Sustainability is Spelled S-T-E-E-L

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Did you know steel is one of the greenest construction materials? 

Did you know that steel is 100 percent recyclable? Steel enables manufacturers to make lighter, taller and safer structures, and it is also continuously recyclable. When measured through the entire life cycle, steel minimizes environmental impact, largely because a high percentage of steel is made from recycling scrap to make new steel. In fact, the American Institute of Steel Construction claims that structural steel produced in North America is typically made of 93 percent or more recycled steel. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology states that “steel has become one of the most reliable, most used and most important materials of the age.” With durability, reliability, versatility in design, and consistency as a product, steel’s most attractive quality is that it can be recycled over and over again and remade without any loss of quality. 

Steel.org notes life cycle assessments (LCAs) have been conducted comparing steel-framed buildings to wood-framed buildings in different parts of the country and have demonstrated that steel buildings result in lower environmental impacts than functionally-equivalent wood buildings. 

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, as a building material, steel can meet the sustainability requirements in standards such as the International Green Construction Code, and in green building rating systems like U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) — steel products can help earn points toward LEED v4 certification. 

Environmentally responsible materials are more important than ever, which is why an endlessly recyclable metal that won’t lose its strength and durability is a key component in EXCEPTIONAL® Metals’ pledge to reduce their environmental impact. 

EXCEPTIONAL Metals is committed to providing their customers with industry-leading products that stand the test of time while having a positive impact on the world around us. Their standing-seam metal panels reduce the need for regular repairs or replacement, eliminating construction waste from landfills. Their edge details and accessories are manufactured in-house, ensuring materials are used effectively and efficiently. Plus, with high reflectivity rates, these panels work to keep buildings cool and reduce energy consumption. 

Steel’s attributes, including its inherent durability and recyclability, make it a sustainable material that plays a key role in implementing environmental, social and economic sustainability into the construction industry. Learn more about how steel is a sustainable choice at exceptionalmetals.com. 

Learn more about EXCEPTIONAL Metals in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit exceptionalmetals.com.