With the alarming rate of increase in pollution, it’s high time that we shift to cleaner and greener resources, especially in construction. It is also a major source of pollution, responsible for around 4% of particulate emissions, more water pollution incidents than any other industry, and thousands of noise complaints every year. There are a lot of measures being taken now to curb the pollution caused by the construction of buildings and other structures. One important measure is the replacement of conventional construction material like bricks, mortar, etc., with steel. Steel is a versatile material that can be obtained in any colour, texture or pattern you need to match or contrast with the surrounding area. It is the most efficient, versatile and sustainable construction material. Construction with steel is a greener choice, and here is why:
- Reduction in air pollution:
Steel mills have cut emissions significantly in the past few decades. Producing steel uses less water and emits fewer gases into the atmosphere than other materials. In cities like Delhi, where construction activities are usually prohibited during the winter months as a step to reduce the dust emitted from construction activities that results in fog, steel can prove to be a boon for the construction activities. - Recyclability:
Steel is 100% recyclable with no loss of strength. Most existing steel is made of a high percentage of recycled steel, and all steel scrap and waste are returned for recycling during production, construction and demolition. This saves a lot on material costs while being a more sustainable option. - Reduction in Timelines:
Building with prefabricated steel structures reduces the construction timeline. Resultantly, this requires less time for machines to be working that helps in reducing emissions and noise from equipment, as well as the temporary shelters made on site for labourers are set up for lesser time, saving on the waste generated on site. - Energy efficiency:
A well-insulated steel building is energy efficient, using as little as half as much to heat and cool as buildings constructed of conventional materials like bricks, concrete etc. Therefore, it is a greener choice for construction in its long term effects on environment. - Greener Environment:
Also, replacing wood used for constructing houses with steel means fewer trees are harvested. Since it can take up to 20 years to replace a tree, steel is eminently more sustainable. By using steel, we can leave the trees to soak up the carbon dioxide and breathe in the fresh air instead of holding up a house.
Steel structures can be significantly lighter than concrete equivalents and require less extensive foundations, reducing the environmental impact of the build. Less and lighter materials means they are easier to move around, reducing transportation and fuel use. Steel pile foundations, if required, can be extracted and recycled or reused at the end of a building’s life, leaving no waste material on site. Steel has significantly reduced the pollution due to construction activities, for a cleaner, greener and sustainable environment.
Volta Green Structures has always stood for a greener world, with development happening hand in hand with the environmental progression. From our Pre Engineered Buildings meant for industrial complexes or warehouses to Light gauge steel frames that use steel frames to construct buildings, our model of construction causes less pollution and achieves higher strength & durability. You can read more about us here.
