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Sustainability is green and steel is the rising trend!
Each year there is more steel recycled in North America than aluminum, plastic and glass combined. Annually, steel recycling saves the energy equivalent to electrically powering about 1/5 of the households in America (for an entire year)! Steel recycling programs also reduce the solid waste stream resulting in dramatically reduced landfill space and conservation of natural resources. In 1999, steel plates and beams used in construction were recycled at a rate of 95% also rebar and other steel construction material posted a recycling rate of 45%. 14.2 million cars were recycled in 1999 (enough to circle the earth 1-3/4 times) and every ton saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.
The “square box” notion is a thing of the past. The world of residential construction is seeing a change for the better and it’s just in time. More and more modern homes are being constructed with steel, as creative architects and practical engineers are beginning to understand this resource as the new green. The labor savings is about 1/3 and the actual time to construct is reduced. To meet LEED standards on steel framed projects add Ultra-Touch mold resistant insulation and you’ve got a winning combination!
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