The Delta Institute and Rebuilding Exchange are pleased to announce the launch of the Rebuilding Exchange as an independent nonprofit social enterprise.
Delta Institute founded the Rebuilding Exchange in 2008 as an affiliate organization with the mission of creating a market for reclaimed building materials. Since its incorporation in February 2009, the Rebuilding Exchange has been a major force in building the market for reclaimed materials. Rebuilding Exchange accomplishments include:
- Creation of a strong local market for building materials reuse;
- Diversion of close to 10,000 tons of valuable material from landfill;
- Launch of RX Made, a furniture line that offers design-build services with reclaimed building materials;
- Training more than 80 individuals with barriers to employment;
- Serving more than 16,000 customers per year with access to affordable building materials, dynamic programming, educational workshops and training.
“Over the last six years, Delta Institute has been a proud investor in the creation and growth of the Rebuilding Exchange,” said Delta Institute Board Chair Melissa Mayer. “The Rebuilding Exchange has been a critical catalyst for growing the market for reclaimed materials and is now poised for continued growth in the years to come. We look forward to continuing to work with the RX to advance our shared strategic priorities of diverting waste and creating economic opportunities through material reuse in the region.”
“When the Rebuilding Exchange was founded, reclaimed building materials went to landfill, and there was little consumer demand for reclaimed lumber,” said Jack Crane, Rebuilding Exchange Board Chair. “In the last six years, the Rebuilding Exchange has helped create a vibrant market not only for reclaimed building materials but also for furniture and materials made from reclaimed lumber. Its launch as a stand-alone social enterprise is symbolic of this market shift, and the RX looks forward to expanding its innovative products and services in the coming years.”
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About Delta Institute: Delta Institute is a catalyst for environmental sustainability and economic development throughout the Great Lakes region. Delta works in partnership with business, government and communities in the Great Lakes region to create and implement innovative, market-driven solutions that build environmental resilience, economic vitality and healthy communities. Visit online at https://delta-institute.org.
About Rebuilding Exchange: Rebuilding Exchange (RX) is a non-profit social enterprise working to create a market for reclaimed building materials. RX achieves its mission by diverting materials from landfills and making them accessible for reuse through their retail warehouse at 1740 West Webster, by promoting sustainable deconstruction practices, by providing education and job training programs, and by creating innovative models for sustainable reuse, including its furniture line RX Made. www.rebuildingexchange.org