The Carbon Impact of Building Demolition: A Closer Look

In the face of the escalating climate crisis, every industry is under scrutiny for its carbon footprint. The construction industry, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, is no exception. One aspect that has garnered significant attention is the impact of building demolition on carbon emissions.

The Carbon Cost of Construction Materials

The construction of buildings involves the use of various materials such as steel, cement, bricks, glass, aluminum, and plastics. The production of these materials contributes significantly to carbon emissions. In fact, in 2018, nearly 9.4 percent of domestic emissions were building-related. These emissions include those from the energy and other resources used when operating a building and the carbon emitted in Aotearoa by the manufacture, transport, use, and disposal of the materials and products in a building across its life – including construction, maintenance, and deconstruction.

The Double Emissions Dilemma

When a building is demolished and rebuilt, it results in what can be termed as ‘double emissions’. This is because two sets of construction materials are required – one for the original building and another for the new structure. For instance, the demolition and rebuilding of the Marks and Spencer Marble Arch store in London’s Oxford Street were estimated to cause 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The Whole-Life Emissions of a Building

The engineering giant Arup calculated that around 50% of the whole-life emissions of a building could come from the carbon emitted during construction and demolition. This calculation takes into account all stages of a building’s life cycle – from the extraction and processing of raw materials to the operation and maintenance of the building, and finally to its demolition and waste management.

The Way Forward

The impact of building demolition on carbon emissions is significant. As we strive to mitigate climate change, it’s crucial to consider these factors when planning for building demolition or construction. Reducing the number of buildings being demolished and focusing on sustainable construction practices can help minimize this impact.

While building demolition is sometimes necessary, it’s clear that we need to be more mindful about our practices. By focusing on sustainable construction methods and reducing unnecessary demolition, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

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When a building is demolished and rebuilt, it results in what can be termed as ‘double emissions’. This is because two sets of construction materials are required – one for the original building and another for the new structure.