What is a pre-demolition audit?

A pre-demolition audit is a survey of a building carried out before it's demolished, to catalogue its materials and identify what can be reused, reclaimed or recycled rather than sent to landfill. It produces an inventory of quantities, conditions and recommended reuse or recycling routes, and is used to support planning and BREEAM requirements.

What's the difference between a pre-demolition and a pre-refurbishment audit?

They use the same method for different works: a pre-demolition audit covers a building being fully or largely demolished, while a pre-refurbishment audit covers refurbishment, strip-out or partial works where much of the building stays. If you're not sure which your project needs, tell us the scope and we'll advise.

What is a Circular Economy Statement?

A Circular Economy Statement is a planning document showing how a development reduces waste and keeps materials in use across its lifecycle. Some local authorities now require one for larger schemes, and it's usually built on the data from a pre-demolition or pre-refurbishment audit.

What is a material reuse or asset survey?

It's a focused survey of the specific materials, fixtures and components in a building that are worth reclaiming, reselling or donating, along with their condition, quantities and possible routes to reuse. It's for clients who want to capture value from what's removed, not just meet a compliance requirement.

What is embodied carbon and why does it matter for my project?

Embodied carbon is the carbon emitted in producing, transporting and installing building materials — separate from the energy a building uses once occupied. Reusing existing materials avoids the embodied carbon of new ones, which is why audits increasingly report it and why planners and BREEAM assessors care about it.

Do I need a pre-demolition audit for planning permission?

Increasingly, yes — a growing number of local authorities ask for a pre-demolition or pre-redevelopment audit, or a Circular Economy Statement based on one, as part of planning for demolition or major redevelopment. Requirements vary by authority, so it's worth checking early; we can tell you what your local authority expects.

Do pre-demolition audits help with BREEAM?

Yes. A pre-demolition audit is needed to claim the BREEAM Wst 01 (Construction Waste Management) credits — up to 4 credits — by demonstrating material recovery and diversion from landfill, and it informs your Site Waste Management Plan.

How much does a pre-demolition audit cost?

Our audits are fixed-price, so you know the cost up front rather than facing an open-ended day rate. Price depends mainly on the building's floor area and type — use our instant estimate to get an indicative range in under a minute, then a firm quote within one working day.

How long does an audit take?

Days, not weeks. We can typically be on site quickly and return a planning-ready report in as little as 5 working days, so the audit doesn't hold up your planning or programme.

Which areas do you cover?

We focus on Bristol, Bath, Manchester and Leeds and the surrounding areas, which keeps us fast on site and avoids long-distance travel costs. If your project is nearby, ask us — we may still be able to help.

Our Audit Services | Pre-Demolition, Pre-Refurbishment & Circular Economy

What We Do

We help project teams understand what exists in a building before demolition or refurbishment and identify opportunities for reuse, resale and responsible recycling. Our work supports planning submissions, sustainability strategies, BREEAM assessments and circular economy targets.

Hi-vis worker inspecting a stripped-out commercial building interior

Our services

What it is. A survey of an existing building before demolition that catalogues its materials and identifies what can be reused, reclaimed or recycled instead of sent to landfill.
When you need it. Increasingly required at planning stage, and needed to claim BREEAM Wst 01 credits (up to four).
What you get. A full material inventory with quantities, condition, reuse and recycling pathways, embodied carbon, and evidence formatted for planning and BREEAM.
Turnaround. A report in as little as 48 hours. For developers, contractors and architects on demolition or major redevelopment schemes.
What it is. The same principle as a pre-demolition audit, but for refurbishment, strip out or partial works, cataloguing what is coming out and what can be kept or reused.
When you need it. For refurbishment and fit out projects targeting BREEAM credits or answering planning and circular economy requirements.
What you get. A materials and components schedule, reuse and recycling recommendations, and supporting evidence for your assessment.
Turnaround. Days, not weeks. For fit out, conversion and refurbishment schemes.
What it is. A focused survey of the specific materials, components and fixtures worth reclaiming, donating or reselling, and where they can go.
When you need it. When you want to actively capture value from what is coming out, not just tick a compliance box.
What you get. An asset register of reusable items with condition, quantities and routes to reuse.
Turnaround. For clients who want the reuse upside as well as the paperwork.
What it is. The document planners increasingly ask for, showing how your project designs out waste and keeps materials in use.
When you need it. Where local planning policy requires it. These requirements are spreading beyond London, so it is worth checking your authority early. Often submitted alongside or built on a pre-demolition or pre-refurbishment audit.
What you get. A planning ready statement aligned to your authority's guidance, drawing on the audit data.
Turnaround. For developers and architects navigating planning conditions on embodied carbon and circularity.

Our Process

Project Review

We begin by reviewing your project information, drawings and programme to understand the scope of demolition, refurbishment or redevelopment works and identify what type of survey or support is required.

Site Survey

We carry out a site survey to record materials, products, equipment and building components within the building. Items are photographed, measured and catalogued to create a material inventory and identify reuse opportunities.

Material Inventory & Reuse Strategy

Following the survey, we prepare a material inventory and identify opportunities for reuse, resale, recycling and waste reduction. This information can be used to support planning submissions, sustainability strategies and project targets.

Reporting & Project Support

We provide a summary report and supporting information for planning, BREEAM or sustainability requirements.

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