Two tips for an eco-friendly demolition project

If you are getting ready to demolish a building you own, but you're concerned about the impact this process may have on the environment, here are two tips that should help you to make your demolition project as eco-friendly as possible.

Identify and remove asbestos before you begin the demolition process

Whilst asbestos is a naturally-occurring substance, it can be extremely toxic if inhaled. Researchers have confirmed that breathing in asbestos particles can significantly increase a person's risk of developing chronic, fatal lung diseases later in life.

If the building that you will be demolishing was built several decades ago, it is possible that some of the materials from which it is made may contain this substance

If you fail to have it removed before the demolition, the equipment that's used will disturb the asbestos materials and result in them becoming airborne.

This type of error could contribute to air pollution in the surrounding neighbourhood and potentially even endanger the wellbeing of the people who live and work nearby.

It could also pollute the nearby soil if or when the airborne asbestos particles eventually land on the ground.

As such, before you begin the demolition process, you should arrange for an asbestos specialist to identify and extract any asbestos that is found in the building.

Don't throw the demolished materials into the local landfill

Most people who carry out demolition projects usually have the demolished materials transported to the local landfill.

However, this is not a very eco-friendly approach to take. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, landfills contribute to the production of greenhouse gases which, in turn, lead to the destruction of the ozone layer and the worsening of global warming.

Secondly, some building materials contain harmful substances (such as, for example, solvents, phthalates and flame retardants) which, if tossed into a landfill, may seep into the soil below it and any bodies of water next to it. This could cause both soil and water pollution, which could have a serious impact on the health of the area's local flora and fauna.

Instead of doing this, you might want to consider putting up an advert at the end of the project, which offers these materials for free or for a small fee.

Many first-time home builders and home renovators who are eco-conscious (or who simply do not have a lot of disposable income) will be more than willing to take these materials and use them for their own construction or renovation projects.

Reach out to a demolition contractor in your area for more guidance and assistance with proper demolition and disposal.