The construction industry has significantly shifted towards sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices in recent years. As a result, pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) have emerged as a popular choice for eco-conscious builders and developers. These innovative structures are attractive for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Keep reading to learn about the environmental advantages of PEMB construction and explore how these metal structures help you build a sustainable future.
Minimal Material Waste
Traditional steel construction often leads to substantial material waste, but PEMB systems minimize that effect. This waste reduction saves money by drastically reducing the on-site waste, reducing man hours during construction, and only using the optimal amount of steel for cost-effectiveness.
PEMB components are fabricated off-site, ensuring accurate measurements and minimizing errors that could result in wasted materials. Leftover materials from the manufacturing process can be easily recycled, and steel is the most recycled material on the planet.
Sustainable Materials
Choosing sustainable materials is easy with a metal building system. As we discussed, steel is the primary material in metal buildings and is highly recyclable. It can also be recycled over and over, almost endlessly.
A PEMB system uses a large portion of recycled material. For example, Butler Manufacturing™ framing systems contain up to 74% recycled steel.
Also, steel does not require harmful chemicals or treatments to deter pests, like wood-framed projects. Steel will not warp, rot, or rust. This reduces the environmental impact to your facility’s environment and ensures healthier conditions for employees and customers.
Energy Efficiency
When properly designed and installed, the insulating properties of metal building materials can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. The inherent stability of pre-engineered steel structures ensures they maintain their energy-efficient features over time.
Unlike wood-framed buildings that eventually start shifting and getting air leaks, steel-framed buildings remain steady in their performance, contributing to long-term energy savings.
Metal buildings also offer amazingly efficient components like insulated metal panels and roofs that reflect heat and maintain more consistent temperatures. Metal buildings help owners meet requirements for LEED credits and some states offer tax incentives that may be available.
Reduced Landfill Impact
The construction and demolition (C&D) industry generates substantial waste, which ends up in landfills. Choosing a PEMB can help you avoid that waste and the associated costs.
Due to their durability and long lifespan, steel buildings contribute to a reduction in C&D waste. These structures last longer than many traditional buildings, reducing the need for frequent replacements and the associated waste generation.
Clients also talk about lower maintenance requirements and building systems with decades of solid use. Butler® roofing systems, like the MR-24®, offer 25-year guarantees for weather tightness. With some roofing systems lasting well into their fifth decade, conventional roofs cannot compare with modern solutions.
Tree Conservation
Trees are vital for absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and releasing life-sustaining oxygen, making them essential for a healthy environment. While sustainable lumber is available, it also come with a much higher price tag and is still vulnerable to pests, warping, and other issues.
Choosing steel over wood in construction directly impacts tree conservation. By reducing the demand for lumber, we help protect our forests and the invaluable ecosystem services they provide.
Longevity and Durability
PEMB construction is associated with longevity and durability. These structures are designed to withstand the test of time in harsh environments. An accurately built metal building will maintain its structural integrity and look great for decades. This extended lifespan reduces the need for frequent renovations or replacements, which can be resource-intensive and environmentally taxing.
The best part? When your PEMB has served its purpose and is slated for demolition, it can be recycled. From beginning to end, your metal building system is focused on efficient sustainability.
Close Out
Do you want to prioritize eco-conscious building practices using PEMB construction? DD Construction can help you with a sustainable and environmentally friendly construction solution. Butler Manufacturing™ works tirelessly to create more efficient, more sustainable building solutions. We’re proud to partner with them for steel building systems and components that give our clients the best in construction without sacrificing sustainability.
Contact us now to learn more.
