What you choose to build with and specify is more important than ever as the building industry shifts to net zero. According to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), one of the key strategies is better material selection – such as specifying products with lower upfront carbon. Here’s why using perforated metal can help meet net zero building materials targets:
Net zero building materials: three key benefits of perforated metal
1. Infinitely reusable
One of the greatest advantages of specifying perforated metal for net zero building materials is the fact that it is so sustainable. The metals we perforate – such as aluminium and steel – can be recycled and reused repeatedly with no loss of quality, strength, or performance, reducing waste and emissions.
Recycling aluminium, for example, uses 95% less energy than it takes to make new metal and it is estimated that around 75% of the aluminium ever produced is still in use today.
2. Circular building friendly
The ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ benefits of perforated metal not only support net zero targets but align with a circular economy, one of the ‘megatrends’ shaping the global building industry.
Defined by the World Economic Forum as a ‘system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design’, for the building industry a circular economy puts greater emphasis on the use of circular materials3 – pre-used, low or zero-carbon, recyclable, or recycled – which also help to reduce emissions as the industry transitions to net zero.
3. Zero-electricity cooling and heating
Perforated metal is a natural ventilator thanks to its holes, which makes it a top net zero building materials choice for reducing building reducing building energy use. Electricity continues to make up the most emissions of a typical Australian building says the GBCA. But perforated metal can help to reduce this, thanks to its ability to passively control and manage light, airflow, heat, and solar radiation through careful choice of metal material, hole size, open area percentage, and pitch.
Studies have shown that a perforated metal facade can bring in 45% energy savings from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning whilst also reducing solar irradiation by almost 78% depending on the location of the building.
It is essential to choose the right base metal as this influences the appearance, service life, performance, and durability of the finished perforated panels. You can learn more in the guide here. here which has a handy metal metal comparison table – or get in touch with teh Arrow Metal team for expert advice.
For product enquiries, advice, or to request product samples, call (02) 9748 2200 or email sales@arrowmetal.com.au
Browse or download the perforated metal catalogue , brass woven wire mesh catalogue or project look book for more perforated metal inspiration.
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