Copper has been called a ‘metal for the ages.’ Copper is efficient, durable, long-lived, sustainable, adaptable, natural, and relatively economical. Copper is mankind’s second metal and has been in use over 6,000 years. Copper belongs to a family of metals. Some of these alloys include brass (copper and zinc) and bronze (copper and tin).

Investigating the sustainability and resiliency of copper may be accomplished through a Health Product Declaration and a Life Cycle Assessment. The Copper Mark is also given to responsibly produced copper. Achieving this mark requires consideration of 32 mandatory environmental, social, and governance issues in an independent framework.

Colors may be applied to copper through a chemical treatment in a controlled factory environment. An alternative is apply a color or patina at an off-site location. In addition, copper is recyclable and may be reused without degradation. Copper alloys have great overall manufacturing efficiency. Copper is also flexible in construction. The metal may be used for mechanical and medical piping. Copper could also be used for copper sheathing at an on-site location.

Copper is known for its effects on thermal control in buildings. Used as a dual skin and shaded design system, copper reduces surface temperature of inner façades by 65%. Roofing systems made of copper have been used as a ventilation tool for centuries. Copper has the positive benefit of lowering the air conditioning load on a structure.

Copper can replace aluminum fins and coils. This replacement stops the growth of mold and bacteria in the fins and coils. This is because copper is an antimicrobial metal. Being antimicrobial, copper is also a good choice for touch surfaces such as handrails and knobs. Copper is also used in cookware and the only approved medical gas system. Since copper doesn’t melt easily, copper transfers water without failure or the potential of contamination of ground water in fires. In addition, copper is a metal that is indirectly required by most of the higher life forms on earth.

Copper is used in a number of other systems. In some ways, the computer is copper centric. For example, Building Management Systems (BMS) all rely on copper. Silver is 5% more conductive than copper, but silver is more expensive than copper. On a roof or wall, copper has the added feature of color. The desired color effects can be produced by natural weathering or skilled tradesmen. Sometimes chemical solutions may be used for an artistic treatment of copper.

Miles of heavy grade copper protect wind farms using an efficient grounding system. Copper is also used in solar panels for transfer of energy. In addition, coper is used for energy storage and distribution on the grid; as well as support systems made up of wires and bars. Copper is the most efficient material for proper grounding of critical systems. Another benefit to this materials is that older buildings with copper roofs don’t burn in a fire.