1. Learn about the trend of building sustainable steel structures
Sustainability in construction is one of the most important trends today, especially in the field of steel structures (SSC). Sustainable SSC not only meets the requirements of durability and performance but also minimizes negative impacts on the environment, in line with global sustainable development goals. The salient aspects of sustainable SSC include:
1.1. Use raw materials and energy efficiently
- Recycled materials:
A large portion of structural steel is made from recycled steel, which reduces the exploitation of natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Recycled steel also contributes to reducing industrial waste, in line with environmental protection criteria.
Example: According to World Steel Association, about 30% of global steel production Made from recycled materials. - Energy saving in production and construction:
Pre-engineered steel buildings are manufactured under factory conditions, reducing material waste and optimizing processes, helping to save energy and minimize emissions throughout the entire building life cycle.
Furthermore, the use of light steel structure in construction also helps reduce the load on the foundation, saving costs and energy related to construction. - Combining smart technology:
Technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM) applied to accurately calculate the volume of raw materials, limiting waste in design and construction.
1.2. Ability to withstand force and harsh conditions
Durable steel structures must be able to withstand and withstand harsh environmental conditions such as storms, earthquakes, heavy rains, or extreme temperatures. The outstanding characteristics of steel in this field include:
Force-resistance
- Durable: Steel is a material that can withstand tensile and compressive forces well and does not deform even under heavy loads. This ensures that the structure is sturdy against strong environmental impacts.
- Flexible design: Steel structures can be optimized to distribute loads appropriately, minimizing pressure on critical building components.
Weather resistant
- Storm Wind: The steel structure is designed with a system of diagonal and horizontal bracing and aerodynamic details, helping the building withstand resistance from strong winds.
- Earthquake: The ductility of steel helps absorb and disperse seismic energy, minimizing the risk of collapse in areas of high seismic activity.
- Corrosion protection: Steel is surface treated with methods such as hot dip galvanizing or epoxy coating to help resist corrosion due to high humidity, salt water or chemicals.
1.3. Reuse and recycling
Steel structures in pre-engineered steel buildings are highly reusable and recyclable. After the building has completed its life cycle, steel components can be dismantled and reused for new projects or recycled to produce new steel. The recycling process not only saves raw materials but also reduces construction waste, protects the environment and saves energy compared to production from raw materials. Steel can be continuously recycled without losing its physical and chemical properties, making it an outstanding sustainable material in the construction industry.
1.4. No environmental pollution
A sustainable pre-engineered steel building not only needs to ensure load-bearing capacity and long-term durability, but also must not pollute the environment throughout its life cycle. The use of non-toxic materials, combined with a clean construction process that does not emit polluting gases, is very important. In addition, measures to control noise and dust during construction help protect the living environment around the building. In addition, pre-engineered steel buildings are often prefabricated at the factory and then transported to the construction site, minimizing negative impacts on the environment at the construction site.
2. Sustainability certification in steel structure construction
Sustainability certification in steel structure construction is becoming increasingly important in ensuring that buildings not only meet safety and aesthetic standards but also commit to the environment. These certifications help evaluate and affirm the sustainability of pre-engineered steel buildings through specific criteria, from energy efficiency to material recyclability.
2.1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED, developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), is a prestigious international certification system that evaluates the sustainability of buildings at all stages: design, construction, operation and maintenance. This system applies to many different types of buildings, from new construction, interior finishing to operation and improvement of existing buildings.
A LEED certified pre-engineered steel structure will be recognized for the following factors:
- Energy Efficiency: Use good insulation materials, optimize natural light, lighting systems and energy-saving equipment.
- Save water: Use water-saving sanitary equipment, collect and reuse rainwater, irrigate landscapes with recycled water.
- Reduce emissions: Use low carbon materials, limit construction waste and encourage the use of renewable energy.
- Indoor air quality: Use materials that emit less toxic substances, design effective ventilation systems and control humidity and temperature.
- Environmentally friendly materials: Use recycled, reused or renewable materials, locally sourced and green certified materials.
LEED certification is divided into four levels: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80+ points), demonstrating the project's commitment to sustainability and long-term value.
Snow Coast Vietnam “Green Factory” implemented by Hai Long Construction General Contractor - aiming to achieve the green certificate "LEED ZERO" - a prestigious certificate on energy saving and environmental protection.
2.2. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
BREEAM, originating from the UK, is one of the oldest and most popular green building rating systems in the world. BREEAM assesses the environmental performance of many types of buildings such as commercial, industrial or residential buildings.
BREEAM provides a framework to promote and implement environmentally friendly and sustainable construction methods. It encourages building owners to use technologies, materials and design strategies to minimise negative environmental impacts and improve occupant health, specifically through criteria such as:
- Energy: Energy efficiency, renewable energy use, energy management.
- Water: Save water, use water efficiently, manage water.
- Material: Select sustainable materials, minimize environmental impact of materials, manage materials.
- Waste: Minimize waste to the environment, recycle and reuse waste, and manage waste properly.
- Polluted: Control air, water and soil pollution or noise and light from construction.
- Manage: Manage construction projects sustainably, ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance.
- Health and Wellbeing: Ensure air quality, natural light, temperature and humidity.
BREEAM certified steel structures are recognised for their sustainability and positive contribution to the environment. BREEAM certification is divided into five levels: Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.
2.3. Green Star
Green Star, Developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Green Star is a sustainability certification system specifically for buildings. It focuses on assessing and promoting sustainable solutions from the design stage through to the construction process. The Green Star assessment criteria include:
- Manage: Ensure that projects are implemented and completed with sustainable quality, minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
- Energy: Optimize energy efficiency, promote the use of renewable energy and manage energy effectively.
- Country: Manage, save and use water effectively.
- Impact on the environment: Minimize emissions to the environment, manage waste in an organized and scientific manner.
- Air quality: Design effective ventilation systems, control humidity and temperature to improve indoor air.
- Building materials: Prioritize the use of recycled, reusable or renewable materials, locally sourced and green certified materials.
Green Star certification recognizes steel structures for their environmental friendliness and ability to minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem. This certification has three levels: 4 stars, 5 stars, and 6 stars, depending on the level of sustainability achieved by the project.
2.4. LBC (Living Building Challenge)
Living Building Challenge is one of the world's most stringent standards for green building, developed by the Living Future Institute (International Living Future Institute – ILFI) development. LBC not only focuses on sustainability but also promotes buildings that aim to become “living buildings”, meaning they can be self-sufficient and do not harm the environment.
Projects are evaluated based on seven sets of criteria:
- Location: The connection of the project with the community as well as the support of that project for the surrounding urban space.
- Country: Ability to capture, treat and manage wastewater from the project.
- Energy: Energy designed to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Fully certified projects must operate year-round using on-site renewable energy.
- Health and Happiness: The health of the occupants and the requirements for daylight, fresh air, hygiene procedures, temperature control and access to nature must be ensured.
- Material: Ability of building materials to resist negative impacts on human health and the environment. This criterion sets requirements regarding chemical content, local sourcing and waste disposal.
- Equity: Requirements for accessibility, sourcing of labour and ensuring fair standards (Just Label) from ILFI .
- Beauty: The aesthetic of the building on the surrounding space.
A pre-engineered steel building that achieves LBC certification will be recognized as a self-sufficient building, capable of generating more energy than it consumes and making a positive contribution to the surrounding environment.
Achieving sustainability certifications not only affirms the quality and reputation of pre-engineered steel buildings but also brings many practical benefits. These certifications help reduce operating costs thanks to energy efficiency and effective resource management, thereby contributing to long-term cost savings. At the same time, projects that achieve sustainability certification often have higher brand value, attracting potential customers and partners thanks to their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Furthermore, compliance with environmental standards and the use of recycled and reused materials in construction also contribute to reducing pollution and protecting the ecosystem.
