The return of the housing market and construction has brought new concerns of the environmental risk factors that is involved with the building and construction of new buildings. However, over the years there have been more eco-friendly buildings and houses that are trying to provide more sustainable practices into the industry.
Limited Resources
Building a home requires anywhere from 10 trees to an entire acre’s worth of trees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were over 600,000 new homes that were built in 2012 thus resulting in a loss of around 6 million trees. The loss of trees also contributes to climate change, and it can be associated with massive deforestation that cause major environmental side-effects. Trees are responsible in producing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis thus scrubbing out the carbon dioxide that is in the air. The cutting down of trees means that more greenhouse gases are released into the environment, which then brings on more climate change and pollution.
Recycled Materials
The use of recycled materials are increasingly being used in eco-friendly home construction. For example, steel is often recycled and increasingly being produced that have net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. The majority of buildings use steel that is recycled thus saving themselves a lot of time and money. In pre-fabricated buildings, recycling is really simple since the steel can be refurbished, disassembled, and erected easily to the shape of a brand new home.
Additionally, some companies use a dumpster rental in new jersey to recycle their waste. Also, companies use new jersey roofing that is made from recycled materials.
Construction Process
Using steel in the construction process is also another aspect of its eco-friendly potential. Traditional construction usually takes months to build a new structure. Overall, the wood-waste, dust, noise, manpower, and fiberglass that is leftover can damage the environment greatly. However, steel structures that are pre-fabricated can cut down the amount energy and time for the building process.
Energy Efficiency
Steel buildings also have the advantage of being very energy efficient. By some estimates, steel frames reduce heating and cooling output by a whopping 40 percent. Since the majority of consumers use heating and cooling systems in their houses, having a steel frame house can save them a significant amount of energy and money. In addition, steel does not discharge dangerous organic compounds, and the airflow and humidity levels are regulated without any costly devices.
Longevity
High-quality steel also provides many other benefits to home builders. Steel frames are immune to the major problems that typical homes face including rot, mold, and termite infestation. Steel is also a durable material that provides protection against natural disasters such as earthquakes, fire, and very high winds. Buildings that are made from steel are well known for avoiding costly renovations that brick structures and standard wood buildings have to face.
Although there was a drop in new homes that were built in the last ten years, the steadily growing marketplace for steel construction has been a good thing. Saving the environment and money, steel buildings are offering consumers a choice that offers the best of both worlds.
