Building Foundations for the Future: Reusing Demolition Rubble for Sustainable Construction.
Promoting sustainable construction practices by repurposing rubble from demolished buildings as foundational material for new developments.
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
Go To WebsiteAddressed Challenges:
- Carbon emissions
- Waste/Circular economy
- Excessive consumption
Action Areas:
- Circular Economy
Initiative Purpose:
- Mitigation & Adaptation
The Story
This project promoted sustainable construction practices by repurposing rubble from demolished buildings as foundational material for new developments at the innovation parc. By recycling concrete, brick, and stone debris, the initiative reduced waste sent to landfills and minimised the environmental footprint of new builds. The project not only supported eco-friendly construction but also decreased material costs, fostering a more resource-efficient approach to development. Ultimately, the goal was to create a circular system where demolished materials were given a new purpose, contributing to a greener and more sustainable community.
Success & Outcomes
Success for this initiative was measured by the volume of rubble successfully diverted from landfills and repurposed for foundational work in new builds at the parc. Additionally, we gathered feedback from construction teams on the functionality and performance of reused materials to ensure quality and durability standards are met. Over time, we aim to assess the initiative’s contribution to overall waste reduction and its influence on sustainable construction practices in the community.
Advice for others looking to do something similar
For others looking to implement a rubble reuse initiative, start by speaking with your demolition and construction team to coordinate the collection, sorting, and transportation of rubble. Clear guidelines on the types and quality of materials suitable for reuse are essential to maintain structural integrity and safety in new builds. Investing in or contracting with a processing facility to clean, sort, and prepare materials may also enhance efficiency. Additionally, work with environmental and engineering experts to quantify the environmental benefits, such as waste reduction and carbon savings, to strengthen the case for continued support. Lastly, document each step of the process and track successes and challenges to build a framework that can be scaled or adapted for future projects, showcasing the potential of circular construction practices.