The BRE Deconstruction Cluster Group has recently completed the Deconstruction Market Share report as part of a DETR-supported project on deconstruction and the reuse of construction materials. A concise version of the report will soon be available as a BRE information booklet (contact below).

The aim of the report is to give an overview of the waste arisings in the construction and demolition (C&D) industries, the legislative, strategic, fiscal and policy issues relating to deconstruction and finally to investigate how the deconstruction process can work effectively within the C&D and recycling industries.

The report concludes that further investigation is required to develop performance-based specifications, in-situ ‘fit for purpose’ tests, technological solutions to deconstruct current structures, and design of deconstructable joints and fasteners for future structures.

The next phase of this 2¹/₂ year project is to visit 8-10 demolition sites during the next 12 months to undertake site assessments of potentially deconstructable components, tools and technologies used in practice, and future design of deconstructable joints, fixtures and fittings. These case studies will include the demolition of 2 timber buildings, 2 concrete buildings, 2 steel frame buildings and 2 masonry buildings.

James Hurley

BRE Deconstruction Projects Manager

Tel: 01923-664675

Fax: 01923-664786

E-mail: hurleyj@bre.co.uk