How does the use of structural steel help in creating the greener environment around us
Structural steel is a fast, safe and efficient building material. It comes off as the best material for construction owing to its various features like high strength, fire resistance, flexibility, long lasting, offsite manufacturing, reusability and recyclability. These characteristics of structural steel result in many social, economic and environmental benefits to satisfy sustainability’s ‘triple bottom line’.
Here’s what makes structural steel an environment friendly building material:
Structural steels don’t decay or decompose: Steel structures mature with age, rather than deteriorate and decay. The longevity of a building is indispensable to its sustainability. Steel frame do not require any type of special treatments to prevent mold, decay or insect infestation. Steel cannot absorb moisture and therefore cannot host any bacteria that would compromise the health of the home’s habitants.
Reusability of structural steel: Steel structures are intrinsically reusable. Steel-framed buildings can be dismantled, and reused. Any steel which cannot be reused is recycled for further use in construction. Designers & Architects can take responsibility for sustainability by efficient deconstruction of steel building. Research shows that 99% of structural steels are reused or recycled.
Steel is endlessly recyclable: Structural steel can be recycled indefinitely. This referred as multicycling. The multicycling of steel lessens the environmental issues. Over 500 million tonnes of steel are multicycled worldwide each year and that’s a whopping amount. Because of its unmatched magnetic property, it’s easy to remove from waste land. This makes steel the most recycled building material in the world.
Offsite construction: Steel construction is carried out by small group of skilled workers in a accordant manner which is safe and predictable. Reduced time at site means lower costs, quicker returns and fewer disruptions to the local community. Structural steel is manufactured in a factory controlled environment and delivered at site when needed.
Reduces overall energy cost: With advancement in engineering & technology, the energy required to produce raw steel has dropped by 60% since 1960. Off-gases from the furnaces can be totally reused. Electric arc furnaces allow steel production from scrap metal. Producing steel from scrap requires much less energy than producing new steel.
Protect humans & environment: Steel releases no harsh chemicals or toxins and can easily be retrieved from the environment with magnets. It’s not harmful to the humans as well as the environment. Steel is also resistant to natural calamities such as flood, snowstorms, and earthquakes. Use of structural steel also reduces pollution as compared to other building methodology.
