Companies and individuals must dispose of waste materials after demolition. Traditional demolition methods, such as wrecking balls or implosions, might be faster, but they can contribute to environmental damage due to the high levels of dust and debris they produce. Green or sustainable demolition solves that issue by recycling and salvaging materials that would otherwise be discarded.
Use Sustainable Demolition Methods
Companies specializing in sustainable demolition use several methods, such as asset recovery and metal recycling. You can choose whether to sell or reuse salvaged materials. Some companies may combine traditional and sustainable methods, using low-impact demolition equipment and techniques that help speed up the process while being eco-friendly.
Incorporating eco-friendly practices might help reduce carbon footprint and minimize waste. Recycling construction materials allows businesses to meet green building standards such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). A LEED certification may provide a few advantages, including higher resale and rental values. Here are some sustainable demolition practices:
Select and Preserve Through Deconstruction
Instead of tearing a whole structure down at once, an expert team dismantles it. By manually separating structural components, they can select materials to be reused or sold. This practice also facilitates the safe disposal of materials that can’t be repurposed. Surgical demolition allows teams to precisely deconstruct specific rooms or sections while preserving historical building exteriors. These techniques could help minimize disruption of nearby homes or businesses and reduce waste.
Salvage Architectural Elements and Fixtures
A professional company evaluates a building’s structure and removes valuable architectural elements, such as hardwood floors, metal fixtures, and cabinets, before demolishing it. Depending on the project type, contractors reuse these salvaged fixtures on-site. Hardwood floors or wooden beams can be turned into decorative paneling or refinished to be used again. Here are some fixtures you can repurpose:
- Wood: Doors, windows, and built-in furniture
- Metal: Railings, handles, light fixtures, and doorknobs
- Masonry: Bricks, stone pavers, and decorative natural stones
Repurpose and Upcycle Demolition Materials
Green demolition allows you to upcycle antique, good-quality items. Older houses and buildings might have high-demand items like vintage claw-foot tubs or farmhouse sinks. Solid wood doors and windows that have been kept in good condition may be used in historic restorations. Old bricks and natural stones work well on walkways or fireplaces, while high-quality metal fixtures like doorknobs can be restored and reused. A specialized deconstruction company helps you recover those assets.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly
Older buildings containing asbestos, lead paint, and other toxic materials should be properly handled. A sustainable demolition company will take the necessary precautions to protect its workers and surrounding buildings or homes while removing and sealing the materials. The debris is then taken to a dedicated hazardous waste facility for disposal. Proper disposal of toxic materials helps avoid legal penalties.
Fix Structural Issues With Green Demolition
Interior demolition could be a way to deal with material degradation, and professional companies can manage building integrity issues during demolition projects. They may also assist you with foundation problems during pool removals, helping minimize damage. Start using eco-friendly demolition practices today to help protect the environment.
