Becoming Green with Steel by Mat Fay

Now that environmentalism has become the hot topic of the decade, it is not surprising that many developers and builders are turning to building products that leave less of an impact on the environment, such as recycled steel. As an added bonus recycled steel material provide added advantages over wood frame construction so not only is steel a good moral choice, but a practical one as well.
While steel was once used for railroads and building cars it has quickly grown as the favourite choice for building material. Areas in the United States that are prone to earthquakes and forest fires, such as Hawaii and California are seeing the benefits of using steel for their buildings rather than wood.
Since steel weighs significantly less than lumber it is much cheaper to ship and store. When it comes to construction, building with steel puts less strain on construction workers who normally have to lug around heavy and awkward pieced of lumber. Manufactured steel is made with the highest quality standards so you are not going to find twist or knots like with wood products.
Environmentally speaking, construction grade steel uses about 70% recycled content, and little waste is generated during manufacturing. At the end of its lifespan (which is significantly longer than wood) the building can be demolished or the steel removed and it is 100% recyclable into new steel products.
Steel is the most recycled material in the world, and any type of steel can be recycled. One of the greatest environmental advantages to steel is that it can be recycled indefinitely into new products. Recycled steel takes 75% less energy to produce than new steel, and every ton of recycled steel saves the use of 2500lbs of iron ore, 1000lbs of coal and 40lbs of limestone.
Steel building materials are completely non-toxic, meaning they do not off-gas like other products so the air inside the building is clean. Those who live in high-wind areas will appreciate its rigidity, and since it does not absorb water or dry out it will never crack or rot.
A primary advantage of steel products is that they are incredibly strong and will never warp, split or rot. Steel will also never grow mould and resists wind, fire and insect infestations. It has a 200 year lifespan which is significantly higher than lumber buildings.
While at the outset it may cost more to build with steel over lumber the lifetime expense is much lower. For example, because of steel's strength and resistance to wind, fire and insects you will find that insurance premiums on a steel building are much lower. Steel also allows for more complex designs, which is why it is a favourite building material for leading architects.
A building constructed from steel will be more energy efficient and will require minimal maintenance. They are an environmentally conscious choice since they are 100% recyclable and already made from recycled materials. Steel buildings are safe and secure, which is why they are quickly becoming the number one choice for new building material.