Real-world insights from WPS Compliance Consulting
At WPS Compliance Consulting, we know that good planning lays the groundwork for successful, sustainable demolition, refurbishment and redevelopment. Our Pre-Demolition Audits (PDAs) not only help clients comply with environmental regulations, but also uncover tangible opportunities for cost savings, resource recovery, and carbon reduction.
In this blog, we share three anonymised case studies from recent audits to illustrate how our work has supported sustainable demolition across the UK. These projects demonstrate that with the right expertise, it’s possible to drastically reduce waste, reclaim valuable materials, and make meaningful progress towards net-zero goals.
Case Study 1: Former School Site in West Yorkshire
On a large secondary school site set for complete demolition, WPS was tasked with assessing the potential for reuse and recycling. Despite the building’s age and condition, our audit revealed a remarkable 99.92% diversion from landfill.
Key results:
Total waste volume: 29,263 tonnes
Key Demolition Products (KDPs): Concrete, bricks, metals, timber, and gypsum
Estimated economic potential: £679,704
Inert waste recycling value alone: Up to £302,000
While reuse potential was limited due to the building’s age, timber salvage and metal recovery still contributed significantly to sustainability targets. We recommended crushing concrete and brickwork for on-site reuse as hardcore, reducing disposal costs and the need for virgin aggregates.
Lesson learned: Even aging buildings can deliver significant value if materials are managed smartly. The earlier sustainable planning is integrated into demolition programmes, the greater the benefit.
Case Study 2: Industrial Dairy Plant in Greater London
This demolition project involved the strip-out and full demolition of a former manufacturing and distribution centre. Despite limited opportunities for reuse, 99.97% of materials were diverted from landfill, with a focus on inert materials and high-value metals.
Key results:
Total waste volume: 19,386 tonnes
Economic potential: £619,560
Notable metal recovery: £174,255
Our audit enabled the client to capitalise on substantial value from steel and copper, while concrete and brick materials were earmarked for use as recycled aggregates. Our recommendations fed directly into the project’s Circular Economy Statement and Resource Management Plan.
Lesson learned: In commercial demolitions, metals often represent the highest economic return. Early planning for segregation and safe removal maximises value and reduces environmental impact.
Case Study 3: City Office Refurbishment, Central London
Refurbishment projects present different challenges compared to full demolitions. At a multi-storey office building in the heart of the City, our audit supported a major internal reconfiguration with an emphasis on retaining as many materials as possible.
Key results:
Total waste volume: 377 tonnes
Diversion from landfill: 99.97%
Economic potential: £13,379
Reclaimed materials included: Concrete, metals, and raised flooring tiles
Although smaller in scale, this audit demonstrated how even modest interventions can align with BREEAM and circular economy objectives. Reclaimed flooring tiles and segregated metals delivered both environmental and financial returns.
Lesson learned: Refurbishments offer unique reuse opportunities—if identified early. Coordination between audit, design and demolition teams is essential to preserve and repurpose viable materials.
The Bigger Picture
Across all three projects, a few key themes emerged:
High diversion rates are achievable: With proper planning and targeted materials recovery, >99% diversion is realistic.
Economic gains can be substantial: Even small refurbishments can unlock thousands in savings and resource value.
Carbon impacts matter: Each audit now includes embodied carbon data, helping our clients quantify and mitigate their environmental footprint.
If you’re planning a demolition or refurbishment project, WPS Compliance Consulting can help you unlock environmental, economic, and regulatory value through a tailored Pre-Demolition Audit. Get in touch to find out how we can support your next project.
📧 Contact us: [email protected]
🌐 More information: www.wpsccltd.co.uk
