3 SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR DECONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
When it comes to any construction project, demolition and deconstruction can basically be considered two sides of the same coin. Demolition is the process of tearing down a structure, while deconstruction involves taking a building apart piece by piece, with the goal of salvaging as much of the material dismantled as possible for reuse or recycling. Both processes can be unnecessarily wasteful and damaging to the environment if not done sustainably, though deconstruction tends to be less wasteful overall than demolition. In this blog post, we'll discuss five sustainable practices for deconstruction and demolition so you can ensure your next construction project has as little impact on the environment as possible.
SALVAGE YOUR MATERIALS FOR REUSE
One of the main goals of deconstruction is to salvage as many materials as possible for reuse. This includes everything from lumber and bricks to metal and glass. By salvaging these materials, they can be repurposed in other construction projects, or in any rebuilds you might be doing, therefore reducing the need for new materials to be manufactured.
There are a few ways to salvage materials during deconstruction. One is to carefully disassemble the building and remove materials intact. Another is to use machinery to crush or shred the building into smaller pieces, which can then be sorted for recycling.
RECYCLE ANY MATERIALS YOU CAN
In cases where materials can't be salvaged for reuse, recycling is the next best option. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfill, saves energy and resources, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Most building materials can be recycled, including concrete, asphalt, metal, and wood. By working with a recycling facility, demolition and deconstruction companies can ensure that materials are properly sorted and recycled.
USE AS MANY SUSTAINABLE DEMOLITION TECHNIQUES AS POSSIBLE
Demolition is often seen as a destructive process, but it doesn't have to be. By using sustainable demolition techniques, companies can reduce the environmental impact of the process.
One technique is called "soft demolition," which involves taking a building apart piece by piece rather than using heavy machinery to tear it down. Soft demolition reduces the amount of dust and noise generated by the process, as well as the amount of waste produced.
Another technique is to use high-reach excavators, which are designed to reach tall buildings without damaging nearby structures. By using high-reach excavators, demolition companies can avoid damaging nearby buildings and reduce the need for heavy machinery on site.
Deconstruction and demolition are necessary processes in the construction industry, but they can have a significant impact on the environment. By implementing sustainable practices, companies can reduce waste, save resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Salvaging materials for reuse, recycling materials, and using sustainable demolition techniques are just a few ways to make deconstruction and demolition more sustainable.
It's important for companies to prioritize sustainability in all aspects of their business, including deconstruction and demolition. By doing so, they can contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone.
