The Ethics of Demolition: When and How to Deconstruct Responsibly
- Natalie Akins
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Construction is an inherently optimistic discipline. It pushes the limits of human imagination. It gives life to a brighter tomorrow.
Without putting a damper on the good that the industry does, it is crucial to remember that construction usually involves some sort of “tearing down” process before work on the new can begin. The EPA estimates that a whopping 600 million tons of construction and demolition waste are created each year. This puts more than twice the strain on landfills as standard municipal waste.
To help limit wastefulness and increase sustainability, keep reading as we explore some of the best ways to facilitate responsible deconstruction.
When Is It Necessary to Demolish a Building?
Modern approaches to construction and demolition are exceedingly holistic. It is no longer just about how the building performs in application. Everything from initial plans to site preparation, daily use to end-of-life transition, are factored in when assessing the building’s sustainability score and environmental impact.
As such, modern architects constantly search for ways to create structures that will last for many generations. In the event that a building were to be deemed unnecessary in the future, the goal is to make it as recyclable, demountable, and/or “repurpose-able” as possible.
With that said, there are some times when demolition is simply unavoidable. It typically occurs with older buildings that were constructed before sustainability became a top priority in the industry but can occur even for newer structures in the face of certain mitigating factors. A few of the most pertinent include:
Structural instability - if key components of the foundation, framing, or roof become damaged beyond safe repair, it may be advisable to demolish the structure altogether as opposed to undertaking a risky renovation.
Natural disasters - earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, or any other extreme weather event may make it unsafe and financially unsound to try and salvage a building.
Hazardous materials - if there is proliferation of toxic substances in the structure, a demolition may be necessary. This was seen with asbestos in the 1970’s and 1980’s. It may be more of a threat in industrial plants that are at risk of chemical spills.
Building code updates - as standards for safe, energy efficient buildings keep rising, it may be impossible to rehabilitate a historic structure to comply with contemporary codes.
Economic considerations - there may be times when the land on which the building sits is more valuable than the structure itself. Or the cost of operating the facility becomes untenable.
Other reasons a demolition may become necessary include pest infestations, change in ownership (owner preference), and new development projects that impact zoning.
How to Responsibly Deconstruct a Building
When demolition is necessary, there are a number of best practices to ensure safe, responsible deconstruction.
Site Assessment and Planning
Just like construction, the demolition process involves meticulous planning. Assess the existing building’s condition to rule out the possibility of rehabilitation. Perform a risk analysis to determine if there are any hazards that may reveal themselves during deconstruction. Arrive at the most suitable means of demolition and gather all necessary tools, machinery, and PPE.
Don’t forget: just as the digital transformation in the construction industry is improving processes and increasing efficiency, so too can it streamline demolition. Modern BIM models can help facilitate planning of a deconstruction. AI-driven insights can help identify emergent problems. AR and VR technologies can give professionals the opportunity for a “trial run” to locate any possible risks and make contingency plans.
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Obtain Proper Permits
You can’t just grab the shovel and start digging when building. Nor can you just take the sledgehammer and start demolishing.
A deconstruction requires a comprehensive set of permits before it can get started. These permits help ensure compliance with local zoning laws, safety codes, and environmental standards. Failure to obtain necessary permits can delay the project and result in legal action.
Remove Hazardous Waste
Although the threat of contamination from asbestos or lead-based paint is significantly lower than it was 50 years ago, hazardous materials still exist in the built environment. As mentioned, industrial plants that work with chemicals and other types of toxic materials are particularly vulnerable to contamination. In addition, mold, mercury, and VOCs are other types of materials that can put demolition workers at risk.
It is crucial to have professionals assess the site and identify any hazardous threats. Get these materials removed first. A hydrovac provider may be necessary if the toxic materials are liquid and/or hard to reach.
Strategically Break Down the Structure
Once the site has been cleared for demolition, resist the temptation to take the wrecking ball and bulldozer and go crazy. Be meticulous about the approach. Strategically “uninstall” any materials still in good condition and earmark them for reuse.
Have specific bins to recycle steel components. Damaged wood can often be used in the fabrication of composite products. Once the building has been razed, remove all debris until the land is returned to a pristine condition, filling any holes and levelling terrain as necessary.
Leave No Trace: Take a Mindful Approach to Building Deconstruction
Without strategic planning, construction and demolition waste can put undue strain on crowded landfills. By considering the best practices listed above, you can guarantee the most mindful deconstruction process possible.