UK contractor: Demolition companies have emissions reduction role

An executive with a United Kingdom-based demolition contracting firm who urges contractors to play an active role in lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has authored an essay for the Open Access Government outlet.

Ben Griffiths of Rickmansworth Ward, England-based Rye Demolition writes in part, “The demolition industry is well aware of its environmental responsibilities and is taking action to meet them.”

In describing emissions reduction tactics in the sector, Griffiths prominently mentions the role of recycling, estimating that “around 98 percent of materials [are] able to be recycled rather than sent to landfill.”

Griffiths adds, “Wood, for example, can be reused in future builds or burnt for fuel. Metal, meanwhile, can be melted down, purified, and put to work elsewhere, while aggregates like brick and concrete can be crushed and used to form pile mats for future developments.”

The demolition SHE and Operations Director also addresses anti-demolition sentiment by organizations who favor building renovation or refurbishment in all cases. Griffiths says some older buildings are structurally unsound, while others are best served on the GHG emissions front by being replaced with “purpose-built, modern new homes and commercial premises.”

Rye Demolition posted a notice last December saying it had “achieved carbon neutral status,” in part by switching to HVO [hydro-treated vegetable oil] Green D+ fuel for its heavy equipment.

“Rye Group adheres to its own sustainable standard philosophy, which encompasses safety, people, quality, environment and community,” the firm states.