Deconstruction & Salvage Initiative: FAQ + Info Page
What is Deconstruction?
Deconstruction refers to the systematic disassembly of a building in the opposite order it was constructed in order to maximize the opportunity for salvage and reuse of materials. This is in contrast to traditional mechanized demolition, which utilizes heavy machinery to quickly remove a structure from a site. Deconstruction is a sustainable building removal alternative to traditional demolition. This initiative is San Antonio's first concerted step towards implementing policies and programs that support the transition to a local circular economy.
It is estimated that cities consume more than 75% of the world's natural resources, produce more than 50% of global waste, and emit up to 80% of the world's greenhouse gases. Additionally, in 2017, EPA's waste study named construction and demolition waste as the largest single-stream source of waste in the country - more than double the amount thrown into household trash bins by volume. The architecture, construction, and engineering (AEC) industry as a whole is moving towards practices and policies that prioritize reuse of existing structures and materials in order to minimize unnecessary waste, combat rampant consumerism, and reduce dependency on both renewable and non-renewable resources.
In October 2019, City Council adopted San Antonio's first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). According to the CAAP, the largest source of GHG emissions resulting from municipal operations was from municipally owned landfills at 61%. The biggest opportunity identified within this sector to reduce GHG emissions was to reduce the amount of new waste that enters open landfills.
The CAAP identified Advancing the Circular Economy as one of its six community mitigation strategy priorities. Strategies listed to achieve this goal included material reuse and circularity and reduced-landfill construction. Deconstruction was explicitly named as a municipal policy lever.
The Deconstruction & Salvage Initiative aims to recapture building materials that are traditionally lost to the landfill through the careful deconstruction of San Antonio’s oldest housing stock.
San Antonio’s Policy Initiative
In 2017, Councilman Roberto Treviño initiated a Council Consideration Request (CCR) that included direction for OHP to explore deconstruction as an alternative to traditional demolition. Broad goals of the initiative include:
Develop local workforce in construction, heritage trades, and deconstruction
Increase availability of high quality, affordable salvaged materials and equity of access
Spur local business development in material reuse
Develop and advance market for reused materials
Achieve sustainability goals outlined in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), including the development of a local circular economy
Deconstruction Advisory Committee
A Deconstruction Advisory Committee (DAC) began meeting in May 2018 to provide insight and expertise from the fields of deconstruction and salvage, demolition, sustainability, waste, construction, development, and advocacy. The DAC provides input on the mission and goals of the initiative, recommends direction for policy, and informs the public input process.
For questions regarding the DAC, please contact Stephanie Phillips at stephanie@sapreservation.com or (210) 207-7902.
Adam Gates – Architect, Adam Word Gates
Adam Robles – Operations Manager, Robles1 Demolition
Allison Chambers – Co-chair, Historic Resources Committee, AIA San Antonio; Architect, Ford, Powell & Carson
Azza Kamal – Director of Data & Research Evaluation, South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless
Brian Halverson – Environmental Services Manager, COSA Solid Waste Management Department
Christopher Moken – Solid Waste Management Coordinator, Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG)
Dana Delao – Estimator, Hansco Demolition
Emily Lowry – Salvage Contractor
Gator Dodson – Managing Member, Dodson House Moving & Demolition
Hans Eberl – Estimator, J.R. Ramon Demolition
Fernando Diego – Project Executive, Metropolitan Contracting
Guy Chipman – President, Guy Chipman Construction, L.P.
Jason Cook – Procurement Administrator, Habitat for Humanity San Antonio
Juan Fernandez – President and CEO, CVF Homes
Julia Murphy – Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, COSA Office of Sustainability
Lina Luque – Director of Certification & Technical Services, Build San Antonio Green
Sara Wamsley – Housing Policy Manager, COSA Neighborhood & Housing Services Department
Scott Martin – Artist and Photographer
Tony Felts – Interim Policy Administrator, COSA Development Services Department
Tulio Salbaran – Chair, UTSA Department of Construction Science
Vince Michael – Executive Director, The Conservation Society of San Antonio
Wendell Hardin – Ozone Attainment Program Manager, COSA Metropolitan Health District