Whether you’re a contractor or an engineer, you know there are many suitable materials you can use in your project. If you haven’t already, there are several reasons you should consider using structural steel, and one of the biggest ones is that it’s environmentally friendly. Below are three ways it will reduce your carbon footprint.

What Are the Environmental Benefits of Structural Steel?

1. Can Be Repurposed & Recycled

Structural steel is highly recyclable and completely degradable, meaning that all of its composition can be reused. This means the same piece of steel can be recycled and reused indefinitely without weakening its integrity. Beyond this, many of the wastes from creating steel can be repurposed. The water used in smelting and molding contains steel fragments, but they can be filtered out and the water can be safely reused. The stony slag that comes from steel in the manufacturing process can also be repurposed into other materials, instead of being dumped in a landfill. 

2. Will Last for Decades

Unlike most materials, steel is virtually indestructible and can easily last for decades with a little TLC. It’s highly durable against the elements, pests, and natural disasters, so it won’t need to be replaced often. This means less waste, fewer emissions in the manufacturing process, and fewer resources — such as fuels —  used during transportation and construction.

3. Is Custom-Cut for Efficient Use

With materials like concrete and vinyl, you buy standard sizes or amounts of the material, then cut or pour them on-site to fit your needs, leaving you with lots of leftovers that often end up in the garbage. When you choose steel, however, it’s custom fabricated to your exact specifications by trained professionals. This means each piece will fit perfectly with your project, and you won’t use more than necessary, eliminating trips to the landfill.

Since 1980, Caylor Industrial Sales in Dalton, GA, has provided elite supplies for the construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries. Their supplies include structural steel, industrial hardware, water regulators, and more, and they serve all of Northeast Georgia with 24/7 delivery. Your satisfaction and happiness is their priority, so you’ll start and end each interaction with a smile. Browse their catalog online or call (706) 226-3198 to order your custom steel today.