According to the World Green Building Council, 28% of the entire carbon emission in the world is because of the construction industry and 11% is from the embodied carbon that is associated with materials used in the construction process. As construction activity is going to double in the next few decades, there is a need to reconsider the materials used for constructions for a sustainable planet. Structural Steel, as a building material is 100% recyclable and also has proven to reduce carbon footprint over time. This blog is all about how the use of structural steel over concrete to reduce carbon emissions and make this planet a better place.

Steel as a ‘Green’ Product

Considered a ‘green’ product as it is entirely recyclable, builders will be able to buy recycled steel for new commercial buildings or homes. Steel is a very attractive material for construction. While it resists mildew and mold, it is also sturdy enough to resist damage caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. Architects should provide solutions to reduce the use of carbon-intensive materials by using as much steel as possible.

Recycle and reuse of the existing old structure can also reduce the carbon emissions. The recycling of steel can be used in any structure since it can be remoulded and less scrap is produced. On the other hand, concrete cannot be recycled and can only be reused as land-fill material which also pollutes the groundwater

Steel has less embodied carbon within the structure, thus maximizing efficiency. Therefore, look for ways to achieve maximum structural efficiency. Use optimum value engineering steel framing methods, efficient structural sections and slabs. These are some of the effective methods to maximize efficiency and minimizing the use of carbon-embodied materials.

Advantages of Using Steel

Apart from reducing the carbon footprint, there are various other benefits of using steel in construction.

Speed of construction : PEB shall take only half the time of construction of conventional steel structure and only 20% of the construction time of brick & mortar structures. PEBs will enable faster revenue generation as the construction time and costs are minimised.

Adaptability to future expansions : The Industrial sheds built using PEBs can be expanded any time in the length direction by increasing the number of bays. One can accommodate the expansion in the height when pre-designed for future expansion. .

Design : Since structural steel mainly comes in built-in sections and connections, design time is significantly reduced as well. Specialized computer analysis and design programs also optimize material requirements.

Lower Cost: Due to the systematic approach, there is a significant saving in design, manufacturing and erection cost of construction. The structural elements are shaped to follow the stress diagram of the member as well.

Flexibility of Expansion : Buildings can be easily expanded in length by adding additional bays when constructed with steel. Expansion in width and height also is possible with PEBs.

Quality Control : As buildings are manufactured completely in the factory under controlled conditions, the quality of steel and construction is assured as well.

Architectural Versatility: Pre-engineered buildings can be supplied with various types of canopies and curved eaves that are designed to receive pre-cast concrete wall panels and other wall systems.

Single-Source Responsibility : Since the complete building package is supplied by a single vendor, the compatibility of all the PEB components and accessories is assured. It is one of the major benefits of pre-engineered buildings.

Wastes should be particularly minimized, especially in residential projects. Designing modules will also minimize waste to a large extent. This is a call of the day. If we do not do it now, climate changes will make future generations suffer. It is still possible to contain the carbon footprints as much as we can. Better late than never, using steel in construction is one great choice to reduce carbon emissions we have at present.