Mirin Building Systems is dedicated to environmentally-friendly construction products and practices. We support our customers who aim to be eco-friendly or are seeking the long-term cost savings associated with energy-efficient solutions. Count on Mirin Building Systems to guide projects designed to achieve green building certification and create a sustainable metal building.
When it comes to sustainability and energy efficiency, there are clear standards and codes; budgets are also often fixed. As you search for construction materials, you will discover that steel is the best choice for a green project. Metal buildings typically require less material than traditional buildings, making them a more cost-effective solution. Explore the sustainability advantages of steel buildings below.
Steel is Eco-Friendly
Steel is an eco-friendly solution throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to manufacturing and shipping. It contains a significant percentage of recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan, reducing landfill waste. Its high strength-to-weight ratio minimizes the amount of materials used in construction.
Steel offers lasting durability, meaning fewer materials will need replacement throughout your metal building’s life. The pre-engineered design of metal buildings helps reduce material waste and shorten construction time, minimizing environmental impacts at the construction site.
Eco-Friendly Design Options
Several design options can enhance the overall energy efficiency of your sustainable steel building:
Cool Metal Roofing: Select from a range of cool metal roof colors designed to reflect solar radiation instead of absorbing heat, reducing heating and cooling expenses. This feature can also help lower the urban heat island effect, cooling nearby areas. Solar Panels: Easily install solar panels on your metal roof to minimize environmental impacts. High-Performance Insulation: Pre-engineered steel buildings can accommodate high-performance insulation to boost your building’s energy efficiency. Choose from various insulation types to fit your application, from insulated metal panels to spray foam.
Daylighting: Metal buildings offer flexible design, allowing for the easy placement of windows and LTP panels, maximizing natural lighting and reducing the need for electrical lighting throughout the day. LEED Credits
The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Buildings Council, certifies sustainable buildings. Our engineered steel buildings can contribute to earning the following credits:
Sustainable Sites (SS) – The pre-engineered design of steel buildings allows for minimal disruptions to the work site. As components are custom-engineered at the manufacturing facility and arrive onsite ready for installation, there is less work to be done at the construction site. This enables a smaller and safer work area and a shorter construction time. Installing cool metal roofing can also positively impact your building site by reducing the urban heat island effect. Energy & Atmosphere (EA) – Metal buildings can be designed with an energy-efficient building envelope. Factors that contribute to the energy-efficient performance of the building envelope include effective insulation, reduced air leakage, and high-performance accessories. Consult with designers and installers to create the most efficient building envelope. Materials & Resources (MR) – LEED buildings must reduce waste by recycling, reusing, or recovering building materials. The pre-engineered design of steel buildings helps to minimize waste, and any waste that is generated can be recycled or repurposed.
In addition to the eco-friendly design options mentioned earlier, steel buildings offer numerous environmental benefits and energy efficiency advantages that make them an ideal choice for green projects.
Resource Efficiency: Steel buildings are designed to optimize the use of materials, reducing waste and conserving resources. The efficient use of steel in construction also means lower transportation costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
Life-Cycle Assessment: A life-cycle assessment of steel buildings demonstrates their long-term environmental benefits. Steel structures have a long lifespan, which means they need fewer replacements or renovations compared to traditional building materials. This results in reduced resource consumption, waste generation, and energy use over the building’s entire life cycle.
Adaptability and Reusability: Steel buildings are adaptable and can be easily modified or expanded as needed, reducing the need for new construction materials and minimizing waste. If a steel building is dismantled, its components can be reused or recycled, further reducing environmental impacts.
Indoor Environmental Quality: Steel buildings provide excellent indoor environmental quality, as they are resistant to mold, mildew, and pests. This contributes to a healthier indoor environment for occupants and reduces the need for chemical treatments.
As you can see, steel buildings offer numerous environmental and energy-efficient benefits that make them the ideal choice for eco-friendly projects. When you choose Mirin Building Systems for your next green project, you can expect expert guidance and support throughout the design, engineering, and fabrication process. Our commitment to environmentally-friendly practices ensures that your steel building will not only meet but exceed industry standards, providing long-lasting and sustainable solutions for your needs.