Achieving BREEAM Certification through Steel Framing Systems: Leveraging Inherent Properties and Efficiencies

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

Abstract

The construction industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, with frameworks like the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) providing structured pathways to assess and enhance environmental performance. Steel Framing Systems (SFS), encompassing light gauge steel (LGS) and cold-formed steel (CFS), offer a range of inherent properties that align with BREEAM’s sustainability criteria. This report examines how SFS can be optimized to achieve BREEAM certification, focusing on material efficiency, energy performance, waste reduction, indoor environmental quality, and lifecycle assessment.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

1. Introduction

Sustainable construction practices are pivotal in mitigating environmental impacts and promoting resource efficiency. BREEAM, established in 1990, is a leading sustainability assessment method that evaluates buildings across various environmental categories, including energy use, water consumption, indoor environmental quality, and materials. Steel Framing Systems (SFS) have gained prominence due to their structural integrity, design flexibility, and potential environmental benefits. This report explores the synergy between SFS and BREEAM certification, highlighting how the inherent properties of SFS can be leveraged to meet BREEAM’s stringent sustainability criteria.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

2. Overview of Steel Framing Systems (SFS)

Steel Framing Systems (SFS) are construction frameworks that utilize steel components to form the structural skeleton of buildings. These systems are characterized by their strength, durability, and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial and industrial structures. The primary types of SFS include:

• Light Gauge Steel (LGS): Thin-walled steel sections manufactured through cold-forming processes, offering a lightweight yet robust framework.

• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS): Steel that has been shaped at room temperature, resulting in high-strength components with precise dimensions.

The adoption of SFS is driven by factors such as reduced material waste, enhanced design flexibility, and improved energy efficiency. (framecad.com)

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

3. BREEAM Certification and Its Relevance to SFS

BREEAM is a comprehensive assessment method that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings throughout their lifecycle. The certification process involves scoring buildings across multiple categories, each addressing specific sustainability aspects. The key categories relevant to SFS include:

• Materials: Evaluates the environmental impact of building materials, considering factors like embodied carbon, recyclability, and sourcing practices.

• Energy: Assesses the building’s energy performance, focusing on energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources.

• Waste: Examines strategies for minimizing construction and operational waste, promoting recycling and reuse.

• Indoor Environmental Quality: Considers factors such as indoor air quality, lighting, and thermal comfort to ensure occupant well-being.

• Innovation: Rewards projects that incorporate innovative solutions contributing to sustainability beyond standard practices.

Understanding these categories is essential for identifying how SFS can be optimized to achieve BREEAM certification. (en.wikipedia.org)

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

4. Leveraging SFS Properties to Achieve BREEAM Certification

4.1 Materials

SFS inherently offers several advantages that align with BREEAM’s materials category:

• Recyclability: Steel is 100% recyclable without degradation of quality, facilitating a circular economy and reducing the demand for virgin materials. (howickltd.com)

• Reduced Waste: Prefabrication of steel components off-site leads to precise manufacturing, minimizing on-site waste generation. This approach can reduce material waste to approximately 2%, compared to 20% in traditional wood framing. (framecad.com)

• Sustainable Sourcing: Utilizing recycled or sustainably sourced steel contributes positively to BREEAM’s materials assessment, as it reduces the environmental impact associated with raw material extraction and processing. (buildingmaterials.co.uk)

4.2 Energy

SFS contributes to energy efficiency in several ways:

• Thermal Performance: Steel’s high thermal conductivity can be a challenge; however, when combined with appropriate insulation materials and techniques, SFS can achieve high thermal performance, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. (hallhart.au)

• Airtightness: The precision of steel framing contributes to building airtightness, reducing heat loss and enhancing energy efficiency. (symmtrex.com)

• Integration with Renewable Energy: The structural capabilities of SFS allow for the integration of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, contributing to BREEAM’s energy criteria. (buildingmaterials.co.uk)

4.3 Waste

SFS’s impact on waste reduction includes:

• Off-Site Manufacturing: The prefabrication process reduces on-site waste and allows for better planning and optimization, leading to less material overages and unnecessary resource consumption. (symmtrex.com)

• Recyclability: Steel’s recyclability ensures that materials can be repurposed at the end of their life cycle, minimizing landfill contributions. (steelprometals.ca)

4.4 Indoor Environmental Quality

SFS enhances indoor environmental quality through:

• Pest Resistance: Steel’s resistance to termites and other pests eliminates the need for toxic insecticides and chemical preservatives, contributing to healthier indoor air quality. (framecad.com)

• Durability: The longevity of steel framing reduces the need for frequent renovations or replacements, maintaining a consistent indoor environment over time. (atlasframes.com.au)

4.5 Innovation

SFS allows for innovative approaches that can earn additional BREEAM points:

• Design Flexibility: Steel’s versatility supports modern, open floor plans and innovative architectural designs, contributing to the innovation category. (framecad.com)

• Integration with Sustainable Technologies: The adaptability of SFS facilitates the incorporation of green technologies, such as green roofs or wall systems, enhancing the building’s sustainability profile. (jpstrimshop.com.au)

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

5. Challenges and Considerations

While SFS offers numerous benefits, certain challenges must be addressed to fully realize its potential in achieving BREEAM certification:

• Thermal Bridging: Steel’s high thermal conductivity can lead to thermal bridging if not properly managed, potentially compromising energy efficiency. Mitigation strategies include incorporating thermal breaks and selecting appropriate insulation materials. (hallhart.au)

• Embodied Carbon: The production of steel is energy-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for steel produced using renewable energy sources and recycled materials can mitigate this impact. (jpstrimshop.com.au)

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

6. Conclusion

Steel Framing Systems, with their inherent properties and efficiencies, present a compelling pathway to achieving BREEAM certification. By strategically leveraging these attributes—such as recyclability, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and design flexibility—construction projects can enhance their sustainability credentials. Addressing challenges like thermal bridging and embodied carbon through thoughtful design and material selection is essential to maximize the environmental benefits of SFS. As the construction industry continues to evolve, integrating SFS with BREEAM’s comprehensive assessment criteria offers a robust framework for sustainable building practices.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

References

• (framecad.com)
• (hallhart.au)
• (buildingmaterials.co.uk)
• (symmtrex.com)
• (jpstrimshop.com.au)
• (howickltd.com)
• (atlasframes.com.au)
• (steelprometals.ca)
• (en.wikipedia.org)
• (en.wikipedia.org)