Deconstruction

Deconstruction is the reverse of construction. It is a new term for an old practice which entails the careful dismantling or removal of materials from structures, as an alternative to demolition. The practice of deconstruction maximizes the recovery of valuable building resources for reuse and recycling and minimizes the amount of waste landfilled. Like many Green Building concepts, deconstruction is not new. Some wrecking companies have long recognized the economic value by operating their own salvage yards. In fact, deconstruction was more common in the past, until heavy equipment encouraged ever-quicker project timelines. However, as the cost of equipment, lumber, gas and landfill tipping fees increases, deconstruction becomes a more economically attractive option. In addition, the public and builders increasingly recognize the importance of preserving resources and protecting the environment. Deconstruction options include:

According to the National Homebuilders Association, as many as 100,000 residential buildings are demolished annually in the United States. This represents more than 8 million tons of wood, plaster and drywall, metals, masonry, and other building materials, most of which will end up in local landfills. Buildings contain a wealth of material resources. In some cases the workmanship and quality of materials that has gone into them is almost impossible to replicate today. Vintage lumber and hard wood beams are highly sought after. Many older buildings contain woods that are now rare and highly valuable, such as first-growth redwood, Douglas fir, oak, and cherry. Nail-holes or other wear may actually contribute to the antique beauty of floors and other products made from them. Multiple salvage companies have found the resale of such architectural relics to be economically profitable. In other situations, materials are still usable although the site may not be. As demand grows, more salvage businesses that sell reused doors, windows, light fixtures, plumbing and appliances and not exclusively architectural pieces are opening. Some contractors even conduct successful on-site materials sales. It is possible to salvage building components, keeping the higher value of materials for reuse. Wood flooring, raised panel doors, ornate interior and exterior trim, electrical and plumbing fixtures, even framing and bricks can have salvage value of up to 75% of the item's original value. Reusing or salvaging materials also avoids high disposal costs.

Sorting and recycling job-site waste and materials from demolition sites for reuse is now easier than ever as recycled products (using broken window glass to make glass tiles) and reconstituted products (mixing post consumer plastics - such as expanded polystyrene, with cement to make RASTRA(r) building blocks) has become one of the fasted growing industries in America.

Regrettably, most of what goes to the landfill from a construction or demolish site is organic matter, such as earth, rocks, concrete, timber and brush. Besides utilizing existing the wood salvage yards and concrete crushers, earth, rocks, and concrete can be used to enhance the contours of the site, and timber and brush can be mulches onsite and incorporated into the landscaping.

Green Building, with a commitment to resource conservation and responsible land use, attempts to use not only recycled materials but also reuse materials as well. The City of Bowie has begun to deconstruct its buildings whenever feasible as indicated under Initiatives.