news from the BRE Group
published: 15/11/2005
This press release is over six months old and the details may have been superseded. Please contact the Press Office for the latest information.
Cleaner more efficient deconstruction
A DTI funded scoping study aims to solve some of the problems associated with achieving cleaner, more cost effective and efficient deconstruction.
The study, being carried out by BRE, will focus on particular challenges faced by the deconstruction industry:
- buildings of complex design
- dissimilar materials that are bonded together as component parts of buildings
- the current crude tools and equipment that contractors use
- health and safety issues.
Project Manager Katherine Adams says, 'There is a real need to find more advanced technological solutions for segregating waste from source during the demolition process. The demolition sector is growing at an enormous rate. It needs to be able to comply with legislation, reduce the amount of material it sends to landfill and reduce disposal costs.
'This feasibility study will investigate the potential and viability of applying laser, robotic and microwave/RF technologies to the deconstruction of buildings and their component parts. These opportunities will be discussed with manufacturers to see where the biggest gains in resource use will be made.'
It is hoped that the scoping study can lead to a large, full-scale, multi-million pound project aiming to:
- design, develop and trial a series of prototype versatile mobile deconstruction (VMD) units
- work with key manufacturers to produce products that will be easier to deconstruct at the end of product life
- maximise technology transfer from other industries such as automotive, packaging and manufacturing
- feedback the key findings from this project to other relevant sectors to encourage wider uptake and economies of scale for reprocessing plant and markets.
For more information or to participate, tel: 01923 664478, Email: adamsk@bre.co.uk
Notes for editors
Deconstruction photographs are available from harveyt@bre.co.uk
from BRE Events - Advanced Demolition, Deconstruction and Resource Efficiency, being held in Birmingham on 28 Feb and 1 March 2006. Details and online bookings
BRE is the UK's leading centre of expertise for construction, the built environment, sustainability, energy, fire and many associated issues. We provide research, consultancy, information and testing services to customers worldwide. www.bre.co.uk
BRE is owned by the BRE Trust, a Registered charity (no. 1092193) with a mission to champion excellence and innovation in the built environment for the benefit of all. www.bretrust.org.uk
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