Is Steel a Sustainable Building Material? – A Look at Energy Costs
We are often asked ‘Is steel a sustainable building material?’. In particular, our customers wish to know whether steel’s unique properties translate to energy costs: i.e., can cost savings be generated?
In a time where energy efficiency is of significant importance, individuals from all sectors are forever searching for ways to reduce energy consumption and costs. The result is not only streamlined operational costs but a carbon footprint reduction.
Often overlooked but highly effective, steel is a phenomenal material for reducing energy expenditure. What’s more, it offers fantastic levels of strength and flexibility which significantly improves structural integrity.
Today, we at Kit Buildings Direct are taking a closer look at how, exactly, commercial steel buildings can generate cost savings. Continue below for more information.
The Relationship Between Energy Costs and Steel: A Breakdown
Steel has been widely used in construction for some time, boasting superior levels of durability and adaptability. In recent years, the unique properties of steel, and how they can do wonders for energy cost savings, have come to the forefront.
Both for commercial and residential buildings, the energy efficiency of steel can generate substantial cost savings when used as the chief building material. We explore how below.
Insulation
In order for a building to effectively reduce energy bills, it has to be well insulated. Although many modern building materials make for fantastic insulators, steel buildings often boast unparalleled levels of insulation.
Better insulation leads to better regulation of internal temperatures, which subsequently lessens any reliance on heating systems. Energy consumption, and costs, are therefore reduced.
Durability
Steel structures are built to last, often outperforming equivalent buildings that are constructed from different materials.
A durable building is one that is less likely to age badly and need maintenance. As a result, building owners are less reliant on energy systems. How is this the case? Because old and broken buildings are more expensive to heat and cool, quite simply.
One could also consider the energy required to perform maintenance or repairs. On a commercial scale, this would be a significant consideration. The durability, and thus cost of a steel building, goes a long way in driving down energy costs.
Overall Sustainability
Although this point does not necessarily encapsulate energy cost savings, it is worth mentioning. We always provide a resounding ‘yes’ to any prospective customer who asks ‘Is steel a sustainable building material?’. Why? Because steel is highly recyclable and thus reduces the need to generate new construction materials, a process which consumes a massive amount of energy.
Design Flexibility
Steel buildings offer a significant amount of design flexibility. The inherent flexibility and adaptability of steel structures allows for the easy integration of energy efficient features.
Common examples include large windows and skylights, which effectively reduce reliance on HVAC systems and artificial lighting. The result is cost savings on energy expenditure. These are not the only examples however. Steel buildings make integrating efficient features easy and perfectly achievable.
On the other hand, efficient HVAC and lighting systems can be integrated just as easily. Another popular example is solar paneling. All of this systems, if properly integrated and fine tuned to the requirements of the building, can produce energy bills that are perfectly reasonable.
Maintenance
The ease of maintenance is one of the primary drivers behind the positive relationship between steel and energy bill savings.
All buildings require regular inspections, cleaning and upkeep of insulation/ roofing. This ensures that the building is in optimal condition.
For steel structures, this is significantly less troublesome than other alternative materials.
The overall durability and ease of maintenance means that energy bills, generally speaking, are kept to a minimum. Far less money is spent heating or cooling these buildings, as they last and are less susceptible to lengthy maintenance.
Reduce Energy Expenditures with Kit Buildings Direct
We hope anyone asking ‘Is steel a sustainable building material?’, with a particular curiosity around energy cost savings, now has an better understanding.
Not only do steel buildings have superior levels of durability and flexibility, but they also champion energy efficiency as a result of their unique properties. Being fantastic for insulation, highly durable and easy to maintain, steel structures effectively lessen the reliance on systems that spike energy costs.
If you have any further interest in steel as a building material, we have a wealth of resources in our blog section. Our latest offering on the benefits of steel, for example, is well worth exploring.
For those who have an active interest in driving down energy costs by purchasing a steel building, we have a wealth of options. A leading supplier of steel buildings, for commercial and private projects, we have the expertise, experience and product offering to accommodate most requests.
Contact us today to discuss any of the products in our portfolio or to establish the cost of a steel building from Kit Buildings Direct.
