Additional Information  •  Environmental Benefits  •  Economic Benefits  •  Selected Projects  •  Deconstruction in Action  •  Publications  •  Articles What is Deconstruction? Deconstruction is the systematic disassembly of a building, with the purpose of recovering valuable materials for reuse in construction, renovation or manufacturing into new wood products. Why Deconstruct? Recover irreplaceable building materials Reduce the need to extract raw materials Save energy and reduce environmental impacts of construction and demolition Train workers for living wage and benefit jobs Increase small businesses and expand local tax base Keep materials local to reduce costs and transportation loops Cost savings and tax credits Fully compatible with demolition and recycling of construction and demolition materials that cannot be reused Support green building practices and earn LEED credits

Deconstruction addresses the need to take down an estimated 200,000 US buildings each year in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner.

Deconstruction has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years, thanks to new for-profit and nonprofit entities throughout the US. The industry has adapted creatively by introducing state and local rules and ordinances, new tools and equipment, new marketing techniques, joint ventures, social enterprises, cost saving and tax credits.

This Web site spotlights innovative deconstruction groups, projects, publications and events. Deconstruction in Action features reliable deconstruction programs, and also profiles staff members who can assist with new projects. Each month, this site will focus on new organizations.

The publications section identifies new materials available to the public and links to the authors and publishers.

ILSR thanks The Reuse People, Second Chance and Dynasty Deconstruction for their assistance in developing this Web site. These organizations are available to answer general or specific questions, which should be sent to nseldman@ilsr.org. Where appropriate, questions and answers will be published here.

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ILSR welcomes suggestions and corrections. Let us know how this site can better serve your needs. Our design and content is flexible: our priority is helping those interested in deconstruction to find reliable, competent assistance, no matter where a project may be located.

In the following months, we will profile organizations such as Hard Hatted Women, in Cleveland, OH; Deconstruction Services, in Portland, OR; Recycle North, in Burlington, VT; and the Center for Ecological Technology, in Pittsfield, MA. We will also summarize recent deconstruction-related projects, legislation and policy changes.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance appreciates the support of the Woodbury Fund for our building deconstruction program work, including technical assistance to groups across the country, and for this web page.

Information presented on this Web site is considered public (unless otherwise noted), and may be distributed or copied. Use of the appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. We strongly recommend that ILSR data be acquired directly from an ILSR site, rather than through other sources that may potentially change the data. While ILSR makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information, data such as names, telephone numbers, etc., may change prior to updating. ILSR provides no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of furnished data.

This site may contain links to information created and maintained by other organizations. Please note that ILSR does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of these outside materials.

ILSR is not responsible for any services, products, or warranties provided by any of the businesses and/or nonprofit organizations mentioned on this site. ILSR provides this information as a public service to encourage deconstruction and recovery of building materials.