Deconstruction Environmental Concerns and Real Life

Lessons Learned

Jeff CooperAECC

&Andrew Erickson

Home Headquarters

Topics for discussion

What is “deconstruction”?

Choosing the right deconstruction site

Hazardous Material 101

2014 Deconstruction Pilot project

Q & A

In the context of physical construction, deconstruction is the selective dismantlement of building components, specifically for re-use, recycling, and waste management. It differs from demolition where a site is cleared of its building by the most expedient means.

Deconstruction (definition):

Why deconstruction?

• Diverts material from entering local landfills through recycling and creative reuse.

• Creates jobs and job training opportunities for both urban cores and rural areas alike.

• Provides an opportunity for small businesses to emerge and thrive.

• Provides the same end result as traditional demolition, a vacant lot.

There are several reasons but one of our biggest regional challenges is the lack of

market or dedicated marketplace for consumers to purchase materials generated from deconstruction.

Why haven’t we seen more of it?

Know how to pick a winner!

Start with SafetyIs the building safe to enter? Can your contractors safely perform their jobs? Would you work inside?

Perform an Environmental AssessmentKnow what to look for and commit to sampling suspect materials.

Understand what building materials have valueArchitectural features, hardwoods, other valuable building materials make deconstruction worth it.

Hazardous materials need to be on your radar!

By understanding both environmental policy and the associated remediation and disposal costs, you can get more bang for your budget. Develop a strategic bulk-sampling plan, that when combined with positive safety ratings and valuable building materials present, allow you to pick the very best deconstruction projects.

Asbestos

Lead-based Paint

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Mercury

And much more….

Commonly Found “Hazmats”

Asbestos-Containing Materials

Asbestos-Containing Materials

Lead Based Paint Mercury/Universal Waste

PCBs

• Caulks•Mastics• Paint• Roofing materials

• And more….

• Flammable Liquids/Materials• Hazardous Waste Storage Areas• Lead-Based Paint• Mold • Pesticide/Herbicide storage• Petroleum-based products• Radon Gas• Residual process chemicals• Small quantity cleaners & solvents• VOCs from glues, carpets, etc.

The Rest of the Pests!

And YES you can still buy Asbestos Today!

DECONSTRUCTION PILOT 2014Case Study

DEMOLITION

HYBRID

DECONSTRUCTION

Six Houses

Lumber HarvestingBefore After

Deconstruction Statistics

Total weight (all six houses) = 743,060 lbs

Total sent to landfill = 222,780 lbs

Total recycled, reused, etc… = 520,280 lbs

Total Diversion Rate = 70%

Deconstruction is…• Preserving cultural,

historical, and architectural heritage.

• Enhancing local economies.

• Driving innovation and creativity in repurposing building materials.

• Transitioning apprentices to careers in the construction industry.

• Growing in popularity across our country.

• Inherently sustainable—meeting the Triple Bottom Line of Sustainability.

• Promoting community and environmental health.

https://vimeo.com/81351854

Who’s Next? Building materials reclaimed from deconstruction

projects are supporting new small businesses, creating jobs, and fostering innovation.

Take a look at one of our area’s most recent success stories: