Tacoma, Wash., recently initiated a study to find ways to increase building material reuse through deconstruction and salvage.
The city council unanimously voted to direct the city manager to investigate deconstruction options and estimate costs. The study will focus on devising salvage assessments that identify reuse cases for recovered building materials and identify ways to reduce deconstruction costs and shorten timelines.
Tacoma joins several cities including Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and San Antonio that are developing programs to recover, reuse, and recycle building materials from buildings that are slated to be torn down. Portland, Oregon, already has a deconstruction ordinance on the books. That city requires buildings constructed before 1940 to be deconstructed rather than demolished.
Proponents for a similar ordinance in Tacoma cited several benefits: a higher likelihood of finding and safely disposing hazardous materials, limiting air pollution resulting from demolition, and reusing historic building materials to build new structures that reflect existing architectural styles. Opponents cited concerns over longer project timelines that would result from the proposal.
Related Stories
| Apr 4, 2012
JCJ Architecture designs New York City's first casino
Aqueduct Racetrack complex transformed into modern entertainment destination.
| Apr 4, 2012
Hason joins RNL’s as MENA regional director
Hason specializes in planning and urban design, hospitality, office, corporate headquarters and transportation structures, as well as, higher education and museum facilities.
| Apr 3, 2012
Product Solutions
Two new PV systems; a lighter shelf; and fire alarm/emergency communication system.
| Apr 3, 2012
Blaine Brownell on innovative materials applications in architecture
Brownell, who was named a BD+C 40 Under 40 in 2006, provides insight regarding emerging material trends and the creative implementation of materials.
| Apr 3, 2012
AGC Glass to reopen shuttered plant
Shuttered since 2008, the plant produces clear and tinted float glass serving architectural glass markets.
| Apr 3, 2012
Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry
Would you spend $300 a night to sleep underground? You might, once you see the designs for China's latest hotel project.
| Apr 3, 2012
SSOE acquires MEP Firm CRS Engineering & Design Consultants
The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.
| Apr 3, 2012
Suffolk completes phase one of Baystate Medical Center expansion
Construction management firm awarded emergency department project for successful build of $296 million MassMutual Wing and Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center.
| Apr 3, 2012
Meyer receives RCMA's Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award
The Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award is presented annually to an individual, selected by his or her peers, who has exemplified outstanding service and made significant contributions to the roof coatings industry.
