In this post, we refer to an excellent infographic that has been created by one of our industry partners, BuildSteel. Our collaboration with BuildSteel is based on the understanding that both our organizations are committed to providing information and education that benefits the global cold formed steel industry.
With that in mind, please enjoy this infographic which demonstrates why cold-formed steel (CFS) is a sustainable choice that helps builders create ‘green’ projects with higher efficiency and lower costs. (You can find our full commentary on the infographic below).
If you’re concerned about cost-savings and sustainability with new construction projects, you’ll want to strongly consider building with steel, and in particular, cold formed steel (CFS).
According to statistics cited in an infographic by BuildSteel, steel is the most recycled material on Earth (more than all other materials combined) and boasts an 88% overall recycling rate, with the North American steel industry reducing its energy intensity by 32% and CO2 emissions by 37% since 1990.
While those are American statistics, they serve as a shining case study to construction professionals around the world of the advantages of building withcold formed steel.
In this blog article we specifically explore the sustainability benefits of building with CFS. For more information about the full benefits of CFS construction, you can download our free eBook: CFS – The Future of Construction.
In any form, above and beyond traditional materials like concrete and wood, steel is the best possible building material investment for developers and builders wishing to reduce waste, increase yield, comply with evolving standards, and keep in step with a global construction industry that’s ‘going green.’
The sustainability benefits of cold formed steel expand well beyond even those of conventional steel.
Little-to-no waste
First, there’s very little waste — in fact, there’s virtually none. Waste from building projects can be both costly and a burden on local environments, contributing to landfill. These problems are eliminated when building with steel, and particularly with CFS construction.
CFS design methods are highly accurate
This accuracy is a result of material quantities being specified during the design phase, combined with precise manufacturing systems ensuring minimal waste. In fact, the FRAMECAD CFS design and manufacture process achieves less than 1% waste, offering the highest-possible yield from building materials used.
Less energy and fewer resources in manufacture
The process of manufacturing and constructing with CFS also has lower energy impacts and impact on the surrounding environment compared to more traditional methods such as timber. With less requirement for heavy and frequent transportation of materials to site, and overall faster construction times, CFS projects use less overall energy and fewer resources.
Also the utilisation of CFS is light on precious limited natural resources. Building with cold formed steel is a ‘dry’ process, which means there is none of the water usage required with other materials – for example, when mixing cement for concrete. And low-to-no water usage in construction is a vital consideration in certain parts of the world. Trees, which are essential for the environment and critical to many local economies, are also spared with the use of steel.
Energy efficient buildings
Building with CFS supports the conservation of energy for the end-users of buildings. The high acoustic and thermal values of CFS translates to cost savings and enable energy efficient design across the broad spectrum of residential, commercial and public works applications.
Healthier and more sustainable buildings
CFS buildings are healthier, more energy efficient and enable more sustainable living for the life of the building. Steel does not contain additional preservative chemicals and won’t give off gases or emit volatile organic compounds. Steel doesn't support mold growth or rot - listed as one of the top 10 home pollutants connected to heart and lung disease and shortened life expectancy.
In summary, the CFS construction process involves little consumption of limited natural resources, has lower energy impacts and costs during manufacture, produces very low waste (which is recyclable) and results in healthier buildings that support green standards.
The complete picture: a sustainable building that earns developers, builders and regulatory stakeholders a stamp of approval in forward-looking, green construction practices.
