A recent study by Transparency Market Research reports that while Europe is leading the world in finding solutions to construction debris, the global volume of demolition waste is set to escalate. At Vision Construct, we believe that recycling a demolished component, however sustainable, shouldn’t compromise on the quality and longevity of a build. Here are 3 ways you can strike a balance.
It’s all in the planning
The average demolition process produces tonnes of waste, with concrete, ceramics, gypsum and plastic the most common elements. A responsible building contractor will always carry out extensive pre-demolition planning to reduce the amount of landfill left over. This should include soft-stripping buildings of furniture left behind by previous inhabitants, removing windows, door frames and, of course, asbestos before the main event begins.
Whether a client plans to build a development with sustainability credentials, or they’re seeking money-saving solutions, we’ll also explore the feasibility of reusing materials – windows for example – that are in sound condition. That said, we’ll always draw your attention to the fact that anything recycled doesn’t come with a certificate.
We’re primarily concerned with delivering quality to our clients. The excellent news is that inventive new ways of upcycling demolition waste can still achieve that quality, with the potential to save money as an added bonus.
Make your demolition method count
If performed cleanly and cleverly, demolition by high-reach machinery can give you greater control over where your waste goes than less predictable explosives. While the Vision Construct team have used a range of demolition methods over the years, we’ve perfected the art of machine demolition in urban areas. So our debris safely lands where it can be reused most effectively.
The most widely recycled waste tends to be the broken bricks and rubble that form the basis of a new building’s foundations. Another common practice, reusing materials to build footings beneath the foundations, can be extremely cost effective, especially if you’re building in a soft soil area that requires wider footings to avoid excessive settlement.
Stay up to date
Innovative recycling solutions are being developed all the time and there’s no doubt they’re becoming more sophisticated. When our exacting building team are happy to use a material that has its roots in demolition waste, it’s the ultimate endorsement. The use of recycled gypsum plasterboard, for example, has gathered pace and despite being extracted and reused many times over, is now seen as a high calibre product used in high calibre construction projects.
For a taste of the iconic luxury developments Vision Construct have built across London and the South East, take a look at our property portfolio.