Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion as a Climate Sustainability Strategy

Deconstruction aims to repurpose tons of old-growth forest materials away from landfills into new forms and renewed service. Our C&D Waste Diversion team is focused on workforce development, material reuse, and carbon footprint measurements.

Michael Andrick of Ingham County Land Bank discusses deconstruction; click image to play video on YouTube, courtesy of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

MidMEAC is partnering with several organizations on a C&D Waste Diversion (Recycling) Project to expand the market for reclaimed materials from structures scheduled for demolition. The Project links material sources, workforce development, engagement with contractors and developers, warehousing, promotional activities and retail outlet components.

Key partners and Project Information

We support policies and ordinances that encourage the consideration of deconstruction as an alternative to landfilling valuable materials. Our team-members find creative outlets for reclaimed materials.

Images from our last deconstruction project at 927 S. Grand Avenue in Lansing.

Our next deconstruction project is slated for September 2023.

Video Introduction to Deconstruction

Click to play video

Sustainable Management of  Construction and Demolition (C&D) Materials Workshop

Our workgroup offered an informational and discussion session in March 2023. The team is in early planning for another workshop in 2024.

Derrick Knox discusses workforce training and wrap-around services from Opportunity Knox (link)

Discussion Topics

Matt Hall, Michigan State University Center for Community & Economic Development
Topic: Life cycle of the built environment

Dale Schrader, Preservation Lansing
Topic: Remodeling with reclaimed wood and architectural elements

Chris & Dan Pratt, Midtown Training LLC
Topic: Efficient deconstruction training, Builder CEUs

Derrick Knox, Opportunity Knox
Topic: Workforce Development

Rhonda Oyer, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Topic: Deconstruction Ordinance and EGLE overview

Event Planners include: Ingham County, Ingham County Land Bank, Michigan State University, Midtown Training, Opportunity Knox, Preservation Lansing, and Mid Michigan Environmental Action Council

This project was made possible by funding assistance from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy – Recycling Market Development Grant.

RESOURCES

How to start deconstructing and stop demolishing your City’s Buildings – C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

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