Green Building Solutions: Sustainability in Steel Construction

The world is rapidly shifting towards sustainable and eco-friendly businesses that prioritize people’s and nature’s well-being. As a business owner, have you ever considered the advantages of a green building for your business? It creates a positive brand value and helps you claim tax credit. So, let’s dive deep into how metal buildings make a positive impact on your business.

Have A Look At How Steel Commercial Buildings Boost Sustainability

1. Robust & Long Lasting Material = Less Material Needed

Steel is lightweight yet can bear more load. On the other hand, wood is heavy and has less strain bearing, especially along the directions perpendicular to the grain. So it is easy to ship and maneuver. Being lightweight, steel does not require a deeper foundation.

Steel has a high modulus of elasticity, which means it experiences less strain. So, it can carry a load of solar panels on the roof. You can construct large and wider steel structures, which is not possible with wood.

The consumption of steel in construction is less compared to wood. This saves material costs. Prefab steel buildings are mass produced and deigned in the factory. So, installation work on site is fast and requires less labor.

Wood wraps shrink, deform, bend, and develop cracks with time. However, steel retains its structural integrity over time. So, you will end up spending less on the repair and replacement of frames, posts, and panels.

As a result, steel buildings consume less material during construction, and low upkeep further cuts the use of extra material.

2. Reusable = Less Waste Goes In Landfill

During production in the factory, extra material is melted in the furnace so that it can be reused again. You can clean your commercial metal structures after the installation work is complete. If you find any steel shavings or metal pieces remaining, they can be sold to the nearest scrapyard to be recycled.

Did you know that structural steel is 98% recycled back into new products and 100% recyclable? Yes! That means no steel waste will end up in landfills, leading to less pollution. Some people might argue that steel production uses a lot of water, but over 90% of that water is returned to its source cleaner.

There is minimal to no loss in the physical properties of the steel during or after recycling.

3. Energy Efficient = Less Carbon Emission

A steel building can be designed to save energy bills. Install insulation to regulate temperature and reduce moisture built up indoors. A ventilation system will further decrease humidity and circulate fresh air inside. It makes the HVAC system work effectively, reducing energy consumption.

You can opt for a corrugated vertical metal roof, which is easy to clean since the ridges are perpendicular to the ground. 12-gauge steel can bear the extra load of solar panels over the roof. It will help generate electricity and reduce your dependency on the power grid.

If you don’t wish to install solar panels, painting the roof with a light color or reflective paint will redirect sunlight, keeping the interior cool. You can opt for a darker color roof to bring in warmth.

Effective management of heating and cooling inside steel commercial buildings leads to less power consumption. This means low carbon emissions, and as an added bonus, you can even claim a tax credit from the US government.

4. Design Flexibility = One Building, Multiple Use

Steel building comes with a flexible design that allows one building to be used and remodeled for another purpose. So, with just one building, you can use it many times. This reduces the need to erect new buildings, thereby saving raw materials for another purpose.

Steel is wind resistant, fire resistant, and robust material. It can withstand natural disasters unless there is a direct hit. 12-gauge steel can bear heavy snow loads during winters. The structure can last for decades with little upkeep, making many uses out of one building.

5. Clear Span = Less Land Foot Print

All under one roof – though this concept is not new. But did you know that it also has a low environmental impact? Steel builders offer a clear span design option that gives maximum carpet area, and the building itself can be as wide as 300 feet. So you won’t need to invest in separate structures.

This will save extra money spent on new construction, reduce the land footprint, and increase work efficiency and resource efficiency. A small footprint for office and commercial space will be beneficial for businesses in the long run.

Various Applications Of Steel Commercial Buildings

Here are some of the ways in which metal buildings can be used in industrial sectors:

1. Factory space for unobstructed machinery setup
2. Aviation business for clear span, wide, and large areas to park airplanes
3. Warehouse for storing goods, easy shipping, and maintaining logistics
4. Restaurant and cafeteria
5. Cold storage for keeping perishable goods
6. Office building with large windows for light and airflow
7. Commercial garden center for large space
8. Church and school building
9. Commercial recreational space for sports practices & indoor swimming

How Much Does Metal Buildings Cost?

Generally, metal building kits cost between $10 and $25 per square foot. The exact price will depend on your location, customization, and the complexity of the metal building’s design. The simpler your steel structure, the less it will cost.

What Custom Features Can Be Added To Metal Commercial Buildings?

1. Lean-to (front or on either side)
2. Gutter (without downspout and a collection tank)
3. Exterior sliding (curved/ 3D/ perforated)
4. Internal sectioning
5. Insulation (single/ double bubble, fiberglass, etc.)
6. Ventilation (active or passive)
7. False flooring (mezzanine)
8. Windows (clerestory, casement, single/ double hung, etc.)
9. Doors (walk-in, roll-on, sliding, hinged, double, etc.)

Join The Green Revolution With Metal Buildings

With the world moving towards eco-friendly and sustainable practices, you, too, can join the revolution by investing in steel commercial buildings. Steel is durable, customizable, robust, and resistant to pests, weather, mold, and mildew. It reduces your operational costs, and you can claim a tax credit by saving on energy consumption.