As the construction industry evolves to meet ambitious sustainability and climate goals, steel stands out as a key material for achieving net-zero buildings. This session will explore how steel’s unique properties—strength, durability, and recyclability—can drive innovation in sustainable building design and construction. Attendees will learn how to leverage advanced steel technologies and strategies to enhance energy efficiency, reduce embodied carbon, and support renewable energy integration. The session will highlight the role of insulated metal panels and reflective coatings in optimizing thermal performance, as well as the potential of solar-ready steel roofs to support on-site renewable energy systems. Finally, Amanda will share case studies of successful net-zero projects to demonstrate how steel solutions are being applied in real-world scenarios, showing practical insights and actionable strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply strategies using insulated metal panels, cool roof technologies, and advanced coatings.
- Understand advancements in steel manufacturing, including low-carbon production methods and recycled content, to reduce embodied carbon.
- Design solar-ready steel roofs and incorporate on-site renewable energy solutions.
- Utilize steel’s recyclability, durability, and modular design to align with circular economy principles and minimize lifecycle environmental impact.
- Develop strategies for incorporating steel solutions into sustainable building projects, that meet LEED and other green certification standards.
Continuing Education Credits:
1.0 AIA LU HSW
Presenter:
Amanda Turner
Sustainability Specialist, Cornerstone Building Brands
Amanda Turner is a Sustainability Specialist who’s passionate about making buildings smarter and greener. With 15 years of experience in energy management and sustainability, she helps bring new ideas into metal building design that save energy, lower carbon impact, and support a more circular way of building. Amanda works with building owners, architects, builders, and manufacturers to connect projects with programs like LEED and other green building frameworks. She also creates training and resources to show how metal buildings can play a big role in reaching sustainability goals
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling when she can, and finding small everyday ways to live a little greener.