Demolition work is constantly changing as new ways are being developed. Companies are looking for more efficient methods that are also more environmentally friendly to remove structures. Statistics show that up to 30% of all landfill in the United States is from construction and demolition.
As technology has improved new methods are being developed to improve the environmental impact of demolition. One way companies are adapting is by first removing recyclable products from buildings before they are destroyed. Things like doors, windows, and asphalt shingles are able to be recycled if they are removed prior to demolition.
There is also a new type of demolition that has been developed and tested in Japan. This new system, called Ecological Reproduction System or deconstruction for short, removes buildings from the top down instead of using explosives, wrecking balls, or bulldozers. By doing this as much as 85% percent of construction waste is able to be kept out of landfills. Not only is the waste greatly reduced, but they actually create energy by using special energy-generating cranes.
While the initial cost can be greater, companies definitely have incentives to be more environmentally conscious in their demolition. By recycling more companies can save on the cost to dump materials in landfills (called tipping costs) and many areas are beginning to offer tax credits. Some areas, such as San Diego, have made green demolition mandatory. They do this by requiring a large deposit when a building permit is taken out. The deposit is returned once the company as proven that at least 50% of all construction waste has been recycled.
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