This analysis contains a brief description of the mass flows in building construction, a presentation of the legal framework conditions, a collection of the relevant terminology, and an overview of the state-of-the-art in the demolition of buildings. The focus is on demonstrating the inherent potential to conserve resources. Measures are presented that can be implemented in planning and documentation in order to achieve the highest possible level of recycling at the end of a building's life. The potentials of selective dismantling and deconstruction and the preparation of secondary raw materials are also considered. Resource efficiency potentials are supplemented by current research projects and examples of good practice.