The sustainability of today’s building structures along with their environmental impact are both important factors to consumers, owners, and operators considering their next building project. Sustainable building design (or whole building design) is key when considering the approach, materials and impact of the building on the surrounding ecology. Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments. When thinking about sustainable design there are a number of reasons you should consider steel (and more specifically General Steel Corporation) for your next project. General Steel is a recognized steel building industry leader and a company that will be there when you need them.
The tenets of sustainable building design can be broken down to eight design objectives. A high-performance sustainable structure must integrate most of these objectives.
The first objective to consider is accessibility. This is specific to the elements of the structure and clearances and heights accomodating disabled people. Laws also govern this subject. A General Steel building is pre-engineered to exact specifications for doors and openings and can easily be designed for compliance to all regulations.
A second objective is aesthetics or the overall physical appearance of the building. Steel buildings by General Steel are not the unattractive metal boxes of years ago. Attractive colors, and optional rock facades, mansards, parapets, and many other accessories help to greatly enhance exterior building appointments and appearance.
Sustainable building design must also be cost-effective. A steel building supplied by “The General” can have a very low life-cycle cost which is at the core of the cost-efficiency requirement. All General Steel buildings are warranted structurally for 50 years.
The fourth tenet is functionally operational. This speaks to the durability and maintenance issues involving the building. General Steel utilizes only tough and durable 26 gauge recycled steel in all of its buildings. A properly constructed steel building will be virtually maintenance free for its entire life cycle.
Historic Preservation is applicable when reconstruction of a historic area is a concern at the work site. If steel is used exterior facades can possibly replicate the historic preservation necessary.
The productive tenet is also important. This refers to the occupants’ well-being in matters such as air distribution and lighting. Heating and cooling systems can be very efficient when designed in concordance with a building provided by “The General”. Systems for combining natural light with artificial light can be installed and help with energy efficiency.
Sustainable buildings must be secure/safe. This focuses on protection from the elements. All General Steel buildings are pre-engineered to meet or exceed local building codes for wind, snow, and seismic loads.
Lastly, the building must be sustainable. This refers to the environmental performance of the building materials. During the life cycle of a General Steel building no emissions or vapors are introduced into the interior or exterior environment from the steel. Secondly, optional solar panels or a “cool roof” can be installed for enhanced building performance. Finally, steel is 100% recyclable. General Steel uses recycled steel in all of its buildings. At the end of the life cycle of the structure the steel components can be scrapped and used again in another application without a loss in tensile strength of the steel.
Look to the professionals at General Steel Corporation when considering your next building project.