Demolition Versus Deconstruction: Impacts of Fenestration Disposal in Building Renovation Projects

Abstract

This paper presents findings of a comparative study on the removal and disposal of fenestration units in two separate buildings, belonging to the same period and built with similar construction materials. Demolition techniques were used for removing the fenestration units from a building that was undergoing refurbishment; while, deconstruction techniques were used for dismantling similar units from another building that was being selectively demolished. It was concluded that the amount of energy consumed, time taken and waste generated, were far greater, and the revenues much lower, when conventional demolition techniques and tools were used. Hence, from the point of view of resource conservation (material, energy, time, and money) deconstruction was found to be more advantageous in the disposal of reusable building components.