AIA Santa Barbara is facilitating a discussion with local stakeholders regarding how can we implement Deconstruction practices in Santa Barbara.
Rather than demolishing a house and throwing the content into landfill, deconstruction involves preserving valuable items such as doors, windows, cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, framing lumber, roofing materials, and flooring. These materials are then returned to the marketplace or donated, giving them a second life while benefiting the environment and local economy.
Video Credit: Joao Ruiz – Outreach Coordinator – Community Engagement, CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, Sustainability & Resilience
The benefits of deconstruction, donation, and reuse:
- Tax advantages: Salvaged materials often qualify for significant tax deductions, benefiting the property owner.
- Energy savings: Salvaging materials from a single house can save over 30 million BTUs of energy—enough to heat and cool 750 Santa Barbara homes for a year.
- Environmental gains: Deconstruction reduces waste, saving space in overburdened landfills and improving the overall environment.
- Job creation: Deconstruction creates seven times more employment opportunities than demolition, contributing to local workforce development.
- Economic development: Returning reusable materials to the marketplace stimulates economic activity and supports local businesses.
Deconstruction is a groundbreaking example of how the Santa Barbara community can embrace sustainability and innovation. Deconstruction efforts also highlight the importance of sustainability in the construction industry while demonstrating how thoughtful choices can benefit people, the planet, and the economy.
Photo Credit: Erica Obertelli