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 | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2017
Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals
Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2017
New report examines ongoing costs of green infrastructure options
The report compares solutions to reduce stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2017
Total cost of structural fires in U.S. reached $328.5 billion in 2014
Costs associated with losses was $55.4 billion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2017
Steel-timber composite system proposed for mid- and high-rise buildings
Structural steel columns and beams support a cross-laminated timber floor system.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2017
Many coastal states performing poorly to protect beaches, coastlines
The most vulnerable regions fare the worst in new study.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2017
2017 wildfires highlight gaps in California’s approach to fire safety in urbanized areas
Better hazard mapping and retrofit programs could help.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2017
Guide for understanding medical monitoring requirement of OSHA silica standard released
Center for Construction Research and Training gives advice on new regulation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2017
Trump tax proposal would kill historic tax credits
Developers would lose up to 20% discounts on some redevelopment projects.