Although a steel mill is probably the last place you’d expect to be LEED certified, don’t be surprised when you visit Big River. There is indeed a LEED plaque hanging on our wall. In March of 2017, we became the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified steel production facility in the nation thanks to our environmental sustainability efforts and energy efficiency performance. In addition to our mill building, the employee services building and warehouse have also received LEED certification.
LEED
LEED FACTS
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EXCEEDED EPA REGULATIONS
In order to meet higher European environmental standards, buildings and equipment were designed to exceed EPA regulations.
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REDUCED HEAT LOSS
The Electric arc furnace (EAF) includes a hydraulic power roof system to reduce the amount of heat loss to a fraction of what’s lost from a traditional roof system.
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ENERGY EFFICIENT
Drives and motors idle at much lower speeds compared to traditional steel mills which run nonstop at full horsepower.
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CLEANER WATER
After water is pumped from wells to cool hot steel, it’s sent to an energy-efficient wastewater treatment facility which returns it to the Mississippi River cleaner than before.
