Interest in designing and building structures that require less energy to construct and operate and have less impact on the environment goes back to the 1970s when situations referred to as the “oil crisis” and the “energy crisis” occurred.

The creation of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993 and the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system in 1998 intensified that interest and gave designers, builders, and building owners objectives to strive for. Today, “green” building practices are embraced by businesses, government entities, and communities as essential for addressing climate change and resource scarcity.

One material that stakeholders find especially useful in creating environmentally friendly buildings is corrugated metal siding. That may surprise some readers who assume green designs must leverage the most “advanced” or “cutting-edge” building materials. However, in construction, as in nature itself, the simple solution is typically the most effective! Corrugated panels leverage the natural properties of metals like aluminum and stainless steel and the skills of product developers who shape them in innovative ways.

This article lists and explains the many benefits of corrugated metal for green architecture.

AN OVERVIEW OF LEED CERTIFICATION

Most people in the construction industry have heard of LEED. However, knowing a little more about LEED certification helps understand what makes corrugated metal siding an excellent choice for green building initiatives. Not every green construction project has LEED certification aspirations, of course, but the standard’s benefits and measures help explain what’s achievable in green architecture.

As noted above, the USGBC developed the LEED program in the late 1990s. It’s a framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining highly efficient buildings.

Stakeholders who strive for LEED certification do so for several reasons, including:

  • Environmental Responsibility: LEED certification demonstrates the building owner’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and mitigating climate change.
  • Market Advantage: As awareness of LEED certification grows, buildings that have achieved it increasingly attract tenants and buyers focused on sustainable and healthy spaces. Consequently, these buildings can have higher occupancy rates and property values.
  • Cost Savings: Green buildings typically have lower operating costs due to energy and water efficiency, resulting in long-term financial benefits.
  • Improved Health and Well-Being: The LEED standard also prioritizes indoor environmental quality, which can lead to healthier and more productive occupants.
  • Innovation and Leadership: LEED certification helps demonstrate that the owner, designer, and builder are leaders in their fields and committed to sustainability.

There is a LEED certification framework for every type of project (building design and construction, interior design and construction, building operations and maintenance, neighborhood development, homes, etc.). The program evaluates building performance across several crucial areas, including:

  • Sustainable Sites: Encouraging strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources.
  • Water Efficiency: Promoting water conservation through efficient fixtures and innovative technologies.
  • Energy and Atmosphere: Prioritizing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.
  • Materials and Resources: Encouraging the use of sustainable building materials and waste reduction strategies.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality: Focusing on improving indoor air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort.

Buildings can earn LEED certification at four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The rigorous certification process involves submitting documentation and undergoing a third-party review to verify compliance with LEED standards.

WHY CORRUGATED METAL SIDING IS IDEAL FOR GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS

Corrugated metal siding offers several benefits that align with the principles of green building, as explained below.

  • Corrugated metal has tremendous durability and longevity. Corrugated metal siding is incredibly strong and resistant to weather, pests, and fire. These characteristics reduce the need for frequent replacements and minimize waste over time. This longevity contributes to a longer lifespan for the building, which is a key aspect of sustainability.
  • Corrugated metal is recyclable. Metal siding is highly recyclable at the end of its life, reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing waste sent to landfills. This supports the circular economy model, promoting resource conservation and reducing environmental impact.
  • Metal siding can improve energy efficiency. Metal siding can be coated with reflective finishes that reduce solar heat gain, helping to lower cooling costs and energy consumption. Additionally, it can be used in conjunction with insulation materials to enhance a building’s thermal performance.
  • Corrugated metal requires minimal maintenance. Metal siding requires very little upkeep compared to other materials like wood or vinyl. This reduces the need for cleaning agents and paints, which can have negative environmental impacts. Less time and effort maintaining corrugated metal panels also lowers costs for building owners.
  • Metal siding is adaptable and reusable. Metal panels can be easily disassembled and repurposed for other projects, further reducing waste and promoting resource conservation. They often have a “second act” after the building itself has reached the end of its useful life.
  • Corrugated metal siding may contribute to earning LEED Certification. Contact USGBC about the details of your project, but using corrugated metal siding might help you earn points in various LEED categories.

Overall, corrugated metal siding is a versatile and sustainable building material that aligns with the goals of green building by reducing environmental impact, promoting resource conservation, and contributing to energy efficiency.

OTHER ADVANTAGES OF CORRUGATED METAL SIDING FOR GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS

Architects, builders, and building owners who learn about the general benefits of corrugated metal panels for green building projects often want to explore their characteristics further. They want to know, “What’s it actually like to work with these panels?”

When they ask us that question, we start our reply by saying that corrugated metal panels do notdisappoint! Many architects looking to create innovative and distinctive building aesthetics put corrugated metal high on their lists of preferred materials.

There are several reasons the panels are a prime choice for stakeholders, starting with the vast array of material, color, and finish options. This broad palette means an architect can begin a project with virtually no constraints on hue, sheen, etc.

We also offer many panel profiles, making it easy to find a look that complements the architect’s creative vision. Waves, ribs, boxes, and other shapes each have their appeal and applicability to different end goals. In addition, stakeholders learn that they can mix and match the orientations of panels, which provides even more design flexibility and greater freedom in developing a particular texture.

What’s more, technological advances, such as CNC machining and laser cutting, have enabled almost unlimited customization of panels — a crucial fact that a person might not be aware of if their previous exposure to corrugated metal building products was long ago.

Finally, the possibilities expand even further as an architect considers integrating wood, glass, and other materials into designs. Ultimately, any architectural style, from traditional to contemporary, is possible using corrugated metal panels.

Corrugated metal’s unparalleled versatility gives rise to virtually unlimited options for aesthetic appeal and functionality in green designs (or any design).

YOUR NEXT STEP: LEARN MORE ABOUT CORRUGATED METAL PANELS

Let’s say you’re intrigued by the idea of using corrugated metal panels to enhance the sustainability of your next project and set the building apart for its eye-catching aesthetic and innovative design. How do you move forward? We encourage you to learn all you can about the panels.

Our website is an excellent place to start. You can get inspired by the featured projects we profile there — keeping in mind that these are just a few of the countless successful engagements we’ve been a part of in one way or another.

You can also obtain resources like helpful guides, answers to frequently asked questions, links to other sources of authoritative industry information, and more. Bookmarking the Corrugated Metals website keeps all this information just a few clicks away.

After (or even before) you browse our website, CMI’s product experts are available to answer any questions you have about corrugated metal panels and how they can help you achieve the visual and functional goals of your project.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Designing buildings with a focus on green architecture and incorporating corrugated metal panels results in truly remarkable structures. Energy-efficient, sustainable, and easier on the environment, they can also be highly cost-effective and feature unique, beautiful designs.

Plus, when you work with CMI, you get more than a resource provider. We’re a design and construction partner to the stakeholders we serve, providing insights from the long list of projects we’ve been involved in at U.S. locations and around the world.

If you’ve never used corrugated metal panels in your work, we make it easy to learn about their benefits. We also help you explore your options for creating outstanding designs and constructing buildings that earn praise from owners, occupants, and communities.

Whether you’re ready to move forward now or are in the early stages of researching building materials, we’re happy to discuss planned or future projects with you.

Contact CMI today, and let’s talk about the advantages of corrugated metal panels in green architecture.