What is a Pre-Demolition Audit (PDA)?
Pre-demolition audits (PDAs) are surveys undertaken prior to deconstruction, refurbishment, major redevelopment or full demolition. The audit is undertaken by a third-party independent specialist to review all existing buildings, structures, hard surfaces and FF&E within the scope of the demolition, refurbishment or fit-out zone.
A Material Index PDA provides a full catalogue of components and materials present in the existing building. Including key product information, associated embodied carbon and whether they are suitable for reclamation through reuse on and off-site.
Other terms that may refer to a PDA: Pre-deconstruction audits, pre-refurbishment audits, materials audits, reclamation audits.
What is the aim of a Pre-Demolition Audit?
Pre-demolition audits promote resource efficiency throughout the deconstruction phase. A more detailed audit can minimise the environmental impact of construction work by diverting waste away from landfill as part of a Circular Economy. The Circular Economy follows the waste hierarchy which places primary emphasis on retaining, reusing or recycling materials prior to demolition or redevelopment for as long as possible.
When do I need to get a Pre-demolition Audit?
Projects submitting GLA Circular Economy Statements as part of a planning application within the GLA are strongly encouraged to submit an independent pre-demolition audit at pre-application stage. See: GLA CE Guidance, Section 4.6
Projects aiming for Wst01 credits under BREEAM New Construction or BREEAM Refurbishment and Fitout are encouraged to complete a PDA at the Concept Design Stage (equivalent to RIBA stage 2) prior to strip-out or demolition works.
Who completes the Pre-Deconstruction Site Survey?
All of our audits are undertaken by independent, qualified experts in material reuse with backgrounds in the built environment. Every audit includes a detailed visual inspection, supported by an analysis of existing records on the building. This information is hosted in our platform to provide a comprehensive catalogue of building materials and components. The online MI Platform hosts a Materials Exchange to enable the the reuse of construction materials at scale and to reclaim value.