Circular Construction & Deconstruction Mandate

A policy framework to transition from linear demolition practices to circular deconstruction, mandating material recovery, reuse prioritization, and Material Passports to reduce waste and embodied carbon.

Overview

The construction sector traditionally follows a linear model of resource extraction, use, and disposal. This approach generates significant waste and locks in embodied carbon emissions.

This policy establishes a Circular Construction Model for [City/Organization Name], requiring deconstruction over demolition, prioritizing material reuse, and treating buildings as long-term material banks rather than disposable assets.

By shifting practices, the policy aims to:

Reduce Waste: Divert recoverable materials from landfills.
Lower Embodied Carbon: Preserve the energy and emissions embedded in existing materials.
Strengthen Local Economies: Support reuse, repair, and salvage industries.

This framework aligns with leading circular economy strategies. See Ellen MacArthur Foundation and C40 Cities Case Studies for global examples and best practices.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All commercial and residential projects exceeding 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area.
All municipal capital improvement projects, regardless of size.
Any project requiring a permit for total or partial removal of a structure.

Key Definitions

Deconstruction: The systematic disassembly of a structure to maximize material recovery for reuse and recycling.
Demolition: Mechanical removal of structures resulting in mixed waste streams.
Material Passport: A structured digital record documenting materials, components, quantities, and reuse potential within a building.
Diversion Rate: The percentage of total non-hazardous material, measured by weight, diverted from landfill disposal.

Policy Requirements

1. The “Deconstruction First” Mandate

Standard demolition permits shall no longer be issued for covered projects. Applicants must apply for a Deconstruction Permit.

Deconstruction Plan: Required submission detailing sequencing, material handling, and destination pathways.
Minimum Diversion Target:
- 70 percent by weight of non-hazardous materials must be diverted through reuse or recycling.

Measurement and Verification

Diversion shall be measured using certified scale tickets from reuse, recycling, or transfer facilities.
Weights shall be recorded at the point of material acceptance.
Commingled waste loads are ineligible for diversion credit unless processed by certified facilities.

2. Tiered Compliance Framework

Tier	Building Type	Minimum Diversion
Tier A	Residential ≤ 3 stories	60%
Tier B	Commercial / multi-unit residential	70%
Tier C	Municipal / large-scale developments	80%

The Department of Buildings may adjust targets based on demonstrated feasibility.

3. Hazardous Materials Handling

A pre-deconstruction hazardous materials survey is mandatory.
Asbestos, lead, PCBs, and other regulated materials must be abated prior to deconstruction.
Hazardous materials are excluded from diversion calculations and must be handled in accordance with applicable health and safety regulations.

4. Material Recovery Hierarchy

Recovered materials shall be managed in the following priority order:

Reuse on-site
Reuse off-site
Recycling
Disposal (last resort)

Applicants must demonstrate good-faith efforts to pursue higher-order recovery options.

5. Material Passports for New Construction

All new construction projects shall submit a Material Passport prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

Material Passports must:

Identify materials, components, and quantities.
Document location within the building.
Indicate reuse and recycling potential.

Data Governance

Passports shall be stored in a city-approved digital registry.
Data must be accessible to future owners and authorized professionals.
Formats must be open and machine-readable. If a proprietary format is unavoidable, the applicant shall provide a conversion plan and reader access instructions.
Minimum retention period: 50 years.

Implementation & Compliance

Phased Rollout

Phase	Timeline	Requirement
Phase 1	Months 1–6	Voluntary compliance; municipal pilots; contractor training
Phase 2	Months 7–12	Mandatory for commercial projects > 5,000 sq. ft.
Phase 3	Month 13+	Mandatory for all covered projects

Progression between phases is contingent on:

Availability of certified contractors
Adequate reuse facility capacity
Inspector training completion

Incentives

To secure early adoption and high performance:

Expedited permitting for projects exceeding diversion targets.
Reduced landfill tipping fees.
Public recognition for exemplary circular projects.

Non-Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply may result in:

Fines: Based on the weight of non-diverted material.
Permit Holds: Suspension of future permits until compliance is achieved.

An appeals and variance process shall be available for documented hardship cases.