Green Home

Deconstruction

Job site recycling and waste management are fairly new ideas in mainstream construction. If your contractor is not familiar with the concept of deconstruction, have a discussion early on and you can print this page for them or send them to the websites below to learn more.

Deconstruction vs. demolition:

  • Conserves natural resources that we are extracting faster than replacing
  • Reduces pressure on landfills
  • Protects water quality near landfills
  • Is efficient, exemplifies quality management
  • Provides less expensive options in the reuse market

Salvage everything you can by systematically deconstructing at the start of your remodel. Either reuse, donate or sell these items; reducing your disposal costs (each load to the landfill costs dollars.)

You should explore salvaging the following:
  • Framing lumber
  • Interior lumber
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Hardware
  • Water heaters
  • Sinks, tubs
  • Bricks
  • Concrete
  • Tarps
  • Fencing
  • Scaffolding
  • Tile
  • Molding
  • Decorative masonry

We recommend you visit:

Deconstruction Institute
The ReUse People

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Spotlight on the Experts

Peter L. Pfeiffer

HCHW Green Educational Consultants Jenny Brady and Rebecca Foster had the pleasure of getting to know Green Architect Peter L. Pfeiffer this Spring in his home town of Austin, Texas.

Peter Pfeiffer specializes in what we call "Sustainable/green" design and he likes to call “High-performance” commercial and residential building practices. He has been nationally recognized as being instrumental in "mainstreaming" the concept of … Read More »

Little Green Steps

Remember the 3R’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!


 “The United States Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that US companies generate 136 million tons of building related construction and demolition (C&D) waste per year. 92% of building-related C&D waste is from renovation and demolition.”
From The Deconstruction Institute 


 Tips

  • Set aside space to separate materials for reuse
  • Contact your local waste diversion agency to find out what facilities are near you for salvaged materials
  • Make sure you have a source to send it to before beginning

 A 300 square foot kitchen remodel generates 28 cubic yards of debris!