Can Steel Be The New Green?
Steel Reinforcement Rods
The green movement continues to be a hot topic most especially in the Western countries. As consumers are gradually demanding greener alternatives, many developers and constructors are turning their attention and focus to building products that contribute less impact on the ecosystem. And one of those building materials is recycled steel.
Steel was once heavily relied upon by railroads and manufacturing cars. Right now, it has swiftly grown as the favorite choice for building structures. In the United States there are many identified earthquake and forest fire prone areas like California and Hawaii. These areas could hugely benefit by using of using steel for their structures instead of the usual wood or timber.
Since steel weighs substantially less than timber, it is quite economical to ship and stock up. When it comes to building, steel puts less stress on construction workers who usually have to carry arduous and uncomfortable pieces of wood. Pre-fabricated steel is generally prepared using the highest quality technologies involved so it is quite normal not to hit upon twist or knots like with wood products.
For those looking to help the Mother Earth, it would be comfortable to know that steel uses around 60% recycled content. It is also worth to mention that less waste is generated on steel’s manufacturing. And by the time that same steel is demolished, it can be reused or recycled easily.
In fact, steel is considered to be the most recycled material in the world. Any kind of steel can be recycled. One of the most remarkable environmental rewards for using steel is the possibility of recycling it into new products for virtually unlimited cycles. Recycled steel demands just 75% less power to manufacture compared to new steel. According to the steel industry experts, a ton of recycled steel saves 2500 lbs of iron ore, 1000 lbs of coal and 40 lbs of limestone. These figures are definitely attractive.
One of the top advantages of steel is that they are tremendously durable and will not warp, split or rot. In addition, steel never grows mold and can easily resists wind, fire and insect invasions.
At the beginning, the use of steel can cost extra over lumber. However, over time the cost will be lower as steel lasts longer than wood or timber. Due steel’s potency and resistance to wind, fire and insects, insurance premiums on a steel building are much lower. In addition, steel is good for complicated designs making it as a favorite construction material for chief architects.
A structure built from steel can be more power effective and will require just minimal preservation. Steel is an ecologically mindful choice since it is fully recyclable.
Steel buildings are dependable and secure – the reasons why it is quickly becoming the number one choice for new building material.
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August 15th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Very interesting post indeed.. I didn’t know some facts about steel, especially that high recycling rate but it is very good to know.
October 24th, 2010 at 2:52 am
Nice article on the rebranding of steel as the new green…this article is interesting. Thank you so much
March 31st, 2011 at 12:57 am
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