Steel & Recycling: How Steel Benefits the Economy and Environment

Steel is one of the strongest metals available, but in addition to being strong and relatively inexpensive (compared to other similar materials), it is also really good for the environment. For starters, it is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet, and much of the steel that you see at places like Wasatch Steel is actually recycled steel. Here are some of the reasons steel makes such a great option for your building needs.

Steel and Sustainability
There is a lot of emphasis, in many different sectors today, on sustainability. Beyond just being something that environmentalists think about, businesses and even developers today often consider how they can build more sustainably for today and for many future generations to come. A great place to start is by using materials that are environmentally friendly.

Recycled steel is obviously good for the environment, but even new steel has become more earth-friendly over the years, with the World Steel Association reporting that steel production now uses 50 percent less water, and what is used can be recycled back into rivers to prevent waste. As a very lightweight material, steel also helps reduce carbon emissions during shipping. For reasons like this, steel from places like Wasatch Steel has become a favorite building material for anyone looking at sustainability.

Steel and Recycling
In addition to environmental friendliness, sustainability also means responsibly using the resources that are available to you. For this reason steel makes a great choice for any building project because it is a resource that will last for decades. When you are finished using steel it can be recycled almost endlessly. In fact, steel is an excellent choice because recycling it doesn’t cause any loss of strength or durability.

By recycling steel instead of using new materials, companies help reduce raw material usage, limit carbon dioxide emissions, and eliminate unnecessary waste generated from the process of making new steel or other metals. Because of these things steel makes a great choice for many different building materials, replacing wood for framing homes or buildings, replacing asphalt shingles for steel roofing, and more.

Steel and Energy Savings
Another reason that many companies use steel is its energy efficiency. Steel offers great protection from the outdoors, helping to reduce the amount of heating and cooling required to keep your commercial building at a comfortable temperature. Metal roofing now has the ability to reflect heat back away from your building, which means you won’t have to spend as much on air conditioning. With less air conditioning usage your appliances will last longer and you can save money there as well.

With a stunning combination of durability, strength, low cost, and availability from wholesalers like Wasatch Steel, it is one of the best choices for companies, individuals, and others who are hoping to make an impact with sustainable building.