Deconstruction instead of demolition - challenges and opportunities

However, our previous projects have revealed some recurring challenges:

Pollutants make it difficult to recycle
Older buildings are often contaminated with asbestos, PAHs, artificial mineral fibers or CFC-containing polystyrene. These materials have to be disposed of in landfills - recycling is impossible. For the future, this means planning low-pollutant and deconstruction-friendly materials - right from the start.

Separation by type? Difficult.
Glued materials or difficult-to-remove connections prevent clean separation. As a result, many materials end up as waste instead of being returned to the cycle. Here too, well thought-out planning with a view to later dismantling is crucial.

Reuse is still in its infancy
Despite the existence of component exchanges, hardly any buyers have yet been found for components, furniture or building materials. There is still a lack of structure and demand - and often also a lack of awareness.

Logistics: the underestimated challenge
Where to put dismantled elements? Who stores them - and who finances it? Ideally, dismantling should be directly linked to a follow-up project. New concepts and collaborations are needed here.

Awareness is the key
Dismantling means taking responsibility for the material sources of the future. This starts with the client and extends to the construction site. Because one thing is clear: building materials are finite. And our buildings of today are the raw material stores of tomorrow.

Our experts in the Sustainability department provide holistic support for deconstruction projects. They advise, plan and show you ways to turn your demolition into a resource opportunity that pays off financially rather than a disposal issue.
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