No other framing material defines "Sustainable" or "Green" as well as Steel.

Because scientifically and mathematically, iron is the most common element in the Earth as a whole.  Every day, we take our old steel products and make new steel products in their place. Which makes it one if not the framing material with the highest recycled rates over all other materials. But, (and this is a big but) it also has this embarrassing problem called "thermal conductivity" which has significantly plagued an otherwise perfect framing material for years. 

Well, that was yesterday because today things have changed dramatically. We think you will be very surprised to find that the new "STEP" system has not only solved the thermal issues but it has also managed to make steel framing an even better performer than it already was (and certainly more user friendly). 

Before we get into how great STEP is, we would like to call your attention to one other interesting development in the state of California. If you are in the building industry, you may already be familiar with these words; California Green Building Standards. If not, please consider reading up on the topic as things are about to kick up a notch or two come January 1, 2011. 

This is change in building standards that we will all have to come to terms with: architects, specifiers, contractors, utility providers, mechanical engineers, material suppliers and of course building owners. The difference from other construction guidelines (like LEED) is that these are not optional, they are mandatory. The logic and reasoning for why these changes were made should be obvious but it simply is that we are at a point in time where we as a society can no longer afford to build and pay for buildings that under perform.  In layman's terms "under performing" can be loosely defined as those buildings which; waste energy or resources, cost more to own than they should or that make us physically sick.

Now, the good news is that these standards really are not complicated, expensive or time consuming (unlike some point based certification/rating systems). So, the time is now, the initiatives are in place, the products are here.

What else are you waiting for?