Metrics for building component disassembly potential : a practical framework

Abstract

Reduction of virgin building material resources through design for disassembly (DfD) is pivotal in transitioning into a low-carbon, circular construction. However, the lack of standardised, quantifiable disassembly potential (DP) assessment methods presents a challenge for the broader adoption of reuse practical applications. Most widely referenced existing DP assessment methods are not applicable in early building-design phases, as they require detailed information typically not available until later design phases. As a result, it is challenging to conduct DP assessment in parallel with life-cycle assessment that must be started early on to ensure that a building’s carbon footprint will not exceed a limit value. The relevance for new quantifiable, holistic methods is highlighted in the existing literature. A novel streamlined method is presented for assessing buildings’ DP based on the quantities of building materials, and their distribution to structures and assemblies. The findings indicate that a material layer-dependent assessment of DP offers advantages over existing methods.