Rethinking "Green Building" in Light of Extra-American Techniques

In Response to MSN Story re: Demolition of Multi-Story Philadelphia Brick Bldg. Killing 1 & Injuring 13 in Adj. Bldg.: http://news.msn.com/us/pa-building-collapses-13-injured-1-trapped This story revived my concern about our American preference for the quick & dusty/dirty method of replacing buildings. I have often driven past a set of demolition dump piles, part (I assume) of a green building system near the 101/202 junction (SW corner) in Tempe, AZ. I wonder why developers were in such a hurry to remove the previous buildings via demolition since the piles have remained there for at least a couple years now. My former employer has extensive experience working in Iraq (among other overseas locations) and can tell of the current state of grain silos, the construction & installation of which he oversaw a couple decades ago (approximately). All that remain are the structural skeletons (steel studs, beams, & connecting elements as well as concrete foundations & sub-grade soil remediation elements). The buildings have been scrapped by individuals for their raw materials, and this was done rather quickly once Saddam Hussein was out of power. I know from another source that small package plants (water treatment systems) that had been philanthropically installed were similarly scrapped (partly because the people had no way of appreciating the greater longterm value of their function in preventing disease over the meager value of the raw materials). I think it's a shame that processes such as large-scale developments & Cash for Clunkers destroy useful materials for mere political or "economic" expediency. Other examples are seen in the movie "Battle for Brooklyn" & in the case of Bailey's Brake Shop in Mesa, AZ. I don't however want to drudge up the debate over abuse of eminent domain in this discussion, however. I'm currently more concerned w/ the wasteful means of destruction for development in a recession where myriad empty buildings & offices stand idle w/ no nearterm prospect of usage. Why the hurry to destroy when we obviously don't have such an urgent need for commercial, industrial, &/or residential capacity? Why not take the time we have to thoroughly deconstruct the structures & substructural compartments, rooms, condos, apartments, offices, &c. in order to fully utilize all still-viable existing structural elements & protect the lives & health of people (& pets) living, working, & shopping nearby? The economy has forced us to slow down, so why rush, just to watch a bunch of rubble piles & empty offices & condos sit for years waiting for the jobless financial recovery to turn into a real behind-the-numbers recovery? Why must we conduct our methods of demolition & construction as we do our driving (race to the next red light, a.k.a. hurry up & wait)? To the impatient powers that be, please let us breathe!