Why do we demolish so many buildings?

Question

Do we carry out too much unnecessary demolition?

For existing building stock it is estimated that between 35%-50% of the total lifecycle carbon is embodied prior to occupational use of the building, so do we give sufficient consideration to the release of embodied carbon when we decide to demolish those buildings and replace with new?

To what extent do we, and can we mitigate this impact by recycling and re-use of materials?

How might our approach differ if the VAT qualifying rules for re-furbishment and new build projects were equalised?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58667328

Tom Spilsted · Answer

Its an interesting debate, I think the VAT rules need looking at again and we discussed this in another question on VAT, whilst on the face of it it is strange that we tax new build differently to refurbishment even at a single dwelling level. Clearly this must be a factor in why so many buildings are demolished? Obviously some buildings do need to be demolished due to having been poorly designed and built in the first place and have become life expired. However more could be done to repurpose the use of buildings and complete change of use planning rules don't always help, the repurposing of unwanted retail space may become a good test case.
Overall though the design of buildings doesn't always make repurposing easy, and we also do not consider the whole life cycle sufficiently in my view.

Why do we demolish so many buildings?

Demolition

sustainablebuilding

carbon

demolition-recycling

Steve Hardy

Create your FREE Account