Environment-friendly and safe infrastructure demolition and deconstruction, delivered through turnkey solutions and ethical processes in both operational and redundant environments, is a key imperative for Johannesburg-based contractor Jet Demolition.

“The company’s approach to demolition incorporates efficient material recovery, reuse and recycling in a project’s initial planning stages through an engineering- and method-led approach that supports a circular economy, helping contribute to improving the health, safety and environmental performance of the construction industry,” says Jet Demolition contracts manager Kate Bester.

“Rather than treating demolition as simple ‘reverse construction’, we carefully assess structures, materials and site conditions to determine whether valuable and/or recyclable resources can be safely separated, recovered and redirected back into productive use,” says Bester.

This approach significantly reduces construction and demolition waste sent to landfill while conserving natural resources and lowering the overall carbon footprint of industrial and infrastructure projects, she adds.

Jet Demolition states that it “actively commits” to improving the environmental, social and governance (ESG) standings of building owners and construction industry participants by focusing on project-specific models that help to maintain uninterrupted operations, safeguard ongoing service provision and facilitate the prompt clearing of redundant footprints for redevelopment.

Alternative Uses for Waste Materials

Jet Demolition’s ESG goals are strengthened by its establishing processes through which waste materials are allocated to alternative uses.

The company identifies various alternative uses for materials such as concrete, glass, steel and mechanical components.

Bester says that the company supports broader energy-saving and ESG initiatives, such as reduced greenhouse-gas emissions in downstream manufacturing and safe recycling, by incorporating structured processes for collecting, dismantling and treating these materials and components.

“Recovered steel and metals are reintroduced into recycling streams, concrete is processed for reuse as aggregate where appropriate, and wherever possible, redundant equipment is assessed for viable refurbishment and, therefore, extended life,” she notes.

However, in cases where materials are unrecyclable or non-reusable – owing to contamination or hazardous properties – the company ensures “ethical disposal”, aligned with environmental regulations, at a licensed facility.

Bester asserts that the company aids industry players by assessing the value of redundant assets and making meaningful contributions to the nascent circular economy, by integrating demolition, waste management and rehabilitation into a single engineered solution.

“As global material use and construction activity continue to rise, the demolition sector has a critical responsibility and opportunity to reduce environmental impact, enable circular construction and support long-term ESG outcomes across industry.

“Jet Demolition’s technical strength, in-house capabilities, and focus on innovation position it to support clients navigating increasingly complex regulatory, environmental, and sustainability requirements,” she concludes.