If We Demand Green Building, Why Not Green Demolition Too?

This paper advocates for implementing "green demolition" through selective deconstruction in Israel's urban renewal projects, highlighting environmental, social, and economic benefits.

While Israel has embraced green building standards for new construction, the demolition phase remains largely overlooked in regulatory frameworks. Despite thousands of apartments being demolished annually, generating approximately 1.5 tons of waste per 10 square meters, pre-demolition deconstruction receives minimal incentives.

Selective deconstruction—the controlled dismantling of buildings to enable reuse and recycling—could divert an estimated 700,000 tons of waste from landfills annually. The Just A Second Association proposes a three-pronged approach: engaging developers, working with regulators to create incentives, and raising public awareness.

Key challenges include the need for regulatory changes, economic incentives, cost-benefit analysis, infrastructure development, and increased awareness. International examples from Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, and the European Union demonstrate successful implementation through various policy mechanisms.

The paper concludes that integrating selective deconstruction into Israel's construction industry requires mandatory legislation, economic incentives, and public-private partnerships.

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