Constructing a Circular Economy
There’s no reason why we can’t reuse materials and source recycled products while we build in Philly.
Philadelphia is experiencing a building boom as our population grows for the first time in generations. But even though the EPA reports that an impressive 75% of construction and demolition debris is recycled in the US, construction and demolition debris still accounts for about 32% of materials going to landfills.
At Circular Philadelphia, we work with construction and demolition recyclers, deconstruction companies, builders and city officials to increase reuse and recycling of building materials while also addressing Philadelphia’s pervasive illegal dumping problem. We also work with architects, building operators and purchasers to require and source reclaimed and recycled products for their projects.
Built Environment Initiatives
Deconstruction
Supporting the burgeoning deconstruction sector in Philadelphia, a city filled with old building stock that is ripe for reuse, helps create local jobs, reduce the construction waste destined for landfill and grows circularity in the built environment. We are developing resources for contractors, architects and developers to prioritize deconstruction over demolition to save valuable materials and money.
Expanding Access for Construction Debris Recycling
By utilizing the City’s six public sanitation convenience centers to allow haulers to recycle small loads of construction and demolition waste, we can prevent illegal dumping and increase recycling in Philly. Through this initiative, we are working to make construction debris recycling more accessible to small haulers and residents in the city.
Built Environment Working Group
The Built Environment Working Group is a committee of Circular Philadelphia and is chaired by Nic Esposito. The working group focuses on circularity throughout the building process, including construction and demolition recycling, building deconstruction, using recycling building products, and advocating for adaptive reuse of buildings and materials. This committee works with contractors, developers, architects, planners, designers, advocates, preservationists, salvage companies, demo companies, recycling companies and city government to achieve our goals.
Current Projects and Areas of Focus:
- Advocating for a city-funded deconstruction pilot project
- Educating architects, developers and contractors on incentives for adaptive reuse and processes for streamlined deconstruction
- Advocating for a construction and demolition recycling ordinance in Philadelphia
If you are interested in joining the Built Environment Working Group, please contact us for more information.