The incredible sustainability of steel

Over recent decades steel has become the mail building for a whole range of buildings, from homes, schools and offices, through to warehouses and factories. Steel is not only leading the way in terms of efficient, low-cost construction, it is also becoming widely recognised as a sustainable, eco-friendly building material.

Steel manufacturing and construction industries have long been advocates of improving and implementing environmental practices. From almost limitless recyclability, through to safe off-site prefabrication and low carbon emissions, consideration for the planet is taken into account through the life cycle of steel.

Steel products designed, manufactured and installed by Steelwork Engineering

Although it takes huge amounts of energy and resources to produce steel, the steel industry has faced the challenge of creating a more sustainable future. New technology such as the electric arc furnace, which primarily uses recycled steel, has helped to reduce the use of natural resources such as coal and iron ore. Where steel is really helping to come into its own, though, is through sustainable construction:

• It’s the superb recyclability of steel which puts it head and shoulders above other building materials. When you bear in mind that because over 650 million metric tons of steel are recycled each year, it’s pretty hard to beat in terms of sustainability.
• Steel typically lasts far longer than other construction materials as it does not warp, twist or burn and will resist pests and water; which is why steel buildings last much longer than others.
• Thanks to steel’s incredible strength-to-weight ratio, less building materials are required to build a structure designed to handle the same stress or load as other materials such as concrete or wood.

Get in touch with Steelwork Engineering to find out more

Our range of products and services includes steel framed buildings, mezzanine flooring, steel staircases and more. To find out more about the benefits of using steel, or to talk through your individual requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today by calling 01535 630100 or email info@steelworkengineering.com