The race to save planet Earth is on. No doubt about it, we have been experiencing climate change and global warming – the ill effects of years and years of neglecting our environment. Although we may not be able to reverse the damage that has been done, we can still our share by choosing a lifestyle that promotes sustainability. Start by choosing armstrong steel buildings over traditional construction.
The global “green movement” goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Among its various definitions, sustainability means caring for the future, something that does not deplete a current resource, or the capacity to endure. Environmental sustainability is adopting practices that have positive long-term effects.
In construction, prefabricated steel buildings are considered “green” mainly because of the use of steel, which a highly recyclable material. Unlike concrete that ends up in a landfill when buildings are demolished, steel goes to recycling plants to be converted to useful components.
These days, the momentum is on the side of steel buildings when it comes to new construction. Their popularity is mainly due to the many benefits they offer, which are unmatched by any other construction method. Imagine durability, affordability, cost-effectiveness, speedy construction, early occupancy, energy-efficiency and most of all sustainability.
Modern steel buildings have stylish facades that make them indistinguishable from structures made from traditional materials. In fact, they can fit seamlessly with their surroundings especially when incorporated with interior and exterior finishes that are popular with conventional buildings.
Popular facades for steel buildings are stucco, simulated brick or stone, insulated panels, brick or natural stone veneers, masonry among many others. But one other façade that will most likely be compatible with steel buildings is the bio-adaptive algae façade, which was recently developed and tested in Germany.
Called the BIQ House, it is the first algae-powered building with a bio-reactor façade made up of glass louvers, which contain micro-algae. The louvers not only allow the algae to grow faster since they are exposed to bright sunlight, they also provide shade for the building.
More importantly, the bio-reactors trap the heat energy produced by the algae and harvest it to provide a clean source of renewable energy to power the building.
Posts Tagged ‘Sustainability’
It’s Alive!
Wednesday, April 17th, 2013Steel Buildings for Sustainable Construction
Sunday, March 18th, 2012Architects, engineers and other experts in the construction industry are always on the look out for sustainable solutions that would not only help preserve the current state of our eco-system, but also showcase individual talents and abilities.
Some architects have even gone as far as transforming humble structures into modern and stylish homes. This sustainable practice is known as adaptive reuse and is now seen in countries such as Spain, Scotland and Israel.
Old and unused buildings including a school, a stable, a factory, a barn and even a shelter for ambulances have all been transformed and updated into dwellings with contemporary designs that preserved much of the original materials and form.
This awareness to adopt sustainable practices in the construction industry has given rise to the green building concept. A building’s design is considered “green” if it promotes energy savings, the use of renewable materials and the minimization of pollution.
Prefabricated steel buildings are leading the way in this green building movement. Compared with traditional building materials such as wood and concrete, steel has greater positive environmental impact. It is, by far, is the most sustainable building material in the planet today. The environmental benefits enjoyed by consumers who opt for prefabricated steel buildings start from the time of construction and up to the time the buildings need to be demolished.
Steel, used in construction, is more or less made up of 60% recycled content. No trees are cut when building with steel. Erecting prefabricated steel buildings is results efficient since very little waste materials is produced. All the cutting, drilling and welding have all been done at the factories. Unlike wood and concrete buildings, the construction sites of prefabricated steel buildings are dust-free and clean.
Prefabricated steel buildings do not rot and are impossible to have termite infestation. As far as energy savings are concerned, steel buildings are weather-tight because they are pre-engineered and prefabricated. All the components fit exactly and perfectly resulting in less heat loss. Besides, steel is a non-toxic material that will not off-gas, leaving no room for contamination of indoor air quality.
Since components of prefabricated steel buildings are just bolted together and screwed using steel studs, demolition will also not result in wastage. According to research, almost 99% of the steel will be sent to recycling plants and made into new steel. Steel can be recycled over and over again, without losing its strength and durability.
Sustainability is one of the biggest selling points of prefabricated steel buildings and more and more consumers are aware of this. This has resulted in the increase popularity of prefabricated steel buildings.
Steel Frame Buildings: The Most Sustainable Solutions for Most Construction Needs
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011There are many factors that customers weigh before they erect structures that they have been planning to have. First and foremost is the cost and related expenditures involved. While it’s true that there are those who are financially ready, the fact remains that many still try to work within a measured budget. Steel frame buildings utilize components that are cheaper compared to conventional buildings.
Wood and stone are materials that are traditionally used. But the ever-present threat of climate and natural calamities has led many to opt for steel frame buildings. The realization that at any time destruction could be horrendous is putting the public more aware of the dangers ahead.
Steel frame buildings have built-in strength because of the natural hardness of steel components. They are resistant to forces of nature and common pests that normally infest timber and brick. Rust formation can never happen through special application of chemicals for guaranteed protection of the frames.
Pre-engineered steel materials are recyclable and greatly support the work of environmentalists aimed at improving current ecological conditions. Mother Nature has suffered much from man’s irresponsible attitude causing a lot of disturbances to what used to be a serene and clean ecosystem.
The utilization of steel frame buildings is the only way to at least put some degree of sustainability that our planet deserves. Unlike conventionally used materials, pre-engineered steel components are not subject to any form of decay and are cheaper alternatives. In manufacturing facilities, they undergo thorough inspection so that they won’t fall short of the standards declared by both local and international building code authorities.
With the introduction of roof gardens, steel frame buildings have further advanced giving additional benefits not just to occupants but to environmental health. Roof gardens have provided a way to plant vegetables and fruits. In growing green produce on top of these modern structures, people are able to prepare organic food without the use of toxic fertilizer.
Roof gardens assist steel frame buildings in absorbing excessive water especially when there is a heavy downpour. They also lessen the impact of hot temperatures during summer thereby reducing the use of air conditioning system. In winter, cold air is blocked from being absorbed in the structural interior.
When it comes to repairs and maintenance, steel frame buildings hardly require substantial rehabilitation in contrast to traditional structures. Considered as excellent investments, prefabricated buildings offer triple the value for money spent. People should never entertain any degree of doubt when choosing general steel construction systems. Their comprehensive usage in many architectural platforms is evidence enough of their toughness and reliability.