Circular Economy in Deconstruction

Slough, London

Circular Economy in Deconstruction

Slough, London

coleman-group

CLIENT:

Concert

DISCIPLINE(S):

Demolition

LOCATION:

Slough, London

PROGRAMME:

50 weeks

Best practice circular approach to demolition and deconstruction

Acting as Principal Contractor, Colemans were tasked with demolishing 13 buildings on the 78,000m2 Langley Business Centre near Slough.

Overcoming challenging site constraints, we used innovative technologies to ensure that the project was delivered on time and safely.

More than that, by implementing circular economy principles, we were able to maximise recovery and reuse of materials to reduce the need for intensive manufacturing and recycling processes. 

In doing so, we were able to deliver a 97% CO2 saving on predicted embodied carbon associated with steel reuse, compared with the predicted traditional impact of new steel.

This project was named winner of Environmental Innovation of the Year in the British Demolition Awards 2023 and Recycling and Environmental Award in the World Demolition Awards 2023, where we also secured the Best of the Best Award.

This pioneering project has become an industry case study for steel recovery and reuse.

The reuse of materials is fundamental in driving the principles of circular economy, especially within the demolition industry. As technology advances and demand for circularity increases, more and more materials are being recovered and reused. This recovery and reuse removes the need for intensive manufacturing processes. 

Steel, as with many other products, can be reused in the right circumstances and with appropriate assurance. It is now widely accepted that there are both environmental and cost saving benefits associated with the repurposing of suitable existing steel. Traditionally, metal waste generated during demolition processes are recycled but these recycling processes typically carries its own impact on the environment. ​

Reusing steel sections reclaimed from buildings and reintroducing them into new structures, if done correctly, can make a valuable contribution to reducing carbon emissions and eliminate energy-intensive processes involved in traditional recycling techniques.

Prior to commencement of deconstruction at Langley Business Centre, Colemans made a Director-led commitment to implement and deliver a new ‘Green Steel’ initiative that focuses on the identification and reuse of suitable steels from site. ​

The current recognised practice when demolishing steel framed buildings is to ‘shear’ the steel down using an appropriate excavator and attachment.

Once safely demolished to ground level, longer lengths of steel are further processed and loaded into suitable bins or wagons for transport off site.

As an industry leader, Colemans have made clear commitments to reduce our carbon footprint by 2030. A key part of this reduction strategy is to focus on the reuse and repurposing of materials generated during demolition and alteration works. ​

Before starting deconstruction works, Colemans developed a Green Steel Procedure that identified the key stages of identification, removal, retrieval, and storage for reusable steels.

We started with a comprehensive pre-demolition and sustainability audit, identifying all available reclaimable items and materials. To support our reuse efforts, robust research was carried out on all steel structures on site to determine their build date and thus determine its suitability for steel reuse. At Langley, our objective was to reuse steels from buildings built after 1970. 

During the retrieval of green steels, Colemans trialled several methods of deconstruction.

This included the use of demolition excavators and shear attachments, cranes, hot cutting techniques and cold cutting techniques, documenting each process to establish the optimum method. We found a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ approach to deconstruction is best, having multiple options available, depending on the building type, size, height and steel length, size and height. ​

Once identified steels were successfully removed from the structures, they were inspected and allocated a unique reference number which would be used to trace the movements of the steel once it has left site. Working with our industry partners, removed steels were transported from site and further tested at a specialist facility before being marked as ‘reusable’ steels. ​

Colemans’ Green Steel initiative at Langley resulted in 50% of scrap metals being reintroduced into the reusable market.

Colemans also implemented and trailed several other green initiatives on site including water collection for dust suppression, solar lighting, cameras and environmental monitoring, use of alternative fuels, green modes of transport, tree replanting and a structured cultural / behavioural programme to educate and develop understanding and acceptance of our drive to become Carbon Neutral. ​

This was all completed despite challenging site constraints, with the site situated adjacent to the Elizabeth rail line and surrounded on three further boundaries by residential dwellings and key infrastructure routes. 

After demolition of all above ground structures, all below obstructions and foundations were removed before the site was remediated and civilised ready for the construction phase of the project.

coleman-group
This project sets the standard for steel reuse and repurpose in the demolition and deconstruction industry. Our fully qualified engineers established the suitable steps and schedule needed to identify suitable steel sections and carefully remove them from the existing structures. In doing so, we were able make a valuable contribution to reducing carbon emissions and eliminating energy intensive processes. It sets a blueprint for success going forward as we work towards our goal of achieving net zero by 2030.
Colemans Project Team

AWARD - WINNING PROJECT

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