Demolition projects that achieve high levels of reclamation are likely to do so because the project team (including the client and designers) is committed to reclamation from the start and ensures that reclamation is the focus throughout the project.

That is one conclusion from a report released this week Reclamation Led Approach to Demolition, from Bioregional Development Group, funded by DEFRA’s Business Reuse Fund.

The report, which contains several case studies, highlights specific steps that could be taken by contractors to achieve high levels of reclamation. Methods to facilitate this are discussed in the report,  and include:

• Audit
  
• Time and space
  
• Communication and education
  
• Planning and Management

The carbon and cost savings from some of the case studies are impressive with the reclamation lead project at Rotherham Lock Gate saving 2358t and earning £39,400; and the St.Paul’s Church project in Bristol saving 72t carbon and £146,750 (potential income).
Bioregional Development Group (info@bioregional.com)