Construction waste includes waste building materials, packaging and
rubble resulting from construction, remodeling and repair of buildings
and roads. Construction materials in good condition can be reused. See Building Materials Reuse for organizations and businesses that accept these materials.
Demolition debris is waste resulting from the demolition of buildings,
roads and other human-made structures, and includes concrete, brick,
wood, masonry, glass, rock, metal and plastic building materials.
Demolition debris does not include asbestos waste.
Case Study
Diverting C&D Waste from Landfills
The Minneapolis-based Green Institute's ReUse Center and Deconstruction Services today sell $1 million in salvaged materials to over 30,000 customers annually. Driven by tax-deductible individual and business donations, these programs divert construction and demolition waste materials from landfills by salvaging and selling a broad range of reusable materials. One can find everything from lumber and metal to doors, windows and plumbing. Together, the programs provide 30 training-oriented jobs with living wages and benefits for community residents.
Sustainable Building Design The Twin Cities is home to a number of new buildings that incorporate sustainable design, an emerging design practice that puts emphasis on conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impacts. Some features are designed to reduce energy usage, thus saving money in building operating expenses. Among these features are:
- Natural daylighting
- Occupancy sensors for lighting
- Passive solar heat
- Heat recovery systems
- Non-toxic and no-VOC interior finishing products
- Recycled-content materials
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures
- Native landscaping
