The Rebuilding Exchange

Our mission is to create a market for reclaimed building materials. We do this by diverting materials from landfills and making them accessible for reuse through our retail warehouse, by promoting sustainable deconstruction practices, by providing education and job training programs, and by creating innovative models for sustainable reuse. Rebuilding Exchange is a project of the Delta Institute. Diverting waste and creating assets Since our inception in 2009, Rebuilding Exchange has diverted thousands of tons of building materials from the landfill, and simultaneously created over $2 million worth of quality reuse materials available to the public. Promoting sustainable deconstruction practices and educating on reuse Through contractor forums, educational seminars with local and public experts, as well as speaking engagements around the region, Rebuilding Exchange helps lead the national effort to educate on deconstruction and reuse. Rebuilding Exchange also offers over 100 hands-on public workshops per year to educate and empower on the many different ways to reuse materials. Through our thriving volunteer program we leverage the people resources of our community to build broader support for deconstruction and reuse, and reach a diverse audience of stakeholders. Training people with barriers to employment The deconstruction and building materials reuse sector offers employment opportunities for people with a range of skill sets and backgrounds, and we need a trained workforce who understands the value and opportunities associated with this growing industry. To date, Rebuilding Exchange has provided job training opportunities to 82 people with barriers to employment in the fields of deconstruction, materials management, warehousing, retail and carpentry. Creating innovative models for sustainability and reuse Rebuilding Exchange supports innovation in reuse by donating materials to partner non-profit organizations who are working to rebuild their communities with reclaimed materials. We also host design competitions to foster the innovative reuse of more challenging materials, and launched RX Made, an in-house furniture line made from local and salvaged materials.