Design for deconstruction and material reuse

This paper outlines the importance of taking a whole life-cycle approach when considering the sustainability of buildings, with an emphasis on consideration of the embodied carbon of projects and minimising this when possible. It is suggested that this can be achieved through the specification of reused materials. In order to improve the reused material supply chain in the future it is recommended that new buildings be designed for later deconstruction, thereby maximising the quantity of materials that can be recovered with minimal damage. Strategies for most effectively designing for deconstruction are outlined. It is recommended that this type of design practice be promoted by specific inclusion within environmental assessment methods. A brief review of three current assessment methods is made to highlight where credits are rewarded for the minimisation of embodied energy, and several tools that may help designers in assessing the embodied carbon of their projects are discussed.