Vacant, run-down buildings are usually viewed as a community liability, with quick demolition seen as the only solution. A more eco-minded approach, however, is deconstruction, which allows for the salvage of the building's still-usable pieces. Buffalo ReUse is a New York-based non-profit organization that specializes in just that, providing deconstruction services, community education, jobs and a store for salvaged parts.
Established in 2006, Buffalo ReUse is a fully licensed and insured contractor with a full-time crew that can completely remove residential structures, barns and garages. Through deconstruction—in which buildings are carefully taken apart rather than demolished in one blow—building materials including lumber, fixtures and architectural detail can be saved. These are then sold through Buffalo ReUse's ReSource store, which just opened last week as a local source for building materials and household items, DIY ideas, green education and community outreach. Proceeds from the sale of those items then get put back into the community, as Buffalo ReUse collaborates with block clubs and community associations to develop new neighbourhood assets. The organization offers myriad volunteer opportunities for such projects as community tree-planting, mural painting or other forms of neighbourhood revitalization, as well as paid work for local people. Ultimately, it hopes to use deconstruction as a springboard for job training and leadership development, providing men and women between 18 and 24 years old with a way to build related skills, interests and even small businesses.
Buffalo ReUse was recently selected by The Financial Times and the Urban Land Institute as one of 20 finalists for the 2008 FT ULI Sustainable Cities Award based on nominations received from around the world. New York State assemblyman Sam Hoyt, one of those who nominated the group, explains: “Buffalo ReUse should serve as a model for other communities to reduce waste dumped in our landfills, to employ young adults from our inner city, and to work with community members to make neighbourhoods greener."
The lesson for eco and social entrepreneurs around the world: look no further than the abandoned buildings around you for a wealth of opportunity!
Website: www.buffaloreuse.org
Contact: info@buffaloreuse.org
Spotted by: Andrea Kleinfelder
A good idea - though wasn't this done in Germany following WW2. I'm sure I read about companies stripping abandoned buildings for parts (in the book "Das Brot der frühen Jahre".
WW2 meets Web 2.0?
Haven't builders been doing this for years? The market for reclaimed materials has existed for as long as people have been renovating buildings.
In reply, yes, building reclamation is a long standing practice. What's unique about Buffalo ReUse are the methods used to deconstruct buildings, the energy of the executive director, paid crew and volunteers, as well as the grateful homeowners who can now buy replacement parts and "true" by 4's, well seasoned wood, already milled and fashioned interior woodwork, and the general acceptance of government officials to the potential of renewing the hope in neighborhoods where Buffalo ReUse crews work in concert with neighbors to return a now restored lot to useful condition.
Actually this approach is becoming more prevalent in American cities and is not unique to Buffalo. For example, in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens is a similar non-profit called Build it Green. They've been open for several years now. They not only accept architectural and construction salvage, but also theater stage materials and lighting, with proceeds to go to community projects and employment. Also, there's a great outfit called Green Demolitions in the New York suburbs. They are experts at carefully removing kitchens and bathroom fixtures for re-use, with all proceeds going to an addiction-related charity. The New York Times ran a major story on several NYC organizations of this type earlier this spring.
I'm a big fan of efforts like this! Portland, Oregon also has a number of places that reuse and recycle building materials for demolitions that would otherwise go directly to the landfill. I think everyone benefits when we find a way to honor all the energy and resources that went into producing quality materials by "making do" with an imperfect object! Thanks for the coverage.