Deconstructing the Future: How Salvaging Buildings is Becoming Big Business
Nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions stem from the built environment, a figure often overshadowed by discussions of operational energy use. But a quiet revolution is underway, one that’s turning demolition from a wasteful process into a source of valuable materials. It’s called deconstruction, and it’s poised to reshape how we build – and unbuild – our cities.
Beyond Demolition: The Rise of Circular Construction
For decades, the standard practice for removing an old building was simple: demolish it. Bulldozers would reduce structures to rubble, sending tons of materials to landfills. But a growing movement is challenging this approach, advocating for the careful dismantling of buildings to salvage reusable components. This isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it’s about recognizing the inherent value locked within existing structures.
Companies like Perks Deconstruction, featured in a recent NPR report, are leading the charge. Instead of wrecking balls, their teams meticulously unbuild structures, sorting lumber, bricks, fixtures, and more for reuse. “Typically, what happens is a bulldozer will come in, smash it all — it’ll all get trashed,” explains Anna Perks, co-owner of the company. “But deconstruction, we try to salvage and recycle as much as possible.”
The Embodied Carbon Problem and Deconstruction’s Solution
The shift towards deconstruction is driven by a growing awareness of embodied carbon – the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials. According to Michelle Lambert, policy and engagement manager at the Carbon Leadership Forum, “Eliminating all of those emissions that would’ve been required to create new materials” is a key benefit of reuse.
While reducing operational carbon (energy used to power buildings) remains crucial, addressing embodied carbon is becoming increasingly urgent. Deconstruction offers a direct pathway to lowering this footprint by extending the lifespan of existing materials and reducing the demand for new production. It’s a core principle of a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are continually reused.
Challenges to Scaling Deconstruction
Despite the clear benefits, widespread adoption of deconstruction faces significant hurdles. A major obstacle is infrastructure. Successful deconstruction requires facilities to efficiently sort, process, and store salvaged materials. Without these resources, contractors struggle to find viable outlets for reclaimed components. “We have to have a place to take all this material,” Perks notes, “It gets really hard for contractors when there’s nowhere to take the material.”
Cost is another factor. Deconstruction is more labor-intensive than demolition, leading to higher project expenses. Chris Fellows, a developer incorporating deconstruction into a new residential neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado, estimates that it increased his project costs by 35-40% and added a year to the schedule. However, he believes the long-term benefits – including attracting eco-conscious buyers – will outweigh the initial investment.
Policy and the Future of Building Disassembly
Recognizing the potential of deconstruction, a growing number of municipalities are implementing policies to encourage or mandate salvage and reuse. Cities like Portland, Oregon, and Boulder, Colorado, have been pioneers in this area, with ordinances requiring a certain percentage of demolition waste to be diverted from landfills. Boulder, for example, has diverted over 83% of construction waste from landfills in the last five years.
But the most forward-thinking approach goes beyond simply managing demolition waste. Perks envisions a future where buildings are designed for disassembly from the outset. “Can you either incorporate reclaimed materials into the new design, or when you’re designing, can you think about what’s this going to be like to take it down?” she asks. “And when it gets taken down, can it be reused?”
Designing for Disassembly: A Paradigm Shift
This concept, known as “design for disassembly” (DfD), involves using modular construction techniques, reversible connections, and readily recyclable materials. DfD aims to create buildings that can be easily taken apart at the end of their lifespan, maximizing material recovery and minimizing waste. It represents a fundamental shift in how we think about building design, moving away from a linear “take-make-dispose” model towards a circular one.
The future of sustainable construction isn’t just about building greener buildings; it’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of the built environment. Deconstruction, coupled with innovative design strategies, offers a powerful pathway towards a more resilient and resource-efficient future. What innovations in material science and building design do you think will be most crucial for accelerating the adoption of deconstruction practices in the next decade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
