‘Green’ Materials for Architects
|
THE MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO NICKEL AND ITS APPLICATIONS |
 |
THE PITTSBURGH CONVENTION Center examplifies the 'green' qualities stainless steel brings to modern
architecture. |
|
|
Today’s architects are deeply concerned about the environmental sustainability of our cities, society and planet. Therefore, they strive to become fully aware of the environmental impacts of their individual projects. The materials they select have the greatest potential to impact the environment compared with any other single element of their project.
That is why, to be able to compare various materials, it would be beneficial for architects and other designers to have at their fingertips a database of objective life-cycle impact information about all available materials. Unfortunately, such a database is not available. Instead, architects rely on the information provided to them from competing materials associations.
The Nickel Institute strives to provide relevant information to architects on the environmental and aesthetic performance of nickel-containing stainless steels through the website www.stainlessarchitecture.org
One of the most recent additions to that website is "Sustainable Stainless Steel Architecture," a brief, nine-page document by Nickel Institute consultant Catherine Houska. In it, she summaries why nickel-containing stainless steels are an excellent choice for protecting the environment and creating comfortable, attractive structures. Topics discussed in more detail include: a summary of the recycling of stainless steel, the relationship between corrosion and the environment and ways that stainless steel can be used to enhance the indoor and outdoor environment.
The author also discusses the long service life that stainless steels offer, how natural resources are conserved by choosing stainless steel compared with other materials, the role stainless steel plays in building restoration, and how it is reused.
This is an important document for architects because it puts stainless steel into the context of today’s complex array of available materials.
PHOTO: Allegheny Technologies
 To download the document "Sustainable Stainless Steel Architecture," by Catherine Houska, go to: |
