Published in fall of 2006, the first edition of Z782 was developed as a guidance document to create basic principles for architects, engineers, planners and building owners to increase their understanding of their options.
It also provides guidance to parties who are responsible for designing, constructing and demolishing buildings.
CSA Z782-06 provides a framework for reducing building construction waste at the design phase, through design for disassembly and adaptability (DfD/A) concept.
What is Design for Disassembly and Adaptability (DfD/A)?
Design for Disassembly and Adaptability are:
- Two approaches to sustainability that can help to reduce the environmental footprint of the building industry.
- Provide designers with the means to implement environmentally responsible design practices that can:
- reduce material diverted to landfill,
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- and ease the strain that construction places on natural resources.
The Guideline’s content includes a conceptual framework, design for disassembly and adaptability (
DfD/A
) concept, specific principles and annexes.
The Guideline is not to be used as a design tool; rather, it can be used to aid the comparison of environmental performance of various design options within the context of DfD/A principles.
Impact of Disassembly and Adaptability for Buildings on Climate Change
Buildings are potentially enormous sources of materials that can be reused and recycled in future construction projects, with significant corresponding benefits in greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.
It is estimated that up to six million tonnes of solid waste* is created annually by construction, renovation and demolition activities.
A significant percentage of can be recovered and diverted from landfill by applying design for disassembly and adaptability principles.
*Source: Public Works and Government Services Canada
The 14 principles of DfD/A
While the details of disassembly and adaptability vary from one building to the next, as well as between the various components within a building, some principles apply to all design choices related to adaptability and disassembly. Together, these principles define the DfD/A concept.
Disassembly principles
- Deal with the material base
- Apply to assemblies and systems within a building that is to be disassembled at the end of the building’s life cycle, or renovated, with the potential for components of the assemblage to be used for other purposes.
- Include: (1) accessibility;
(2) documentation of disassembly information;
(3) durability;
(4) exposed and/or reversible connections;
(5) independence;
(6) inherent finishes;
(7) recyclability;
(8) refurbishability;
(9) remanufacturability;
(10) reusability; and
(11) simplicity.
The disassembly component of DfD/A is intended to make it easier to take products and assemblies apart to recover and reuse or recycle materials. Design for disassembly can help to minimize the impacts related to the manufacture, use, and disposal of new materials.
Adaptability principles
- Deal with functional use of space,
- Affect the long-term functional use of a building
- Include: (1) versatility
(2) convertibility; and
(3) expandability.
Designing for adaptability means designing for present and future uses
The adaptability component of DfD/A further reduces the footprint of the building industry, allowing the building to continue to be used beyond its original intent by accommodating substantial change within an existing physical asset.
With thoughtful planning and design, a complex building can be versatile and responsive to the needs of most tenants.
To purchase a copy of the CSA Z782-06 Guideline for design for disassembly and adaptability in buildings, click here.