Join me at the 2021 Deconstruction + Reuse Conference! This year’s virtual gathering, hosted by Build Reuse, brings together leaders in building material reuse from across the world. The lineup features deconstruction contractors, reuse warehouse innovators, architects and designers, educators, and planners. If you’re like me and interested in learning how we can keep usable building material out of the landfill, this conference is for you.
Speakers also include a few familiar faces from Minnesota! Melissa Wenzel, our partner and built environment sustainability advocate from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, will speak about a material reuse project in Becker County, and a team from the City of Northfield will discuss a redevelopment initiative on the St. Olaf campus that involved deconstruction and increased environmental practices.
This conference is particularly exciting to me because earlier this year, I joined the board of Build Reuse and have helped plan this event. Build Reuse is a national organization that empowers communities to turn construction and demolition waste into local resources. As board member, I’ve met and learned from building material reuse professionals all over the country, like Mae Bowley of Re:Purpose Savannah, who I interviewed for a recent issue of Places Reimagined. I’ve learned how to make stronger connections between building preservation and the broader reuse world. I’m using that knowledge to create classes about deconstruction as a demolition alternative, salvaging building material, and tapping into reuse resources in our communities.
I’m not the only one fascinated by this stuff; about half the Rethos staff is signed up for the Deconstruction + Reuse Conference! Register here. Hope to see you there!
-Natalie