ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF STEEL BUILDINGS

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the environmental credentials of steel buildings and to present the environmental impact categories and values in a steel housing activity through a case study of steel office building. In this framework, a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was applied, which provides an understanding of the overall environmental performance of a housing construction. The relative influence of the service lives of different building components compared to the energy use of the buildings with a different energy efficiency is presented. As the analysis showed, recycling of construction waste becomes a critical issue, which can ensure a number of environmental benefits. The aim of this research activity was also to point out the need for an integrated approach in  the design process, combining environmental performance assessment with structural calculations. Environmental impact assessment of the construction activity was carried out, following the inventory listing, in order to reach to useful conclusions on the environmental study of the project. Although steel and concrete proved to be responsible for the negative environmental impacts the ability of reuse and recyclability of steel has decreased the negative impacts of steel construction on environmental burdens.