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Pre-demolition assessment for reusable components in Singapore

Last updated: Apr 14, 2023

Summary

Singapore has implemented a protocol which guides contractors on the demolition procedures of buildings, the recovery and the reuse of waste materials, hence providing environmental and economic benefits.

Problem

The construction industry is the largest contributor to global GHG emissions. Since 2013, the Asia-Pacific Region has the highest material consumer rate and is expected to continue growing in future years.

Solution

Facing such a state of play, some Asian countries, such as Singapore, are promoting the reuse of building components. The Building and Construction Authority in Singapore, a government agency, has thus created the Demolition Protocol (DP), a set of procedures to help contractors better plan demolition procedures in order to maximise the recovery of waste materials for beneficial reuse or recycling. The DP has been incorporated into the Code of Practice for Demolition. The protocol leads the contractors step by step through a pre-demolition audit, the sequential demolition and the site waste management. The DP also promotes alternative construction methods.