Going Green With Steel Buildings

It can be difficult to understand the need to "gominimal and insufficient amount, causing building
green" for the larger scale of environmentalmanagers to lose thousands of dollars annually in
preservation. But there is one aspect of going greenwasted energy. Because energy loss is large expense
that should immediately grab your attention: the costfor steel building managers, you'll want to make sure
savings. The financial benefits that come with energyyour steel facility is insulated properly. A correctly
conservation are hard to ignore. Energy consumptioninsulated building may result a 20-50% savings on
is the largest and most controllable operating cost ofyour energy bills. These cost savings will quickly
a commercial building. This is becoming more andabsorb the cost of insulating your steel building.
more evident as energy and utility costs increase atWhen you steel facility is equipped with a laminated
alarming rates and show no signs of slowing.vapor retardant, or facing, proper insulation prevents
Steel is the least expensive material of all thecondensation, which allows for better climate control
available construction materials. Furthermore, properlyand maximum energy efficiency.
treated steel is weather resistant, meaning your steelDon't forget lighting efficiency. We all know the
building will require little or no maintenance. Thebenefits of installing fluorescent light bulbs to save
unmatched strength of steel also makes it theelectricity costs. Also, insulation facing can also
perfect material for buildings that require an openprovide bright and reflective wall and ceiling
floor plan, where large open space is needed.treatments to further increase you lighting efficiency,
A great advantage of new steel building constructionreducing your electric bills and your need for additional
is that they can be prefabricated. These pre-madelighting fixtures.
steel structures can be matched to local environmentRemember, energy efficiency improvements such as
requirements and can be customized with yourre-insulation, window installation, lighting, etc. may
unique colors and finishes. The prefabricated steelqualify for a tax credit of up to $1.80 per square
building is delivered to your site ready to byfoot, dependent upon the details of the project.
assembled by an experienced local constructionShort-term fixes to energy problems can only offer
company. Compared to alternative and traditionalshort-term results. Get the maximum return on your
construction methods, using a prefabricated steelsteel building investment by reducing its operation
building for your commercial facility will result in acosts and creating a more comfortable environment.
much quicker construction time. Most prefabricatedPromote the overall long-term quality of your steel
steel structures can be manufactured in 4 - 6 weeks.facility by ensuring it is properly insulated and energy
Many existing steel buildings were typicallyefficient.
constructed with only two inches of insulation, a