Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/292860
Steel Standing Manufacturers of Steel Building Systems are leaders in going green by Peter Caulfield S teel Building Systems (SBS) are well known for cost savings, creative flexibility and du- rability. More recently they have been get- ting a name for themselves as product choic- es that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. "SBS are 100 per cent recyclable," says Steve Fox, general manager of the Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute (CSSBI). "No waste occurs before or after manufacturing or during construction. That means no waste enters landfills. In addition, SBS con- trol thermal transfer and moisture movement inside buildings, which provides significant energy savings." CSSBI is taking part in a number of research proj- ects to demonstrate its sustainable attributes. For example, it has hired Morrison Hershfield Limited to undertake thermal modelling of insulated sheet steel roof and wall assemblies. "The objective is to develop more high-performance thermal assemblies to meet the requirements in the National Energy Code for Buildings," Fox says. In addition to the thermal modelling project, CSSBI is taking part in a carbon- neutral SBS research project. "There is increasing pressure on the building sec- tor to develop net-zero and carbon neutral projects to respond to the urgent challenges of climate change and urban growth," says Meredith Perez, CSSBI marketing manager. "The project will show how a rigid-framed steel building system can be used to help create a carbon neutral retail building," adds Perez. In addition to its research projects, CSSBI is a mem- ber of the Construction Sustainability Council, a group of North American steel industry associations that work together to further the understanding of steel's role in sustainable infrastructure. "Through this group we stay informed on all the sustainable programs and activities being carried out by the other industry associations in Canada and the U.S.," says Perez. These programs include a life cycle assessment ( LCA) study and the development of environmental product declaration for various metal cladding systems; an LCA study for steel building systems; and the development of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for steel joists and steel decks. Many individual manufacturers are committed to developing sustainable steel products. Behlen Industries LP builds two types of pre- engineering steel buildings: rigid-frame steel and fra- meless steel. Sean Lepper, Behlen V P and genera l manager, says f rameless steel buildings are very competitive in price, cost of shipping and energy efficiency. "Our main market seg- ments are industrial, commercial, recreational and institutional," says Lepper. Frameless steel buildings offer many opportuni- ties for saving energy. "The natural ceiling provides a bright, clean interior with high reflectivity, which means fewer light units and lower energy bills," Lepper adds. A natural ceiling also means no exposed roof trusses. "Our obstruction-free interiors offer easy climate control," explains Lepper. "The resulting energy efficiency delivers lower operating costs for our customers." The attic cavity in a frameless steel building can easily accommodate inexpensive, blown-in insulation with an R-Value of up to R60, which offers excellent protection against extreme heat or cold. "In addition, the ventilated attic helps deliver lower energy bills and eliminates the risk of wet, saturated insulation," Lepper says. Behlen is making what it believes will be the largest frameless steel building in the world. The structure, which will house an indoor soccer facil- ity, will be erected in Krasnoyarsk, a city in Russian Siberia. "This is the largest building we've ever done," Lepper says. "It's quite an engineering feat that we've been able to design and manufacture at our factory." The products from Vicwest Building Products are all engineered to provide the most eco-responsible options available. Peter Macnab, market development Photo above: Constructed by PCL Construction Management Inc., the New West Truck Centres project in Calgary, Alberta, is made up of a section for sales and administration and two Robertson pre- engineered buildings to house parts and service. Robertson three-inch-thick, Mesa-pattern insulated metal panels were used to achieve superior R-values while providing a clean, architectural appearance. Photo left: The Robertson building features a five-ton crane inside the service area of New West Truck Centres. Green initiatives for this project include rooftop solar panels, recycled asphalt on the yard and dark-sky-compliant exterior lighting. Both photos courtesy Robertson Building Systems. Steel Building Systems p18-21 Steel Building Systems.indd 18 14-04-02 4:48 PM