CNC Report 08.26.24 8.5x11 - Flipbook - Page 30
REUSE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND SOURCE LOCALLY
How can all (if not, the vast majority) of the existing substructure, superstructure, and envelope be
upcycled?
What products have a low carbon footprint and/or a high recycled content?
What material resources and products can be locally sourced?
1. Avoid Complete Demolition
Aim to keep the superstructure and foundations that have a high amount of embodied carbon.
All existing structural elements (core, columns, beams, walls, etc.) have their operational lifespan
and represent around 50% of the embodied carbon in a building. For example, the usable lifespan
of existing structural elements may exceed the expected use of the structure itself, allowing us to
significantly reduce the environmental impact by eliminating phases of each material’s life cycle.
2. Creating an Inventory
The Deconstruction Phase C1 (Reference Appendix p139 for more detailed information regarding each
of these factors) of a renovation allows us to assess the residual lifespan of a structural element and its
potential for reuse. Once an application is deemed and implemented into the new structure’s design,
the life cycle of that element restarts at the Construction Phase C5 - Installation.
3. Reducing Costs
Implementing reusable inventory can reduce project costs by eliminating:
• the purchase of new materials
• the cost of material disposal
• the transportation of new and old material
4. Reducing the Impact of Embodied Carbon
By eliminating the Production Phase A1-A3, parts of the construction, and end-of-life phases there can
be a 50% reduction of the emitted CO2Eq of all newly sourced materials. 1,900 million tons of crude
steel were produced in 2020 globally, with just over 50% of that used for buildings and infrastructure.
The steel used in buildings accounts for around 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. On average,
every ton of steel produced leads to the emission of 1.85 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.
5. Eliminating Steel Production
Globally, around 85% of construction steel is currently recovered from demolition. Steel buildings and
products are intrinsically demountable. Easily re-usable components include:
• piles (sheet and bearing piles)
• structural members, including hollow sections
• light gauge products such as purlins and rails
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