What is the role of steel in sustainable construction?
The main attribute guiding material selection should be the contribution the material makes to the overall sustainability of the building. This is best assessed by undertaking a complete life cycle analysis for the particular building, in which the sustainability contribution of steel can be measured. This contribution will be evident in a number of ways. Using steel allows a lighter frame to be constructed because it has a very high strength to weight ratio, meaning spans can be longer with less support, and the weight bearing on foundations and columns is considerably less. This means not only that there is less material in the structure but the foundations can be lighter, meaning a saving of material in this area. Also the lighter weight of steel reduces the amount of transport and hence fuel needed to get material to a site. Steel is almost always fabricated off site in a factory under controlled conditions so that fabricated components are delivered to the site as they are needed.
