One of the lesser known but rapidly growing sectors of the "green" building movement is building deconstruction, which is now being used as an eco friendly alternative to building demolition.
Although the name is new, the principles behind building deconstruction really are not, as they have been implemented for centuries and might possibly be considered one of the first "green" building techniques. In decades past such practices stemmed from the need to save money rather than an actual overriding concern for the health of the planet. These concerns faded in the latter part of the Twentieth Century as building materials became cheaper and more disposable, but the rapidly growing environmental movement has put the practice back in vogue once more.
Put in the most basic of terms, building deconstruction is the careful disassembly of the components of a structure to recover as much recyclable material as possible. Usually buildings and structures are deconstructed in an order that is the reverse of the way in which they were originally built – last on, first off.
In some cases materials recycled from deconstruction can be put straight back into use on a new project on the site (a kitchen renovation or room addition for instance). This is the greenest practice of all, since it not only reduces the amount of new materials that have to be purchased for use on the project but also the gas needed to transport materials to the jobsite. A green construction expert should be able to determine which and how much material can be salvaged for reuse on a new project.
Material that is not suitable for reuse on site may very well be useful elsewhere. For example, if building materials are donated to nonprofit organizations the people donating them are usually able to claim a number of tax deductions against the overall cost of the project, saving even more money, although for the specific tax deductions available in your area you will probably have to consult with a CPA familiar with such issues.
If you are undertaking a new construction, utilizing green deconstruction techniques may earn you benefits known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED points under the U.S. Green Building Council program. If your new project can earn LEED Certification, then again there is a number of tax benefits associated with such a designation. If you take the time to find a LEED Certified construction firm, they will be able to advise you exactly how to go about applying for LEED points for various elements of the project.
There are some potential downsides to be considered when deciding between demolition and deconstruction. In terms of labor costs, it is more time consuming to pick apart a structure and conserve materials for reuse than it is to simply smash everything to pieces and fill up a dumpster in the driveway to be hauled away at the project’s end. Planning and scheduling a project will undoubtedly have to be carefully considered and the extra time involved allowed for. However, the environment will be better off for your efforts, as well as the long-term health of your bank balance.
