Re:Generation Edition 02
Opportunity
knocks for the climate
– and the industry
The need for all commercial properties to be EPC B compliant by 2030 presents the demolition sector with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make an outsized contribution to the efficiency of our built environment – and its impact on the climate.
Contents Opportunity knocks for the climate – and the industry Foreword by George Stainton 03
While many details still need to be ironed out, the scale of the challenge should not be underestimated. Commercial real estate contributes 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, and currently nearly all (87%) of the UK’s office stock has an EPC rating of C or below. Raising them to EPC B will supercharge the sector’s decarbonization efforts and accelerate its transition to net zero. That said, meeting the standards in just seven short years presents the sector with opportunities and challenges in equal measure. Redeveloping buildings – either by refurbishment or full demolition – will be a key element in meeting this target. General Demolition intends to be at the forefront of helping deliver it. Whether partial or full strip out, or more comprehensive demolition, we have the people, skills and expertise to deliver.
We also have four decades worth of experience in intelligent recycling. Here too the industry is evolving. In this issue of RE:GENERATION we talk to Material Index, a new partner that is bringing together estate owners, contractors, demolition companies and the reclaim sector to create a market for the sourcing and resale of secondary construction components. Reusing components for their original purpose – rather than simply recycling them – has the potential to be a paradigm shift for the industry. Elements such as doors, windows, raised floors etc. – all have the potential for a viable second life in a new location. Material Index catalogues and quantifies all the materials in a building to produce pre-demolition audits.
While this is not new, what makes this company different is that it puts a value on these materials and – crucially – helps find willing buyers for these components prior to deconstruction. With reclaim rates currently less than 2% there is scope for improvement. But just as the trend for buying second hand clothes has shifted from being perceived as an inferior option to being en-vogue today, so too will the use of second-hand construction components. These are exciting times for the sector. Decarbonising buildings can be done in a responsible and intelligent way that supports the needs of the circular economy. There is not much time to get a lot done, but General Demolition is ready to roll up its sleeves...
Elevating the game An interview with Nick Blackman Sustainable Construction the potential of low carbon concrete
04
06
Office Vacancy Report: Remove, revive or repurpose
08
Reusing Recyled Materials at Scale: Material Index offer their solution
10
Safety on site: The role of the quick coupler
12
Volvo pioneers a sustainable future with an extensive range of electric machines
16
Red Tape: Apt to trip up recycling efforts
18
Demolition throwback: The Euston Arch
19
George Stainton Managing Director
03
www.General-Demoliton.co.uk
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