We have another awesome guest post to share with you this week, Metal Buildings as Sustainable Solutions. Thank you Betito for providing this great post for us!! We really enjoyed it and appreciate the time you took!
Ever wonder why metal buildings are considered sustainable and eco-friendly structures? Here, we will take you through the nitty-gritty of steel as a material and the various advantages it has over traditional structures. We will also discuss what features of steel ultimately make it the champion of sustainability.
But why bother with sustainability? The future of construction businesses is to move towards eco-friendly designs and materials that are not only practical and affordable but also have a lesser impact on the climate and nature. So, let’s get going.
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METAL BUILDINGS AS SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Here’s How Metal Buildings Are Sustainable Solutions for Businesses
1. Raw Material
There is barely any wood involved in manufacturing and installing a metal structure. It helps prevent deforestation and loss of habitat due to cutting trees. You can consider steel to be nature safe.
Now, since most of the work is done in the factory, there is less wastage during construction. After installation, if you can clean the building, collect any small steel pieces or shavings, and sell them to your nearest scrapyard for some cash.
But that’s not it! Once you are done with a steel building, it can be repurposed for some other use. Various uses of commercial metal buildings are:
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2. Recyclability
Structural steel is 98% recycled and 100% recyclable. More than 90% of the water used in steel production is returned to its source cleaner. Steel can be recycled multiple times without compromising its durability and strength. Wood can only be refurbished for a limited time. After that, it will end up in the landfill.
When installing commercial metal buildings, don’t forget to install a gutter with a downspout. This will redirect all rainwater and melting snow away from falling on your head toward a collection tank. This water can then be filtered and reused for other applications. This process facilitates rainwater harvesting.
Did you know that steel buildings can be used for positive branding? Yes, that’s right. They improve your brand’s reputation as a company, and you are more likely to attract customers and investors. Steel buildings also create a better environment by conserving resources for future generations.
3. Cost Effective
If you opt for a prefab metal structure, you will receive pre-designed, cut, and drilled materials from the factory.
These materials can be easily shipped in parts, assembled at the site, and ready for use within a few weeks. The assembly takes less time than traditional materials, as most work is already done in factory settings. The total time consumption on-site decreases along with no. of labor.
Less labor charges and fast construction make steel buildings a preferred choice amongst businesses that want to start early. On top of that, you will also get a durable and sturdy structure that retains its structural integrity over time.
Metal structures are low maintenance. Once coated with quality paint, they can last for up to decades without needing re-painting. Termites, pests, and other insects do not affect metal panels and frames, so you won’t need to spend on regular inspection and control.
Metal does not suck in moisture from the outdoors. Hence, there is no rotting or decaying of panels. Being non-porous also saves from bacterial colony build-up that can harm the health of the building’s occupants and livestock.
4. Energy Efficient
Metal roof panels are sturdy and can bear more load than conventional roof shingles. Hence, they are ideal for solar panel installation. Your building can harness its own energy, reducing its dependency on the power grid.
Ensure to insulate your metal structure. You can use affordable and functional insulators such as fiberglass, which has a wide range of R-values. While we are on the topic of insulators, let’s not forget about ventilation as well. If your building is installed in an open space, you can pick passive vents. For limited open space, we suggest picking active vents that operate on power.
Both insulators and vents will help regulate the indoor temperature and reduce moisture levels by facilitating fresh air flow. You can also paint your roof with reflective paint or choose a light color to reflect sunlight. This will keep the building cooler for long. All this will help save on energy bills.
5. LEED Standards
These are certifications considered to be the gold standard for the green building industry. There are a lot of parameters that need to be fulfilled to get this certification.
Once you install a certified energy saving steel building, you can save up to $1.00 per sq. ft. by filing for tax credit on the EnergyStar website. Refer to the website for details.
Fire-retardant coatings for metal buildings make them withstand fire for up to four hours. This will give you time to extinguish the fire, and a proper insulator will also help slow down the spread of fire from one section to another. This will come in handy when applying for insurance. You can get up to 30% or more of a waiver on insurance premiums.
How Can You Make Green Metal Buildings & Get LEED Certified?
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a third-party certification that considers environmental factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the overall carbon footprint of steel buildings.
There are four levels starting from 40-49 points for certification, 50-59 for silver, 60-79 for gold, and 80 or more for platinum. You can register your project, fill out the form, submit the fee (~$3000 for a new building under 50,000 sq. ft. in size), and pass the LEED Green Associate exam.
Go Eco with Commercial Metal Buildings
Now, you can also contribute to a sustainable project by installing metal buildings for your business endeavors. Not only will you reap the benefits of tax credits and energy bill savings, but you will also project yourself as a business of the future that cares for nature and humans alike. When buying a steel structure, you can ask your metal dealer how to get LEED certification for your building.
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