Demolishing buildings is a waste. There’s another way: deconstruction

shift the way we build and renovate our homes. People are becoming more conscious of the impact that construction and demolition have on the environment, and are looking for ways to reduce waste and emissions.

Deconstruction may seem like a slow and expensive process compared to demolition, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. By carefully taking apart a building and salvaging materials for reuse and recycling, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This not only helps the environment by cutting down on methane emissions from decomposing wood, but also reduces the embodied carbon emissions associated with producing new materials for construction.

Meredith Moore’s company, Ouroboros Deconstruction, is leading the way in this movement towards more sustainable construction practices. By deconstructing buildings and salvaging materials such as doors, flooring, fixtures, and appliances, they are able to reuse or recycle over 90 percent of the materials, keeping them out of the landfill.

Other companies, such as Vema Deconstruction in Vancouver, are also embracing deconstruction as a more sustainable alternative to demolition. While deconstruction may take longer and cost more than demolition, the benefits in terms of job creation, waste reduction, and environmental impact make it a worthwhile investment.

Local governments and organizations are also getting on board with the deconstruction movement. In Quebec, a waste management network was able to deconstruct several industrial buildings at a cost slightly lower than demolition, while saving tens of thousands of dollars in tipping fees and transportation costs. The recovered materials were then sold to local construction projects for reuse, further contributing to a circular economy.

Despite the challenges of reusing materials in construction, there is growing interest and momentum in the industry. Architects, designers, and policymakers are working together to find solutions to make reuse more accessible and integrated into building codes and standards. With initiatives like the Building Materials Exchange and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores, there are more opportunities than ever to source and use reclaimed materials in construction projects.

As more people become aware of the benefits of deconstruction and reuse, we can expect to see a shift towards more sustainable building practices in the future. By working together to reduce waste and emissions in the construction industry, we can create a more circular and environmentally friendly approach to building and renovating our homes.