The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) exists to grow the metal building industry. While we are in a strong and vibrant industry, we know there is always more room to grow.
In this past year, as MBMA chair, I was able to be intricately involved in the activities of the association. Believe me, I was proud to see all the hard work going on—not only by the small but highly dedicated and focused MBMA staff, but also by the volunteers at the committee level (see “Helping Out”). I will bet you did not know that more than 500 industry professionals serve on MBMA’s committees. Why? Because we know that we are better together. We know the sum is bigger than the parts, and we can always learn and grow from those who are committed to industry improvements.
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Helping Out The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has several volunteer-driven committees, including the following:
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I also found we are stronger because of our partnerships with like-minded associations. We are very excited to become actively involved in the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Conference on Architecture & Design 2024 in June in Washington, D.C. We are also honored to have joined with the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) and Metal Construction News (MCN) last spring where, together, we hosted the industry’s largest awards ceremony, presenting MCN’s Hall of Fame winners, MBCEA’s Building of the Year recipients, and MBMA’s one-of-a-kind, industry-wide safety awards. It was energizing to see so much talent together in one room.
We have also been involved in creating a new tradition, which feeds a blooming transparency, openness, and camaraderie in the industry. For several years now, we have been co-locating MBMA’s spring membership meeting with MBCEA’s annual meeting. This has given us enormous opportunities to share information and build relationships with others who make our industry strong. We have gained so much from open dialogue, shared knowledge, and a good game of golf. The combined attendance this past year exceeded 450—a record-setting number.
Look ahead
As we look to 2024, our thoughts turn to the federal elections. I propose we move away from being red states or blue states and all join to become green states—champions for environmental sustainability, protectors of our climate, and proponents for prosperity through responsible and resilient building design and construction.
Remember, the steel used in metal buildings is sustainable overall because a typical metal building is produced from at least 70 percent recycled steel,1 reducing the need for virgin materials excavated from the earth. And, as we know, the processing of recycled steel for producing goods for a metal building requires significantly less energy. It is also good to note that today, most domestic steel manufacturers offer carbon-neutral options.
Another consideration is metal roofing is an ideal platform for solar arrays. According to a recent New York Times article, “At 30%, Solar Panel Tax Credits Are at a High Point for Now,” Americans are “increasingly turning to rooftop solar panels to save money on their energy bills, and over the next decade, federal tax credits can help reduce the cost of installing them.”2 While tax breaks for solar panels have been available for some time, last year’s Inflation Reduction Act both expanded and extended those tax breaks as part of the government’s ongoing, multipronged efforts to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
The public needs to know metal roofing provides a logical substrate for photovoltaic solar arrays. Racks are easily installed on a standing seam metal roof, and the fasteners are hidden underneath the roof panels and lock directly onto the standing seams. The clips are especially beneficial because they do not require penetration of the roof itself, which can lead to water seepage and reduce a roof’s life span.
Life expectancy is another reason why metal roofs are best suited for solar arrays. The expected service life of a metal roof—recently shown to be 60-plus years—is a better match for the service life of solar panels. Remember, metal roofs have been tested extensively through MBMA-funded research to prove their durability.
As we close out the year and plan for the future, I hope you will reach out to MBMA as your source for research, leadership, and education when you need the facts about the metal building industry. As we enter 2024, I wish each of you prosperity, peace, and a hope-filled future. Remember, we need to work together for a better tomorrow.
Mark Van Dyken is the current chair of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). He was named general manager for Nucor in 2006 and voted in as vice-president in 2020. Van Dyken joined the MBMA board in 2019 and was named vice-chair in 2022.
References
2 See https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/25/business/solar-panels-tax-credits.html
