Can architectural salvage contribute to net zero resource and waste management?

Abstract

Factors that influence the success of architectural salvage and reclamation yards are unknown. This study aimed to: (a) identify the architectural salvage supply chain and investigate barriers/incentives to processing salvaged materials efficiently, (b) categorise/quantify salvaged materials and critically evaluate their potential, financially and environmentally, (c) evaluate perceived historical and aesthetic value of salvaged versus new objects, and (d) compare the environmental performance of common salvage versus new items. Data were collected from an online catalogue to review the scale/composition of the industry in the South-east of England. Surveys of reclamation/salvage yards and the public were undertaken. The architectural salvage market consists of small businesses sourcing salvage from few sources. Businesses have little influence on each other regarding market prices and decide these based on the qualities of individual items. There is limited customer awareness of environmental benefits. Storing architectural salvage items is a key barrier for businesses. Salvage businesses reduce disposal through sales. Raising awareness of salvage yards, their range of products and environmental benefits are key if reclamation is to contribute to expansion of material reuse. Architectural salvage could make a small but important contribution to net zero resource and waste management, especially in the construction sector.

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ORCID for Ian D. Williams: orcid.org/0000-0002-0121-1219

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