3 Scales of repurposed disposability--Construction, Renovation, and Demolition (CRD)

摘要

Project managers and construction contractors have long recognized the importance of reducing waste and salvaging high value construction and demolition materials such as copper and other metals. Contractors are usually careful about the quantity of materials ordered, how materials are used and how to carefully de-construct valuable materials. In most cases however, materials that are more difficult to separate and that are worth less per unit weight are still going to landfill, even when they are present in large quantities. This represents an inefficient use of natural resources and uses up landfill capacity unnecessarily. Unfortunately, some contractors do not realize that there are new opportunities for waste minimization, while others are reluctant to implement environmental practices because they believe these practices will increase their project costs. Most contractors are concerned about the cost of the labour that is needed to deconstruct materials for reuse or recycling. However, it has been shown that effective waste management during CRD projects not only helps protect the environment, but can also generate significant economic savings. Demonstration projects have shown that the diversion of waste from landfill can reduce waste disposal costs by up to 30%. This is accomplished through reduced tipping and haulage fees and the sale of reusable and recyclable materials. Various projects from within our practice and within our academic curriculum will be brought into the attention of this paper. Specifics of modularity, form/fit/analysis, fabrication, and off-site production, will be demonstrated within the larger discussion through the focus onto three case studies, ranging from three different scales.