Deconstruction & Materials Reuse

• Analyze the economic, environmental and societal case for adopting deconstruction and reuse practices
• Review City of Portland deconstruction specifications
• Differentiate the benefits of reuse versus recycling
• Identify common deconstruction hazards, including asbestos, lead, mold and oil tanks; and best mitigation practices
• Describe standard safety procedures that need to be implemented on a deconstruction job site
• Explain the importance of planning in terms of inventorying, budgeting, developing contracts, creating a site and materials management plan, and managing permits
• Identify all the costs associated with deconstruction to produce accurate bids
• Describe best deconstruction practices and processes
• Explore deconstruction services available through The ReBuilding Center

This course has primarily been designed for Deconstruction Contractors, but will also provide valuable information for Builders/Contractors, Remodelers, & Architects.  

"Attending Earth Advantage Institute's course on deconstruction and building material reuse was very informative, challenging and really fun! The curriculum was current and up to date making the information immediately applicable to my program operations. The in-class project exercises challenged me to think outside the box and apply what I had learned. The instructor's building industry background and practical experience created a great conversational atmosphere full of useful tips and efficient business operation angles. Overall, I felt the course was very practical and I've been able to apply a lot of the information on my project sites in the past few weeks."

— Mark Haley | Building Material Recovery Program Manager | Portland Habitat for Humanity Metro Restores

"This was an excellent training and I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the value of deconstruction and reuse of materials and best practices."

-  Jenna Garmon | Green Building Analyst |  City of Eugene Green Building Program

“The class was well designed, informative, and extremely helpful to someone who is getting started in the deconstruction arena.”

-  Charles Ruhsenberger | US Forest Service

"The Deconstruction & Materials Reuse course is led by a very knowledgeable instructor with an extensive history in deconstruction and re-use practices. He engages his students with a true passion for alternatives to demolition and they are left with an understanding of current real world re-use practices backed up by the Portland Rebuilding Center and Deconstruction Services. Great course!"

- Tim Schouten | Giulietti/Schouten Architects

Continuing Education
AIA: 14 LU/HSW CEs
CCB: 14 CEs

Course Fee
$295 Regular Admission
*Funding assistance may be provided by City of Portland. Check 'Upcoming Sessions' above for more info. 

Questions? Contact the Education Team at education@earthadvantage.org or (503) 968-7160 x66