Pre-demolition and pre-redevelopment audits/surveys (PDAs) are undertaken to promote resource efficiency and minimise the environmental impact by reducing construction waste and diverting waste away from landfill.

These audits are a key sustainability tool undertaken on existing buildings, structures and hardstanding surfaces prior to their demolition or major redevelopment.

Working in accordance with the following waste hierarchy, these audits will provide an overall understanding of key demolition products (KDPs) that can be reused on or off-site, reclaimed and recycled:

• Prevention
• Preparing for reuse
• Recycling
• Other recovery
• Disposal

PDAs are undertaken to meet the requirements of attaining BREEAM credits as well as the Greater London Authority (GLA) Circular Economy Statement and these should also be incorporated into the appointed principal contractors site waste management plan.

Outside of these requirements, they are an important contributor in making design decisions by incorporating the reuse of materials within the new build design or redevelopment of the site, offsetting construction costs and understanding levels of embodied carbon within construction materials.

Beyond the UK, the European Union has in place the EU Construction & Demolition Waste Management Protocol. This provides guidance and best working practices for undertaking pre-Demolition and Pre-Renovation (Redevelopment) Audits as whilst many EU Member State have their own working practices, many also have nothing in place.

Click below to download.

Download: EU Construction and Demolition Waste Management Protocol 2024

For any information on Pre-demolition and Pre-redevelopment Audits Contact Revive Audits to discuss your circular economy needs.