Not only does this speed up build times, it reduces the amount of additional materials you might otherwise consume on the jobsite.
Also, the use of computer-aided design is allowing engineers to design buildings using the minimal amount of steel required to achieve the required specifications. The result is a lighter-weight building that:
- Reduces the size of footings and foundation
- Minimizes the amount of steel and concrete required
- Reduces building costs
Less Construction Waste
At the end of their lifecycle, buildings need to be demolished. That means salvaging what you can and sending the rest to a landfill. Metal buildings contain a relatively high proportion of recyclable material compared to alternative building types, such as ones made of concrete.
So, not only does metal let you do your part for the environment, you’ll save on the landfill fees associated with construction waste.
Are you looking for a steel building company that handles everything from design work to the erection of metal buildings? Call Metal Structure Concepts. We have the skill, experience and manpower to handle your project from start to finish.