College of Built Environments at the University of Washington.
We recycle cans and bottles, why not buildings?
Tuesday September 2008Merlino and Steinbrueck make a case for recycling demolition, renovation, and construction waste. This kind of waste is an enormous environmental concern for several reasons including the sheer volume dumped in landfills, the cost and energy consumption to transport and transfer, as well as the pollution generated in transport. While the practice of dumping into landfills is wastful, the adaptive reuse and preservation of older buildings is considered "one of the most sustainable green building practices achievable." While Seattle has preservation laws in place to protect our valued historic landmarks, we currently lack incentives and regulations for building reuse and recycling. Merlino and Steinbrueck agree,"landfills should no longer be an otion for used but otherwise clean and durable building materials." Architects, policymakers and preservationists need to push green building practices so that state and local governments will establish some guidlines, incentives, and/or programs to promote reuse and recycling of old buildings.
For the complete article, please read The Seattle Times online.