PDA
Pre-Demolition Audits.
Before you build or demolish
Get a rapid pre-demolition audit within 5 days. Catalogued on the Material Index digital platform, collaboratively manage pathways of your building materials, and report on waste and material reuse with ease.
Book a PDAWhat is a Pre-Demolition Audit?
A pre-demolition audit (PDA) is a survey conducted prior to deconstruction, refurbishment, or demolition by independent third-party specialists. The audit reviews buildings, structures, hard surfaces and FF&E to produce a comprehensive catalogue of materials present on site.
Aim of a PDA
The aim is to produce a full catalogue of components and materials with key product information, embodied carbon data, and an assessment of suitability for reclamation and reuse. This informs procurement decisions for the next project and supports waste hierarchy obligations.
When do I need a PDA?
A pre-demolition audit is required for GLA Circular Economy Statements at the pre-application stage, and for BREEAM Wst01 credits at Concept Design Stage (RIBA Stage 2). Pre-redevelopment and pre-deconstruction audits are important tools for demonstrating compliance with planning policy and achieving sustainability targets.
Our process
01
Cataloguing at site
Fast digital cataloguing through the MI platform with photographic records and location mapping.
02
Carbon + waste analysis
Automated reporting with European Waste Codes and embodied carbon calculations for every material.
03
Push to reuse
Collaborative online decision making and material exchange through the MI platform.
04
Report received
BREEAM-compliant report delivered with full material schedule, quantities, condition and estimated value.
05
Goods exchanged
Optional selling through MI Exchange — connecting your materials with verified buyers.
What you receive
Full material schedule
Quantities, condition, and estimated residual value for every material on site
Photographic record
Location-mapped photography of all catalogued materials
Compliance report
Report formatted for planning, environmental, and BREEAM requirements
Reuse recommendations
Pathways for reuse, resale, donation, or responsible disposal
Ideal for
Demolition and deconstruction projects
BREEAM-targeted developments
GLA planning applications requiring Circular Economy Statements
Portfolio-wide material management programmes
Compliance & standards
BREEAM Wst01 — up to 4 credits for Construction Waste Reduction
GLA Circular Economy Statement Guidance
London Plan Policy SI 7 (Circular Economy)
London Plan Policy SI 2 (Whole Life-Cycle Carbon)
Westminster Retrofit First Policy
Data provided in European Waste Codes, BREEAM waste codes, Uniclass component codes, and by building shearing layers
Book a PDA
Our team will visit site, catalogue your materials, and have a report ready within five working days. Contact us at audits@material-index.co.uk.