Re-use
We should try to re-use our waste for other purposes
Waste reclamation, often referred to as Architectural Salvage, is the sourcing and reuse of parts of an older structure to build another one, or to refurbish an existing building with original features.
Waste reduction and local re-use carry significant carbon benefits and substitution of locally-sourced reclaimed materials for new in construction work can radically reduce the lifecycle environmental impact of that particular item. ( See Waste Strategy for England 2007, Annex C3: Construction, demolition and excavation waste, DEFRA)Aggregain, which is part of WRAP, has a comprehensive website on reclaiming materials from demolition sites. As well as providing detailed information on what materials can be retrieved from which elements of a building, it also offers advice on materials storage and case studies from previous projects.
Demolition audits can be used to improve environmental performance without impacting on project costs. This more systematic approach is being developed by BRE, so that companies will be able to assess potential for materials reclamation before they refurbish or demolish a building.
Reclamation led approach to demolition
This reports on past reclamation successes, to outline specific steps that will encourage and inspire contractors to increase the levels of reclamation on all demolition projects. In doing so, it is assumed that the best re-use option, that of re-use and/or relocation of buildings on the project has already been considered and is not viable.
Ones man's rubbish is another man's resource
Contact NISP for further information here
Reclaimed building products guide from Wrap.
This guide provides architects, designers and contractors with opportunities to specify and procure reclaimed building materials and products when responding to a client requirement for reused and recycled content.It includes:
- a reference guide to the products most likely to be viable and economic (including info typical applications, the cost of a reclaimed vs comparable new product, embodied CO2 savings and guidance on key issues e.g. regional availability);
- case studies on the use of reclaimed products in construction projects;
- procurement guidance; and
- a directory listing suppliers of reclaimed building materials by region.
Contact WRAP for further details or visit
http://rcproducts.wrap.org.uk/construction/reclaimed_building.html or Click here for the Wrap guide (2.86MB)
Other useful links
