Shifting from wasteful demolition practices to a circular construction economy in New York state could unlock unrealized economic activity, create thousands of green jobs and advance ambitious climate goals – while reducing pressure on landfills, Cornell experts report in a new white paper that aims to inform proposed state legislation.
Published Oct. 3, “Constructing a Circular Economy in New York State: Deconstruction and Building Material Reuse” provides policymakers, state agencies and local governments with a roadmap for transitioning from today’s “take-make-waste” linear construction paradigm to one that prioritizes the systematic deconstruction of buildings and the reuse of materials that retain substantial value, along with their embodied carbon.
The white paper was co-authored by faculty — several of them Einhorn Center grantees and Engaged Faculty Fellows — and community partners. Students have also been a critical part of the community-engaged research team.