Building Materials Reuse - On Site
From Green Garage Detroit
return to Living Building Design Studio
Contents
What is It?
- The reuse of building materials on site is a process to extend (potentially indefinitely) the period from cradle-to-grave for existing materials in the renovation of a building. Careful methods of deconstruction and repurposing of materials within the building are included in the process.
- Also known as: Repurposing, New Life Reuse, and in some cases Adaptive Reuse and Up-cycling.
Why is it Important?
- Helps to sustain the environment by avoiding landfills.
- Historically preserves the integrity of the building by use of original materials.
- Reduces embodied energy significantly by using materials that are already manufactured and have no need for transportation.
When to Use It?
- When there are any number of materials available for harvest within the space.
- Reuse of any material on site is preferred unless found to be unsafe.
Green Garage Example
Sustainability Goals
- Reuse 90% of all non-toxic materials on site.
- Recycle 90% of remaining 10% of materials not used on site.
Strategy and Conceptual Design
| Material | Image | Amount | Reuse | Recycle | Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wood
|
? | ? |
|
Sawdust (soil ph balance) | <1% |
| Gypsum Wall Board | ? | 7500sq ft |
|
[1] | ? |
| Fiberboard | ? | ? | ? | Protection of walls behind bicycle racks and lower walls in work shop | ? |
| Glass | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Brick/Block | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Concrete | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Pipe | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Cellulose | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Electrical Fixtures | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Fiberglass Insulation | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Duct Flex/Steel | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Carpet | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Wiring | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Resources
- Provide valuable links to help make it easier for others to pursue this pattern.
