Are Steel Buildings Really Green Buildings?

You may have heard that steel buildings are a greener choice than most other types of construction, but found it hard to believe. It’s true, though. According to a report based on the U.S. Green Building Council Continuing Education program, steel buildings are sustainable, heave low impact on the environment, reduce solid waste during construction, reduce energy use in all types of climates and improve the air quality and water efficiency in the building and its surroundings. That’s quite a list of green benefits there, and it’s coming from a source that understands green buildings.

Most people still think of Quonset buildings when they hear “steel building”. The Word War II era barracks buildings dotted the landscape throughout the agricultural landscape for decades after the war and colored our perceptions of metal buildings. While you can still buy Quonset buildings, today’s steel buildings are virtually indistinguishable from any other type of construction. The design options for metal buildings are nearly unlimited, and the newest technologies and advances allow for buildings that are energy efficient and green in many different ways.

Sustainability and Design in Steel Buildings

Pre-engineered steel buildings offer a solution for property owners who need safe, attractive, energy efficient buildings that can be delivered and erected quickly. Metal building manufacturers use advanced engineering practices that allow them to make the most efficient use of raw materials, reducing the amount of steel used and eliminating waste through the use of advanced computer modeling. These techniques often reduce the weight of the structures while still meeting building codes, which in turn can reduce the footprint of the building and the size of the foundation needed. Thus, well-designed steel buildings reduce the use of raw materials and the impact of the building on its surroundings.

In addition, steel is the gold standard in creating sustainable buildings. It’s 100 percent recyclable and reusable. Steel buildings take less energy to heat and cool, which reduces utility costs. They require less maintenance over the course of their lives, which further reduces the cost of owning a steel building.

Pre-engineered steel buildings are the ideal choice for industrial and manufacturing uses, as well as for agricultural and residential uses. They make great garages and home workshops, barns and retail stores, office buildings and sports arenas. If you’re considering building a new structure for your personal or business use, consider the many advantages of steel buildings when making your choice.