Mass timber is an ideal material for structures designed for deconstruction and offers continued carbon storage after the expiration of the building’s lifespan, as well as removing material from the waste stream.
Advocates for this strategy point out that the wood not only sequesters carbon while the building is in use, but also continues to do so after it is disassembled and the wood is reused. A broader concept, Design for Disassembly and Adaptability, aims to extend the life cycle of buildings and their components, allowing the building to be updated, maintained, and modified more easily. And at the end of its useful life, disassembly allows for more efficient collection and reuse of materials and components.
Designing for disassembly requires professionals to rethink the way buildings are put together so that the materials can be disassembled and reused. This can be a complex undertaking that bucks existing common practices.
Demolitions are usually carried out quickly, making it difficult to reuse a large part of the materials. To counteract that impulse, the project should seek methods, solutions, and products that lend themselves to easier disassembly. In addition, specifying good quality materials that do not contain harmful and polluting chemicals make the parts more attractive for reuse.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2018
Plan advances in Los Angeles for Climate Emergency Mobilization Department
Would oversee efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the city.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2018
Data collection, machine learning boost building efficiency
Sensors, software algorithms squeeze out waste.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2018
Energy Department releases Updated EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools
The tools can now accept input in epJSON format.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2018
ASHRAE publishes new energy simulation-aided design standard
Requires building energy modeling during schematic design.
Codes and Standards | Apr 30, 2018
CALGreen projects pre-approved for streamlined LEED v4 requirements
Reduces need to run additional energy models.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2018
New standard supports community resilience
ASTM International guidance supports cost-effective ways to withstand and recover from disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2018
Lessons learned from decades of Superfund cleanups guide contaminated land reuse
Sites repurposed for residential, commercial use, and solar energy generation.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2018
Vibrant downtown core the key for urban multifamily development
Nighttime activity makes the difference.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2018
ILFI launches new Zero Carbon Certification
Offers greater flexibility around project fuel types and offsetting renewables.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2018
New Green Globe pilot program launched
Precursor to revised Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings.