Eco-friendly metal construction is the new expectation. Where material comes from is only one aspect of its sustainable journey. Fabrication and construction also require unique strategies to keep the entire process environmentally conscious. Prepare for construction’s future by knowing the most critical techniques for sourcing, fabricating and constructing with sustainable metal.
The Importance of Ethical Sourcing
Obtaining eco-friendly metal requires getting the most sustainable types from responsible locations. Flexible, adaptable and climate-resilient options are best because they can fit in a variety of construction projects. Eco-friendly metal construction should focus on recycled and reclaimed options if possible, including:
- Steel: Easily recyclable and reduces emissions from refining new iron ore
- Aluminum: Requires low energy and is highly recyclable
- Copper: Corrosion-resistant and durable for long lifespans
Responsible mining and acquisition practices are essential for fully realizing the eco-conscious value of these metals. Ethical companies encourage environmental protection and remediation. They also focus on worker safety, equity and community wellness from an intersectional lens. A comprehensive perspective allows organizations to also protect wildlife and local cultures from the dangers of conventional mining.
All metals should also be lean and efficient. Creating energy waste and high emissions while sourcing would hurt the life cycle assessment of sustainable metal buildings. If the structure reaches the end of its life cycle, the metals must be easy to disassemble while maintaining reuse quality. Extending the lifespans of repurposed metals is as vital as choosing strong materials during design.
The Climate-Friendly Way to Treat and Fabricate Metals
Eco-friendly metal construction eliminates the wasteful aspects of traditional practices, which often involve harsh chemicals and high energy use. Experts use these techniques to treat sustainable metals for carbon-conscious buildings:
- Mechanical cleaning: Replaces etching and solvents with water jetting or abrasive blasting
- Bio-based cleaners: Removes chemicals for natural, renewable agents
- Water-based coatings: Uses paints without volatile organic compounds to improve corrosion resistance
- Powder treatments: Fortifies metals to make them durable against traditional material weaknesses
- Optimized heat treatment: Lowers temperatures and uses precision automation to shorten curing times
- Waste heat recovery: Captures thermal runaway to reuse as energy
Fabricating metals requires even more creativity. Connecting, bending and shaping metals for buildings produces air and water pollutants while wasting energy. Fortunately, professionals are finding ways to make essential processes like shearing and cutting less energy-consuming. For instance, laser cutting uses software on a CNC machine and a powerful laser to manipulate sheet metal. Metals are less likely to warp under a laser cut, which means less material waste and energy consumption.
Design optimizations and better layouts also contribute to a better building. Thoughtful planning can reduce unnecessary metal usage from the beginning, challenging engineers and architects to enhance strength with less. Methods like nesting can cut patterns strategically to maintain durability without compromising safety.
Additionally, better welding methods can reinforce most metals. Reduced-fume and friction stir welding are several examples that use fewer fillers and create less air pollution during manufacturing.
The Best Examples of Modern Metal Construction
Here are some of the best examples of eco-friendly metal construction, considering their metal usage and energy considerations.
The Crystal in London, United Kingdom
The Crystal is a perfect blend of eco-friendly metals and technological innovation. It relies on steel and aluminum, a high percentage of which is recycled. These considerations lower its embodied emissions compared to other buildings.
Construction experts considered modularity, ensuring the building was easy to disassemble or repair if it needed maintenance. Additionally, the structure uses renewable energy to continue reducing its ecological footprint.
Manitoba Hydro Place in Winnipeg, Canada
Manitoba Hydro Place is one of the world’s most notable eco-friendly buildings. During construction, 85% of the waste was salvaged or recycled, with 23% of new materials using recycled content, including the metals.
These were sources within a specific radius of the build site to reduce environmental impact. The structure’s other features promote environmental ideals, with natural ventilation to help maintain internal conditions and preserve components. It works because of its double-skin facade, which contains stainless steel and aluminum for temperature regulation.
The USS Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The USS Tower leverages steel and aluminum for its eco-friendly base. Most of it was recycled content, and its other sustainable features have earned it LEED certification. Its strategic construction and engineering will allow it to reduce energy use by 50% by 2030, serving as a model for the entire city. It is also a great example of what is possible with retrofitting and gradual improvements, which is another way to embrace lower-carbon construction practices.
Eco-Friendly Metal Construction at Work
Construction experts from around the world know how much of an impact decarbonization would make. It would better the industry and the planet, especially because the environmental impact of building has such far-reaching effects. A single home could have influences from multiple nations, altering geographies and communities. Sustainable alternatives reduce energy burdens while saving resources, creating more durable, climate-resilient buildings in the process.
