This special issue examines why demolition occurs, its consequences and how a more sustainable approach can be created.

In the sustainability discourse, the long-lasting nature of buildings and building stocks is rarely investigated. This special issue explores when, why and how demolition occurs with the aim to understand its environmental, socio-economic and cultural drivers, and consequences for policy and practice. The potential for avoiding building replacement (demolition and subsequent new build) and favouring retention is probed. Older buildings tend to be seen either as a problem and a threat, e.g. a contributor to climate change due to their allegedly excessive use of energy or, if they are heritage buildings, as being themselves threatened by the changing climate. New knowledge has emerged that challenges this perception, suggesting that older can potentially outperform new build. Profound questions arise about the nature of 'development' in the Global North. In particular, about public policies and whether the role and business models of the construction industry need to be reconfigured to a larger emphasis on stewardship of the existing building stock.

Guest editor: Satu Huuhka

This special issue frames demolition as a phenomenon. It is usually taken for granted or at most seen as a necessary evil; an inconvenient but inevitable part of the never-ending development of modern cities and societies. As a result, demolition has so far mainly been approached as a technical undertaking, a practical problem that mechanical engineering can help to solve effectively. There has been fairly little problematisation in- or outside of academia whether and how demolition helps to build environmentally, economically and socially sustainable cities, and when it is in fact helpful toward these goals.

The papers in the issue contribute insights from different scales, from the level of a building to that of a city. Eight case studies from various contexts, mainly Europe, but also the US and Australia, contribute novel methods, findings and policy insights.

The papers are categorised as: (1) drivers and policies on demolition versus retention; (2) environmental and social impact assessment on building level; and (3) practical demolition decision-making. The contributions suggest, among other findings, positive environmental impacts from building retention as opposed to demolition, and discuss how policy designs from the city to the building level can either encourage or discourage retention. Due to its implications, demolition and its alternatives should gain importance on research, design, planning, construction and real estate agendas in the years to come.

Table of contents

Understanding demolition [Editorial]
S. Huuhka

Policy tensions in demolition: Dutch social housing and circularity
P. Jonker-Hoffrén

Demolition or retention of existing buildings: drivers at the masterplan scale
H. Baker, A. Moncaster, S. Wilkinson & H. Remøy

Demolition or adaptation?: post-industrial buildings in Ukraine
I. Serhiiuk & I. Kalakoski

Renovate or replace?: Consequential replacement LCA framework for buildings
S. Huuhka, M. Moisio, E. Salmio, A. Köliö & J. Lahdensivu

GHG emissions from building renovation versus new-build: incentives from assessment methods
R.K. Zimmermann, Z. Barjot, F.N. Rasmussen, T. Malmqvist, M. Kuittinen & H. Birgisdorttir

Social life cycle assessment of adaptive reuse
R. Lundgren

Decision-making analysis for Pittsburgh's deconstruction pilot using AHP and GIS
Z. Zhang & J.D. Lee

Decision-support for selecting demolition waste management strategies
M. van den Berg, L. Hulsbeek & H. Voordijk

Feedback on the special issue

When is Demolition Justified?
Colin Rose

Time to Question Demolition!
André Thomsen