The Environmental Impact of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Have you heard of the phrase, “Nerves of steel”?
Most people have heard this at one time or another. When referring to steel in this way, we think of something strong and unwavering. Steel conjures up a perception of something lasting – something that we can count on. It’s no surprise then to learn that pre-engineered metal buildings are built to last.
Constructed with a steel frame system, they are one of the most sustainable building options available and since they’re designed to predetermined specifications before the materials are produced, there is less waste. Being built in a factory, even the scraps can be repurposed for another project. Steel is 100% recyclable. Even the process of creating steel, called “milling”, is more eco-friendly than you might expect.
Metal buildings have a long history, appearing prior to the 19th Century, and were known for being durable, easy to erect, and able to be disassembled with minimal training and basic tools. As the industry grew and expanded, we now see more design options and are able to integrate with other building systems.
Since pre-engineered metal buildings have no real climate limitations, they can be designed to meet a variety of environmental conditions, like hot sun, snowy winters, and earthquakes. They can also leverage renewable energy sources to further reduce environmental impact and energy costs.
Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the environmental impact that pre-engineered metal buildings have.
Reducing overall energy consumption is a goal for anyone who is looking for a way to save money, reduce their environmental impact, and use natural resources in their building designs. Starting with solid insulation to further impact your heating and cooling choices, and then adding in natural light and solar options can help to customize your metal building to meet your personal and environmental needs.
Here are a few things to consider when optimizing your metal building to be environmentally friendly:
Insulation
Quality insulation is a good starting point for any metal building. Insulation helps with both cooling and heating, as well as moisture and condensation control. Having a good insulation installed up front can enhance any other weather controlling efforts you include later on.
Insulation can also lessen sounds coming from outside the structure, like rain or hail, and eliminates mold and mildew. Finally, a good barrier of the right insulation can keep rodents out, and discourage damage from bugs and birds that might think your building looks like a tempting place to nest.
When it comes to the environment, choose an insulation that’s ‘green’ by visiting the EPA website and find a material that works best for your plans.
Heating
When it comes to heating, you have a couple of options – wood or electric.
Wood stoves create dry heat which helps to reduce moisture. In fact, wood stoves can be so effective in drying the air, you often see a pot or kettle of water sitting on top of the stove to add a little moisture. If your metal building is on the smaller side and you have a steady supply of wood, you may opt for this source of heat.
But in today’s larger, modern metal buildings, the most common heating options are electric systems. They can be installed in the same way you would use them in other types of large-scale structures, but to keep it more environmentally inclusive, developing solar power systems or wind generators can cut costs and make use of natural resources. You can integrate the power from your solar panels into your building.
Passive techniques that can help with heating depend on how you design your building. For example, design roof awnings to maximize sun exposure and be optimized for the installation of solar panels, and be mindful of how the elements of sun, wind, and general exposure can maximize the heating system you choose to use. It’s all about location, location, location.
Cooling
Some of the same considerations you have for heating will also apply when it comes to cooling your pre-engineered metal building.
Placement in relation to the natural elements of your location can make a big difference. For example, using natural shade from existing trees or planting new ones in strategic spots to provide natural cooling protection is one way to reduce heat transfer from the sun.
Another method to control temperatures is using manual vents or powered fans that draw hot air out naturally. Both of these options can benefit your building, making it more comfortable, without risking the surrounding environment.
Lighting
Incorporate natural light whenever possible through use of windows and skylights. Natural sunlight is good for health, the environment, and can easily lower electric bills. This natural way of providing light to your space isn’t just great for the planet, but also great for your wallet.
Natural lighting is also preferred by many artists and office workers alike, for the ease and comfort of your eyes, as well as the full spectrum of light rays. When creating a metal building design, strategically place windows and skylights in the places you most need them.
Solar Power
One of the best design options for pre-engineered metal buildings is the use of solar power. This is one of the most exciting additions to new buildings in our modern era. Once installed, solar power continues to offer renewable and sustainable benefits for years to come.
Pre-engineered metal building roofs are very durable and can be designed specifically for solar panels. Even if they are not installed immediately, they can be easily added later if you have the roof engineered to adapt to the extra weight at the time of original designing.
Our Sustainability Efforts
At Pacific Building Systems, we believe in the power of innovation and technology to create sustainable solutions for the construction industry. Our pre-engineered metal buildings are at the forefront of this movement, offering numerous environmental benefits that align with the principles of Earth Day.
One way we’re helping to make a positive impact on the planet is through our recycling efforts. Steel, the primary material used in pre-engineered metal buildings, is one of the most recycled materials in the world. At the end of a building’s life cycle, steel components can be easily recycled and repurposed, reducing the demand for raw materials and minimizing landfill waste. This closed-loop recycling process aligns with the principles of a circular economy and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability.
When building an environmentally friendly structure, a pre-engineered metal building can be a top option. By using natural sources of cooling, heat, and lighting, you can reduce the amount of energy used. And although these metal buildings are built to last a long time, if the structure is no longer needed, it can be removed and recycled.
We even get some of our building materials from a recycling facility, Nucor. They’re North America’s largest recycler and they specialize in recycling scrap steel. They produce beams and sheets that we can use in our pre-engineered metal buildings to further reach our goals of sustainability.
Traditional construction methods often generate significant amounts of waste, from excess materials to packaging and debris. In contrast, pre-engineered metal buildings are fabricated off-site in a controlled environment, minimizing waste during the manufacturing process. Additionally, the precise engineering and assembly of these buildings result in minimal on-site waste during construction, contributing to a more sustainable building process.
So take advantage of the adaptability and flexibility that pre-engineered metal buildings can provide. These buildings can be easily modified, expanded, or repurposed to accommodate changing needs and evolving sustainability goals. Whether it’s integrating green technologies, optimizing space utilization, or enhancing energy efficiency, pre-engineered metal buildings provide a versatile platform for sustainable innovation.
Constructing environmentally-friendly pre-engineered metal buildings is what we excel at. Let us excel for you!
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