Seven methodological guides to standardize the reuse of secondary construction materials

How to move from pilot projects to reuse practices that can be reproduced on a large scale? One year after the publication of a first guide dedicated to demolition and reuse, La Poste Immobilier, Icade and Sequndo offer seven operational fact sheets developed with the support of the eco-organization Valobat.

This approach aims to establish common criteria for the various stakeholders in a real estate transaction, at a time when technical, economic, and logistical constraints continue to hinder the reuse of materials. According to sector data cited by the partners, the construction industry generates over 46 million tons of waste annually in France, while the reuse rate remains below 2%.

Seven materials frequently used in renovation

The fact sheets cover finishing products commonly encountered during development, rehabilitation or renovation projects:

• carpet tiles;
• flexible PVC flooring;
• cable trays;
• suspended ceilings;
• modular partitions;
• light fixtures;
• raised access floors.

For each product family, the documents specify the criteria for assessing reuse potential, dismantling methods, precautions to be taken to preserve performance, as well as storage and refurbishment requirements. They also list possible uses after removal.

Benchmarks to be integrated into construction contracts

These fact sheets are intended for use from the initial planning stages. They can support the drafting of contracts, the organization of the worksite, and the analysis of technical responses submitted by project managers and contractors.

A summary at the end of each document outlines the main steps and requirements applicable to the material in question. It can be included in the tender documents to clarify the client's expectations regarding the safe removal of the existing material, traceability, storage, and packaging.

The objective is to structure the entire journey of the material: identify reusable products, prepare their dismantling, create homogeneous batches, document their origin and verify their compatibility with their future destination.

Methods tested against the realities of construction sites

La Poste Immobilier brings to the process its experience as a project owner and feedback from managing the real estate assets of the La Poste Group, consisting of more than 6 million square meters and nearly 9.000 buildings in France.

Icade contributes to the convergence of practices among clients. Sharing common requirements in terms of quality, traceability and cost should make the demand more transparent for companies and facilitate the development of reproducible solutions for finishing work packages.

Sequndo, a national network of inclusive social enterprises specializing in selective deconstruction, compares the regulations with the operational conditions of dismantling, sorting, reconditioning, transport, and storage. Valobat supports this approach as part of its work to structure reuse sectors.

Moving from experimentation to common practices

The partners aim to reduce methodological differences between operations and ensure the secure flow of materials between construction sites. Defining shared criteria should also allow companies to better anticipate the necessary human, technical, and logistical resources.

“As a major player in real estate transformation and rehabilitation, we have chosen to support the reuse sector since its inception. To accelerate its scaling up, we must collectively move from experimentation to standardization. This is precisely the purpose of these methodological guides: to share proven tools, disseminate best practices, and put the experience gained from our projects at the service of the entire sector. Our ambition is to make reuse a standard in responsible real estate.”

explains Natallia Mitchanka, purchasing director of La Poste Immobilier.

“Reuse cannot remain an exceptional practice. By combining our experience with La Poste Immobilier and Sequndo, we aimed to transform pioneering projects into concrete methods, directly applicable to all stakeholders in a project. These seven methodological guides reflect our conviction that by aligning our requirements for quality, traceability, and cost, we make the demand clearer for companies and create the conditions for real scaling up. Icade is committed to this approach because structuring reuse channels for building finishing materials is currently one of the most tangible levers for decarbonizing the sector.”

emphasizes Benjamin Ficquet, director of property and sustainable operations at Icade's real estate division.

“We are convinced that scaling up reuse will require knowledge sharing and cooperation between all stakeholders in the value chain. This work provides a common foundation to facilitate action, increase the number of reuse and preservation demolition projects, and, at the same time, develop employment opportunities for people reintegrating into the construction industry. Through this approach, Sequndo shares its expertise and field experience to contribute to structuring and sustainably developing the reuse sector.”

says Nicolas Du Souich, director of the Sequndo network.

The seven methodological fact sheets have been available since September 1, 2026. They can be accessed from the websites of La Poste Immobilier and Icade.