DTE Energy is quickly becoming a leader in the field of “deconstruction.” Deconstruction is similar to demolition; however, this new and innovative process focuses on reuse and recycling of materials.

The strategy of “deconstruction” is to reuse and recycle the materials contained within a building scheduled to be torn down or removed. This strategy considers the building materials as an asset. The building is de-constructed, harvesting the material contents for their inherent value as part of the process.

Our first deconstruction project in 2007 focused on a defunct Detroit Edison office and warehouse space in New Hudson, Michigan. The deconstruction effort included all office furniture, building materials (mostly brick), fixtures, etc. Even the landscape vegetation was dug-up and relocated. 99.9% of the building materials were reused or recycled, 4,040,000 lbs.

We now routinely incorporate deconstruction into our demolition bidding process, including our most recent first quarter 2010 project on a MichCon Service Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Again, nearly all of the furniture, building materials, fixtures, etc. were reused or recycled, for a total of 2,625,024.12 lbs.