A Skanska executive offers 10 tips to make the best use of salvaged construction materials in a Living Building post. The advice includes:
· Early integration of the project team. This allows contractors to advise designers early on the practicality of using salvaged materials.
· Work with local reuse organizations. These groups obtain materials from deconstructed buildings and may have what you need close by.
· Look for opportunities to source materials. Even ordinary buildings contain materials that can be of use. Look early and often for these treasures.
· Obtain a staging warehouse. Setting aside a portion of a garage or other building, or renting a storage unit can fill the bill.
· Be ready in the schematic design phase. This is the best stage to analyze salvage possibilities.
· Know hurdles and limitations. Salvage projects may face technical challenges that don’t exist for new materials and products including warranties, specifications, and ratings for things like structural materials, mechanical equipment, and plumbing.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2015
First EPD covering PVC water and wastewater piping published
Benchmarks impacts of seven PVC pipe products across their life cycles.
Office Buildings | May 18, 2015
New ASHRAE standard offers test method to determine heat gain of office equipment
The standard will aid engineers in configuring cooling systems in office buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2015
Widespread damage from Nepal earthquake due to poor implementation of building code
Nepal’s code author says destruction was ‘inevitable.’
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2015
Lavish residential skyscrapers prompt concern over shadows
New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Boston among cities grappling with height regulations.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2015
Several states moving to repeal prevailing wage laws
Anti-prevailing wage bills that apply to state-funded construction projects have been passed in West Virginia and Nevada. Similar laws could be passed in Indiana and Illinois.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2015
New OSHA rule aimed at protecting construction workers in confined spaces
The agency says the rule will protect about 800 workers a year from serious injury.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Colorado House kills construction defects bill
The legislation would have made it harder for condo owners to sue builders.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
New energy efficiency program, Tenant Star, gets OK from Congress
The voluntary program for commercial and government buildings is modeled after Energy Star.
Smart Buildings | May 1, 2015
FEMA to require states to evaluate risks posed by climate change
The aim is for states to do a better job planning for natural disasters they are likely to face in a warming world.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Department of Energy asks for feedback on cost-effectiveness of building energy codes
DOE’s RFI wants input on how to improve methodology on cost assessment.