Almost all the products used in construction have some impact on the environment. When assessing the sustainability of any product, it is important to measure the impact of it on the environment. With all these factors in mind, structural steel is said to be the most sustainable material to be used in construction. The various components that make steel structures more sustainable are:
Lower CO2 emissions
Structural steel manufacturing has improved the levels of greenhouse gas emissions and its energy usage. Most steel structures have been made up of recycled steel while the structural steel industry commits to pioneering new steel manufacturing processes that leverage greener fuels and result in greater reductions in emissions of CO2.
Recycled steel
Structural steel offers a decisive life cycle advantage as it can be continually recycled without losing its properties. Structural steel is used but never consumed. It is the only truly recyclable material. When structural steel is recycled, there is no down-grading. It can be recycled and used again without losing any of its properties. (For instance, a structural steel beam or stud can become a new steel beam or stud, without losing any of its properties.)
Longevity and durability
Steel structures can last for many years and so, they are cost-effective along with being sustainable. These structures are dimensionally stable and do not split, warp, or creep. Structural steel framing provides a better strength to weight ratio as compared to wood. It does not contract or expand with moisture content, and is also not vulnerable to termites. Structural steel is often fabricated off-site and so, it helps reduce on-site labor and construction time.
Steel structures offer great strength and can stand natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The steel structures are non-combustible and do not contribute to the spread of fire. This reduces the risk of fire among the occupants and firefighters.
As structural steel is the most durable, cost-efficient, reliable, strong, efficient, and sustainable option for construction, many people prefer using it in the construction of their commercial and residential buildings. This material is also widely used in the construction of industrial sheds. It is a better choice in comparison to other building materials. Also, steel structures do not require much maintenance. If you haven’t used structural steel in your constructions, you are definitely missing out on the various benefits it has to offer. You should start using structural steel in all your projects as it is not only cost-efficient but also environmental friendly.
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