A model for change: optimising the re-use of embodied carbon

By Mat Lown 2022-12-07T07:00:00

The sustainability of our sector depends on creating stronger incentives for the retention of key materials. TFT’s Mat Lown calls on the industry to help developers identify and record re-usable resources

Our industry has long considered the re-use of building materials to be largely unfeasible unless our lucky stars align on a project. But, while we live on a planet with finite resources, we must ask ourselves: what would it take to connect building demolition and development works to make re-use the norm?

Each year, millions of tonnes of building products are sent to landfill. Millions of tonnes more are diverted from landfill – from structural elements to cladding components, doors, pipework, ducting, brackets, lighting and more besides.

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