Common practice in preparing a site for redevelopment usually entails demolition of any on-site buildings or structures to clear the way for reuse of the land. If plans don’t include restoration or rehabilitation of onsite structures, then deconstruction should be considered as the next step to address on-site structures before demolition.

Deconstruction can be an economically viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional demolition.

The benefits of deconstruction include cost savings, job creation and environmental preservation.

Deconstruction may save as much as 30-50% when compared to traditional demolition costs. Labor costs for deconstruction are typically higher than for demolition. However, landfill disposal fees are lower because there is less tonnage that ends up in the landfill. Combined cost savings exist with avoided disposal costs and recovered material value. Because deconstruction is labor intensive, it can lead to the creation of jobs for the currently displaced workforce.

Deconstruction helps preserve natural resources by offsetting the need for virgin raw materials through the adaptive reuse of existing building materials.

Usually 70-80% of waste can be diverted from the landfill with a deconstruction project. Salvaged materials can be reused, sold for recycling/remanufacture or donated. Demolition activities generate a wide variety of debris including wood, concrete, steel, brick, and gypsum. Many of these materials (if not contaminated) can be reused or recycled. Deconstruction and selective demolition methods divert large amounts of materials from the waste stream thus conserving limited landfill space. If time does not allow for complete deconstruction, items such as doors, light fixtures, windows, cabinets, etc. can be readily salvaged or “cherry picked.”

The U.S. EPA supports and encourages the reuse of construction and demolition materials. A good deconstruction project requires good planning. Identify knowledgeable and experienced demolition and salvage contractors. Identify markets for recycling, companies/non-profits for reusing materials or donation of materials.

In keeping with the principles of brownfield redevelopment and the reuse of previously developed land, the deconstruction industry supports the re-incorporation of formerly used materials. Please consider whether deconstruction techniques can be used to prepare your site for renovation or construction.

Site Highlight

Green Redevelopment in Ligonier: Former Essex Wire site (Brownfields Bulletin – July/August 2008)

Local example of “green” deconstruction and building material recycling.

0 Comments