Why a standard for the Pre-Deconstruction Audit?
The Pre-Deconstruction Audit standard has been published and addresses many expectations among project owners and construction stakeholders.
While presented as a structuring step to ensure reliable practices, this regulatory evolution nevertheless raises a central question: is a standard sufficient to make a Pre-Deconstruction Audit truly actionable and operational?
The Pre-Deconstruction Audit (Products, Equipment, Materials, and Waste) is now recognized as a crucial driver for the circular economy in the building sector across Europe. Since July 2023, this audit has been mandatory in France for demolition and significant renovation projects. To harmonize practices and ensure the quality of audits performed, a new voluntary standard has been published: the XP X46-039 standard. (you can find it here: https://www.boutique.afnor.org/)
The PR XP X46-039 standard aims to define the procedures for conducting the Pre-Deconstruction Audit (PDA), similar to existing standards for other property diagnostics (asbestos, lead, termites).
This technical standard addresses a concrete market need: to provide contracting authorities with a clear understanding of the services they procure and to enable a fair comparison of proposals among auditors. It also ensures that the process and reports follow a consistent and structured methodology, guaranteeing a high level of quality.
What the Pre-Deconstruction Audit Standard Will Govern
The XP X46-039 standard primarily defines:
- The procedures for conducting the Pre-Deconstruction Audit (PDA) and the necessary documentation
- The roles and obligations of the various stakeholders, particularly the contracting authority
- The elements to be included in mission reports, ensuring consistency of deliverables
- The framing of the assignment with the project owner or contracting authority
- The procedures for preparation and on-site intervention to identify, characterize, and quantify Products, Equipment, Materials, and Waste (PEMD)
Limitations of a Purely Regulatory Approach
Although the regulatory framework (decrees n°2021-821 and n°2021-822, order of March 26, 2023) defines the broad outlines of the Pre-Deconstruction Audit (PDA), there is currently significant heterogeneity in the practices for conducting these audits. This disparity is particularly evident in:
- The inventory and quantification methodology
- The level of detail of information collected
- The quality and structure of the reports produced
- The assessment of material reuse potential
This variability can undermine the effectiveness of the system and complicate the implementation of resource recovery strategies. The XP X46-039 standard therefore aims to structure and professionalize this new auditing activity.
Afleya's Role in the Standard's Development
Afleya actively contributed to the Working Group (WG) responsible for drafting the XP X46-039 standard. This participation aligns with the company's long-standing commitment to promoting an "operational" Pre-Deconstruction Audit (PDA), beyond mere regulatory compliance.
Founded in 2019 by Dominique Renard-Brazzi, Afleya brings its data expertise and in-depth knowledge of the operational challenges of the Pre-Deconstruction Audit (PDA). This experience has been built through:
- The development of digital solutions for the Pre-Deconstruction Audit (PDA)
- Support for numerous auditors and project owners
- Training professionals in the principles of the circular economy
- The practical implementation of resource recovery strategies
This involvement in the development of the standard enables Afleya to offer tools perfectly aligned with best professional practices.
Akibo: Making the Pre-Deconstruction Audit actionable beyond the standard
In response to the growing demands of the Pre-Deconstruction Audit and in anticipation of the standards defined by norm XP X46-039, Afleya has developed Akibo, a digital assistant dedicated to PDA auditors.
(👉 Learn more about Akibo PDA diagnostic software: https://afleya.com/akibo-pour-le-diagnostic-pemd-application-numerique/ )
Akibo's advantages for a compliant audit
Akibo offers PDA auditors a structured methodology and tailored functionalities:
1. Optimized Field Module
- Intuitive on-site material input (phone, tablet, computer)
- Integrated database of products, equipment, and materials
- Geolocation and photographs of inventoried elements
- Precise quantification and detailed characterization
2. Analysis and Scenarios Module
- Development of recovery scenarios
- Prioritization of reuse > repurposing > recycling (AGEC law principles)
- Identification of local reuse channels
- Environmental performance indicators of the scenario
3. Compliant and Actionable Reports
- Automatic generation of reports and CERFA forms
- Simplified transmission to CSTB – CSV file generation
- Exportable data for drafting tender documents and site management
A Quality-Oriented Approach
Afleya emphasizes the importance of the quality of the Pre-Deconstruction Audit rather than solely on cost reduction. A well-conducted audit enables project owners to:
- Precisely identify the recovery potential of material streams
- Optimize the costs of deconstruction and waste treatment
- Maximizing the benefits of EPR for Construction Products and Materials (CP&M)
- Comply with the requirements of the European Green Taxonomy
- Strengthen their CSR approach and regulatory compliance
The XP X46-039 Standard: A Market Harmonization Tool
Contrary to common misconceptions, this standard is not an additional bureaucratic constraint. Instead, it represents a professionalization tool that benefits the entire ecosystem:
For Auditors
- A clear and recognized methodological framework
- Enhanced credibility with contracting authorities
- Quality-based differentiation tools
- Protection against excessive price pressure
For Project Owners
- Comparable services of consistent quality
- Actionable reports for site management
- Reliable data for strategic decisions
- Enhanced value from investments
For the Building Industry
- An acceleration of the transition towards a circular economy
- A collective upskilling of stakeholders
- Improved traceability of material flows
- Development of reuse channels
The Publication Stage
The public consultation for the XP X46-039 standard concluded on September 15, 2025. Following the review of observations, the vote for its publication took place on November 20 at the Afnor commission.
Its publication has been effective since December 26, 2025
Prepare Now with Afleya
In light of these developments, Afleya supports professionals in their preparation:
Specialized Training Programs
- E-learning platform coming soon, dedicated to enhancing the skills of the deconstruction material recovery value chain
- Circular economy training for all building stakeholders: e.g., 'EPR and Pre-Deconstruction Audit' module
- Proficiency in Akibo's Features
- On-site Support with the 'Starter Kit'
Advisory Assistance
- Development of personalized action plans: e.g., free audit of PDAs and recommendations: 👉 PDA audit
- Optimization of PDA Data Flow
Akibo Digital Solution
- Tool aligned with the future XP X46-039 standard
- Continuous Evolutions to Meet Market Demands
- Technical and Methodological Support
- Usage Training Included
Conclusion: The XP X46-039 standard, an accelerator for the circular economy
The future XP X46-039 standard marks a turning point in the professionalization of the Pre-Deconstruction Audit. By defining clear methodological standards and harmonizing practices, it directly contributes to the objective of the AGEC law: to make the PDA a true accelerator for the circular economy in the building sector.
Thanks to its active contribution to the Working Group and the development of Akibo, Afleya positions itself as a key player to support professionals in this transition. Akibo's compliance with the requirements of the future standard guarantees diagnosticians and project owners a sustainable and high-performing solution.
Given the climate emergency and the 46 million tons of construction waste generated annually in France, the standardized Pre-Deconstruction Audit becomes an essential lever for transforming practices and valorizing building resources.
Don't miss our dedicated webinar on January 9, 2025, at 1:30 PM: WEBINAR X46D-039 Standard Pre-Deconstruction Audit – Fill out the form
Interested in learning more about Akibo and Afleya training programs?
Contact our experts to discover how to optimize your Pre-Deconstruction Audits and accelerate your transition to the circular economy.
Keywords: #PreDeconstructionAudit, XP X46-039 standard, Afleya, Akibo, circular economy, AGEC law, material recovery, reuse, PDA auditor, demolition, significant renovation, CSTB, EPR PMCB