100% Recycled. Zero Waste. The Oakridge Co-op Demolition Story.
When Calgary Co-op set out to reimagine the Oakridge store and surrounding plaza, the goal was to create a modern community hub, responsibly. The original Oakridge Co-op first opened its doors on June 24, 1976, serving generations of residents for nearly five decades. As the neighbourhood evolved, so did the needs of the community, paving the way for a complete transformation of the site.
Once the new Co-op building opened, attention turned to the careful deconstruction of the original store. Working alongside Calgary Co-op and Priestly Demolition, the team committed to a sustainability-first approach. One that was not only environmentally responsible, but financially smart.
By recycling 100% of the materials, the project significantly reduced disposal costs, hauling requirements, and landfill fees. It was a practical, fiscally responsible solution that aligned both with the client’s values and the realities of large-scale redevelopment.
100% of materials diverted from landfill
Every piece of the former store down to its core structure was recycled or repurposed. The numbers tell the story:
1,251 tons of concrete
237,530 kg of construction & demolition waste
670,140 kg of metal
All diverted from landfill. All processed responsibly. All part of a redevelopment philosophy grounded in stewardship and providing long-term community value.
Achieving 100% recycling requires planning, coordination, the right partners, and an unwavering commitment to doing the work the right way. This project reflects that shared effort.
The sustainability impact goes beyond material recovery.
By responsibly deconstructing the former store, the team reduced environmental footprint, minimized hauling emissions, and created a cleaner foundation for the next phase of development. The Oakridge plaza continues to evolve. Now with a modern grocery store, improved site infrastructure, and a community space designed for decades of future use.
A project of this scale succeeds when everyone is aligned.
We’re grateful for the collaboration of:
Calgary Co-op, for their vision and leadership
Priestly Demolition, for their expertise in sustainable material recovery
The entire Elan project team, whose work ensured that every ton was accounted for and recycled
At Elan, we’re continuing to expand our sustainability practices across all phases of construction. From early-stage planning to waste management, energy-conscious building methods, and long-term community impact. This project is one example of what’s possible when sustainability is built into planning from the start.
If you’d like to explore how sustainable construction practices can be integrated into your next development, we’re here to help.
Build With Us.
https://www.elanconstruction.com/contact