Sustainability
Sustainability in construction is no longer a choice, but a necessity.
Its importance lies in its ability to address pressing environmental challenges, deliver economic value, and improve social well-being. As the construction industry continues to evolve, embracing sustainability will be key to building a greener, more resilient, and equitable future. At Select Demo we are committed to sustainable construction practices, as we strongly believe it will pave the way for a better tomorrow.
Select Demo's
Eco-Forward Innovations
Below are some of the innovative methods Select Demo has invested and engaged in to promote eco-friendly environments through the integration of these green practices in our business functions:
Carpet Recycling Initiative
Every year 4 billion pounds of carpet ends up in landfills each year in the U.S. Select is working with carpet manufacturing companies through our relationship with Select Tile to collect and recycle post-consumer vinyl backed carpet tiles. Through these low-cost impact opportunities, the Select Group has the ability to hit a 91% recycling rate through the demolition phase. Select Demo palletizes select carpet squares for extraction to recycling facilities managed by flooring manufacturing companies. The carpet squares and ceiling tiles are recycled 100% into new product. This allows for cost savings when GCs package the demolition and flooring and ceiling install with the Select Group.
Reduced disposal rates from Select Demo
Reduced material pricing from carpet distributors when engaging in this recycling program.
Solar Panels
Conversion to solar power at three of Select Demo's facilities through our partnership with Knollwood Energy allowing us to meet New Hampshire energy requirement - PUC 2506. Select’s Solar Facility was approved as a Class II REC (Renewable Energy Certificate). Solar energy represents a clean, green source of energy and is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint.
Charging Station
Installation of charging stations outside of Select Demo’s Corporate Offices for the use of all employees who own electric automobiles. If we plan on leaving a cleaner and greener environment for future generations, then electric vehicles are the way forward. Electric cars reduce carbon emissions because the engines do not have to burn fuel for combustion. There is no residue and as a result, harmful gases are not being released into the environment.
Commitment to Running Paperless
Select Demo’s field staff use tablets with custom apps by our Field Staff and Drivers to track projects (i.e. waste and tonnages, daily reports, manpower, T&M slips, etc...). Using less paper means we cut down fewer trees and use less of the chemicals and water that paper production demands. We also produce less pollution from the paper-making process and send less paper to our landfills.
Geothermal Energy System
Select Demo has installed a geothermal energy system, which ejects no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment. The EPA concluded that geothermal energy is the most environmentally friendly heating and cooling system on the market. Installing a geothermal system is the environmental equivalent of planting 750 trees or removing two cars from the road.
Donations
Select Demo donates usable furniture and building supplies from jobsites for re-use to the following organizations: New Hampshire & Massachusetts State Police, New Hampshire Public School System, City of Salem, NH, etc. We have also partnered with many nonprofits in which we donate medical equipment, building supplies, school furniture leftover in the buildings we work in.
Deconstruction, Repurpose, Recycle
Zero Waste Initiative
Prior to demolition, the Select Group searches for recycling opportunities on all projects. This is typically achieved through our partnerships with flooring distributors. Through these low-cost impact opportunities, Select Demo has the ability to hit a 85% recycling rate through the demolition phase. Select Demo and Select Tile are working hand-in-hand on a new Zero Waste Initiative Recycling Program in which Select Demo palletizes select carpet squares for extraction to recycling facilities managed by the flooring distributors in which these materials are recycled 100% into new product. This allows for a cost savings when clients package the demolition and flooring install with the Select Group due to reduced disposal rates from Select Demo and reduced material pricing from carpet distributors when engaging in this recycling program.
Deconstruction
Why is Select Demo committed to deconstruction in their sustainability efforts?
Deconstruction is the practice of dismantling buildings to salvage usable components for reuse in other building projects. Deconstruction happens before recycling, enabling usable materials such as lumber, windows, doors, fixtures and cabinets to be re-deployed, thus reducing end-of-pipe recycling and disposal costs at C&D handling facilities. Deconstruction also supports workforce and job training opportunities, local economic development, historic preservation work, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and preserves valuable resources as outlined by EPA. Select Demo is part of the Mass DEP Deconstruction Work Group with its release of the 2021 Reduce & Reuse Action Plan, which has developed a 2020 – 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan (2030 Plan) establishing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ policy framework for reducing and managing solid waste generated by MA residents and businesses. This program, along with Select Demo, is committed to reducing waste and advancing reduction and reuse and focuses on reducing upstream waste generation. Select Demo is also a member of the Carbon Leadership Forum that accelerates the transformation of the building sector to radically reduce the greenhouse gas emissions attributed to materials (also known as embodied carbon) used in buildings and infrastructure. They research, educate, and foster cross-collaboration to bring embodied carbon of buildings and infrastructure down to zero.
Electric Equipment
Select Demo utilizes has a fleet of electric equipment for our demolition work in an effort to stay green. Currently Select Demo owns the following pieces of electric equipment: