Utilizing Recyclable Materials in Construction: The Advantages of Steel in Contemporary Building Practices 

Building sustainably with Evolution Building Products’ steel not only enhances the resilience of your structure but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. Our metal roofing and siding panels utilize robust, recycled steel, offering protection to your home while contributing to its aesthetic appeal. Recycled steel maintains its strength and quality throughout its lifespan and is easily recyclable, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly building solution. 

Recycled Steel in Roofing: A Cornerstone of Green Building 

Incorporating recyclable materials is a fundamental aspect of Green Building, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in construction projects. This extends beyond using recycled materials to cover combustion components in their production and waste disposal on the job site. 

Evolution Building Products recognizes the pivotal role of recyclable materials in construction, aligning with the requirements of a LEED certified project. Our steel content meets the stringent standards of LEED certification, with up to 50% recycled content in the new cold rolled steel. Achieving LEED verification involves calculating the percentage of recycled material in the steel, emphasizing our commitment to environmentally responsible building practices. 

Recycled Steel in North America: A Sustainable Standard 

When you choose steel products in North America, you are choosing a recycled product. Steel milled in North America contains an average of 25% recycled materials, while steel designated for use as coils often comprises as much as 75% recycled material. Recycling is an integral part of the steel milling process, contributing to its nearly limitless capacity for repeated recycling. 

Environmental Impact: Reducing Waste and CO2 Emissions 

Integral to the steel production process, recycling not only reduces landfill waste but also minimizes CO2 emissions generated during the milling of raw or non-recycled materials. The use of electric arc furnaces in steel production, which incorporates over 90% recycled steel, exemplifies an environmentally friendly process. This method often integrates carbon capture programs and the use of greener fuels for furnaces, resulting in a 37% reduction in CO2 intensity per ton since 1990 within the North American steel industry. 

Steel in the Building Process: Sustainable Strength and Efficiency 

Consider the environmental impact when comparing steel to traditional building materials: 

• Strength to Weight Ratio: Steel boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio among commonly used building materials. 
• Reflective Properties: Pre-painted steel roofing solutions effectively reflect solar energy, contributing to energy efficiency. 
• Longevity: Metal roofs offer unparalleled lifespans, with some lasting upwards of 200 years. 
• Energy Savings: Residential metal roofing can save up to 40% on heating utilities. 
• Low Maintenance: Metal roofing requires minimal to no maintenance. 

Furthermore, the 100% recyclability of metal roofing, siding, and trim allows waste generated during installation or demolition to be recycled on-site, qualifying for additional LEED points and providing recycled material for use in other steel building components. 

To delve deeper into our recycled roofing materials and explore sustainable building options, please contact the Evolution Building Products team today. Let’s build a future that blends strength, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.