DECONSTRUCTION AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

In the hierarchy of actions required for closing the materials loop, protecting the environment, and conserving resources, deconstruction and materials reuse ranks above recycling and just below minimizing the mass of materials used in the built environment. This paper will present an overview of the issues of deconstruction and materials reuse and describe why deconstruction is an absolutely essential for creating a sustainable built environment. The issues covered will include deconstruction tools and techniques, environmental issues and impacts, economics, policy initiatives, building code considerations, and materials reuse markets. An overview of the work of CIB Task Group 39 will be provided, indicating the status of deconstruction and materials reuse in a variety of countries worldwide. Examples of deconstruction and materials reuse activities will be provided from Australia, Israel, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, the U.K., and the U.S. The future agenda of TG39, to include Design for Deconstruction, will also be addressed.