The ReBuilding Exchange retail warehouse is located at 3335 West 47th Street in the Chicago neighborhood of Brighton Park and houses over 15,000 square feet of reclaimed building materials including doors, windows, lumber, appliances, lighting, plumbing fixtures and more.
In the United States, buildings consume 60 percent of our raw materials, and account for 40 percent of the solid waste stream. Deconstructing buildings rather than demolishing them allows these materials to be reused in other building and renovation projects, diverting waste, creating jobs and protecting natural resources.
The first of its kind in Chicago, the Rebuilding Exchange features a diverse inventory of used building materials for architects, contractors and DIYers alike, at prices accessible to a variety of income levels. By providing affordable building materials, educational resources, job training and policy guidance, the Rebuilding Exchange is driving the growth of a truly sustainable construction industry.
Creating jobs
A typical residential demolition requires 1-2 workers for 1-2 days. Deconstruction requires 5-6 workers for up to 6 weeks, thereby creating jobs and diverting material from the landfill. The Rebuilding Exchange provides deconstruction job training and placement for ex-offenders and unemployed workers in this emerging green collar jobs sector.
Providing low-cost materials
Our mission is to provide a steady pipeline of quality used building materials at a low cost. Chicago residents can now afford a healthier home, while also contributing to a healthier community.
Reducing environmental impact
In 2006 alone, demolition permits were issued for 4,500 single-family homes and duplexes in Chicago. If deconstructed, most of these materials could instead be reused and diverted from the landfill. In fact, an average house produces between 10-20 tons of construction waste that could be reusable building materials. Considering this scale, deconstruction and reuse have a significant impact on protecting natural resources and reducing our carbon footprint!
The Rebuilding Exchange is a non-profit affiliate of the Delta Institute. It is funded by grant support from the Chicago Community Trust, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, US EPA, Region 5, the Boeing Company, Polk Brothers Foundation and people like you. The Rebuilding Exchange is a model of how we can tackle environmental, social and economic challenges, all at once, in our communities.
If you would like more information about the Rebuilding Exchange, please visit www.rebuildingexchange.org or contact Elise Zelechowski at ezelechowski@delta-institute.org.
