1. Understanding the trend of sustainable steel structure construction
Sustainability in construction is one of the most important trends today, especially in the field of steel structures. Sustainable steel structures not only meet requirements for durability and performance but also minimize negative environmental impacts, aligning with global sustainable development goals. Key aspects of sustainable steel structures include:
1.1. Efficient use of materials and energy
- Recycled materials:
A large portion of steel used in structures is produced from recycled steel, which helps reduce the extraction of natural resources and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions. Recycled steel also contributes to reducing industrial waste, aligning with environmental protection criteria.
Example: According to the World Steel Association, approximately 30% of global steel production is manufactured from recycled materials. - Energy savings in production and construction:
Pre-engineered steel buildings are manufactured in factory conditions, reducing material waste and optimizing processes, which helps save energy and minimize emissions throughout the entire building lifecycle.
Furthermore, the use of lightweight steel structures in construction also helps reduce the load on foundations, saving costs and energy associated with construction. - Integration of smart technology:
Technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) are applied to accurately calculate material quantities, limiting waste in design and construction.
1.2. Load-bearing capacity and resistance to harsh conditions
Sustainable steel structures must meet high load-bearing requirements and resist harsh environmental conditions such as storms, earthquakes, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures. Notable characteristics of steel in this field include:
Load-bearing capacity
- High durability: Steel is a material capable of withstanding high tensile and compressive forces without deforming, even under heavy loads. This ensures the structure remains solid against strong environmental impacts.
- Flexible design: Steel structures can be optimized to distribute loads reasonably, reducing pressure on critical parts of the building.
Resistance to harsh weather
- Storms: Steel structures are designed with bracing systems, horizontal struts, and aerodynamic details, helping the building withstand resistance from strong winds.
- Earthquakes: The ductility of steel helps absorb and dissipate seismic energy, minimizing the risk of collapse in areas with high seismic activity.
- Corrosion protection: Steel is surface-treated using methods such as hot-dip galvanizing or epoxy coating to resist corrosion caused by high humidity, salt water, or chemicals.
1.3. Reuse and recycling
Steel structures in pre-engineered steel buildings have high potential for reuse and recycling. After the building completes its lifecycle, steel components can be dismantled and reused for new projects or recycled to produce new steel. The recycling process not only helps save raw materials but also minimizes construction waste, protects the environment, and saves energy compared to production from raw materials. Steel can be recycled continuously without losing its physical and chemical properties, making it a superior 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 service life but also must not cause environmental pollution throughout its lifecycle. The use of non-toxic materials, combined with clean construction processes that do not emit polluting gases, is very important. Additionally, noise and dust control measures during construction help protect the living environment around the site. Furthermore, pre-engineered steel buildings are often prefabricated in factories and then transported to the site, minimizing negative impacts on the construction site environment.
2. Sustainability certifications in steel structure construction
Sustainability certifications in steel structure construction are 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 U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a prestigious international certification system that evaluates the sustainability of buildings at every stage: design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This system applies to many different types of buildings, from new construction and interior fit-outs to the operation and improvement of existing buildings.
A pre-engineered steel structure building that achieves LEED certification will be recognized for the following factors:
- Energy efficiency: Use of good insulation materials, optimization of natural light, lighting systems, and energy-saving equipment.
- Water savings: Use of water-saving sanitary fixtures, rainwater harvesting and reuse, and landscape irrigation with recycled water.
- Emission reduction: Use of low-carbon materials, limitation of construction waste, and encouragement of renewable energy use.
- Indoor air quality: Use of low-toxicity materials, effective ventilation system design, and humidity and temperature control.
- Environmentally friendly materials: Use of recycled, reused, or renewable materials, locally sourced materials, 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 building's commitment to sustainability and long-term value.
“Green Factory” Snow Coast Vietnam, executed by General Contractor Hai Long Construction, aims to achieve the “LEED ZERO” green certificate – a prestigious certification for energy saving and environmental protection.
2.2. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
BREEAM, originating from the United Kingdom, is one of the oldest and most popular green building assessment systems in the world. BREEAM evaluates the environmental performance of various building types such as commercial, industrial, or residential buildings.
BREEAM provides a framework to promote and implement environmentally friendly and sustainable construction practices. It encourages building owners to use technology, materials, and design strategies to minimize negative environmental impacts and improve user health, detailed through criteria such as:
- Energy: Energy performance, use of renewable energy, energy management.
- Water: Water saving, efficient water use, water management.
- Materials: Selection of sustainable materials, reduction of environmental impact of materials, material management.
- Waste: Minimize waste to the environment, recycle and reuse waste, and manage waste properly.
- Pollution: Control air, water, and soil pollution, as well as noise and light from the construction site.
- Management: Manage construction projects sustainably, ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance.
- Health and Wellbeing: Ensure air quality, natural lighting, temperature, and humidity.
Steel structures that achieve BREEAM certification are recognized for their sustainability and positive contribution to the surrounding environment. BREEAM certification is classified 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), is a sustainability certification system specifically for construction projects. This system focuses on evaluating and encouraging sustainable solutions from the design stage to the construction process. Green Star evaluation criteria include:
- Management: Ensure the project is implemented and the building is completed with sustainable quality, minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
- Energy: Optimize energy performance, encourage the use of renewable energy, and manage energy effectively.
- Water: Manage, conserve, and use water efficiently.
- Environmental Impact: Minimize emissions to the environment, and manage waste in an organized and scientific manner.
- Air Quality: Design effective ventilation systems, control humidity and temperature to improve indoor air.
- Construction Materials: Prioritize the use of recycled, reused, or renewable materials, locally sourced materials, and those with green certification.
Green Star certification helps recognize steel structure projects 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 rigorous green building standards, developed by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). LBC not only focuses on sustainability but also promotes buildings to become "living buildings," meaning they can be self-sufficient and cause no harm to the environment.
Projects are evaluated based on seven sets of criteria:
- Place: The integration of the building with the community as well as the building's support for the surrounding urban space.
- Water: The ability to capture, treat water, and manage wastewater from the building.
- Energy: Energy is 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 occupants and requirements for daylight, fresh air, sanitation processes, temperature control, and access to nature must be ensured.
- Materials: The ability to resist the negative impacts of construction materials on human health and the environment. This criterion sets requirements related to chemical content, local sourcing, and waste disposal.
- Equity: Requirements for accessibility, labor sourcing, and ensuring fair standards (Just Label) from ILFI.
- Beauty: The aesthetic impact of the building on the surrounding space.
Pre-engineered steel buildings that achieve LBC certification will be recognized as self-sufficient structures, capable of generating more energy than they consume and contributing positively to the surrounding environment.
Achieving sustainable certifications is not only an affirmation of the quality and reputation of pre-engineered steel building projects but also brings many practical benefits. These certifications help reduce operating costs through energy efficiency and effective resource management, thereby contributing to long-term cost savings. At the same time, buildings with sustainable certification often have higher brand value, attracting potential customers and partners thanks to their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Furthermore, complying with environmental standards and using recycled and reused materials in construction also contributes to reducing pollution and protecting the ecosystem.
