Steel has long been a trusted material in commercial construction. It’s durable, strong, and recyclable, making it a reliable and sustainable choice for warehouses, manufacturing spaces, hangars, and more. While the strength of steel stays constant, the way we build with it continues to evolve.
At Freeman Building Systems, we’ve worked with steel for over three decades. Today, we’re seeing new developments and trends shape the future of steel construction, especially through our long-standing partnership with Butler Manufacturing®, a leader in pre-engineered metal building systems.
Steel’s Staying Power
Steel continues to offer unique advantages in commercial construction. It boasts one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any construction material, is fire resistant, and doesn’t warp or expand like wood. These attributes contribute to fewer maintenance issues, a longer building lifespan, and faster construction timelines.
For clients looking to optimize operational costs and long-term durability, steel remains an essential choice.
Greener Building
As demand grows for greener building practices, steel’s recyclability is gaining even more attention. Butler’s systems, for example, are made with up to 74% recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life cycle.
Steel construction also generates less jobsite waste than traditional materials, especially when paired with a design/build approach that minimizes overages and inefficiencies from the start. The result is a sustainable building that:
- Contains a high percentage of recycled material and is itself recyclable
- Optimizes the use of raw materials
- Is energy efficient
- Can help you achieve LEED® certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), helping you meet rigorous green building standards while achieving long-term efficiency goals
Overall, our expertise in sustainable design and experience with LEED-certified projects ensure clients can meet their environmental goals without sacrificing performance, budget, or speed to market.
Design Flexibility and Customization
Modern steel systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. Thanks to advanced modeling and fabrication capabilities, today’s steel buildings can be customized for nearly any use, from expansive clear spans in aviation hangars to climate-controlled warehouses or large-scale manufacturing spaces.
Butler’s customizable systems give us the ability to meet a variety of needs while maintaining cost efficiency, speed, and structural performance. Some of the most exciting advances in steel construction are coming from Butler Manufacturing.
Steel Will Continue to Lead the Way in 2026 and Beyond
As construction continues to shift toward smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient building methods, steel will remain a leading solution. Its strength, flexibility, and environmental benefits make it well-positioned for the future of commercial construction.
For over 30 years, Freeman Building Systems has been a trusted part of the community, delivering efficient and cost-effective design/build steel construction solutions. Our commitment to excellence is backed by a team with over 500 years of combined experience. At Freeman, safety is woven into everything we do. From our rigorous on-site protocols to smart, safety-focused building designs, we are committed to delivering projects that stand the test of time without compromising the well-being of those who build and use them.
