The Green Mission Inc. is thrilled to announce the formation of its Youth Coalition for Sustainable Deconstruction, an innovative initiative dedicated to gathering and amplifying the voices of young people with a passion for sustainable building practices. This coalition will serve as a vibrant platform for university students, trade students, emerging professionals, and anyone with a vested interest in the deconstruction industry. The Youth Coalition is designed to empower and inspire the next generation to engage with sustainable deconstruction practices and make meaningful contributions to a more circular economy.
Our mission is to create an inclusive community where young advocates for sustainability can share their insights, challenges, and innovative ideas. The coalition will provide a space for youth members to collaborate, discuss, and develop actionable strategies for making sustainable deconstruction accessible and relevant to their environmental objectives. Through collaboration with industry leaders and experts, we will work toward a future in which landfill dependency is minimized, and sustainable deconstruction practices become the norm across communities.
The Team Leading the Charge
The Youth Coalition is led by an inspiring group of young leaders with diverse backgrounds, each dedicated to advancing the sustainability movement in unique and impactful ways:
Lucy Dahl
Lucy Dahl, a freshman at Penn State, first proposed the idea of including younger voices in the sustainable deconstruction space. Her experience writing for her school newspaper and local magazine has equipped her with a unique perspective on bridging the gap between youth and environmental journalism. Lucy is passionate about shifting her generation’s information consumption from social media platforms to reputable, ethical news sources. Her vision for the coalition centers on empowering young people to engage in reliable journalism that promotes informed, active participation in sustainability conversations.
Jackson Combs
Jackson Combs, a student of Government and International Relations at George Mason University, aspires to influence sustainable policy changes at the state and local levels. His ambition is to shape legislation that incentivizes or mandates the reclamation and reuse of building materials. With a keen understanding of government processes and environmental policy, Jackson brings a valuable perspective on how youth-driven initiatives can impact regulatory frameworks and create systemic change in sustainable deconstruction.
Caroline Marschall
Currently pursuing her Master of Science in Accounting from William & Mary, Caroline Marschall combines her expertise in tax planning with her commitment to sustainability. As the COO of The Green Mission Inc., she has successfully trained new team members and excels in using tax incentives to shift property use from primary to secondary markets. Caroline's goal is to empower young people to see financial incentives as tools for driving a more sustainable marketplace and moving deconstructed materials back into circulation.
Katie Marschall
A senior at Harvard University, Katie Marschall plans to continue her studies in medical school with a focus on merging her scientific background with sustainable practices. She sees opportunities for sustainable practices to contribute to health and wellness, especially in built environments. Her work within the coalition will emphasize integrating sustainability into various professional paths, including those in scientific and health sectors.
Richard Oti
An essential contributor to our coalition, Richard Oti is dedicated to bridging sustainability with deconstruction expertise. He believes in the power of education and mentorship to foster new ideas and amplify young voices in the sustainable building community.
Nouman Shaikh
Based in Pakistan, Nouman Shaikh brings a global perspective to the coalition. He and his family are devoted to advancing sustainable building practices in their home country. Nouman advocates for sustainable, low-waste construction solutions that benefit both local and international communities. His insight reminds the coalition of the global nature of waste reduction and sustainability.
Marley Watson
Studying international relations at Virginia Commonwealth University, Marley Watson brings expertise in social media and marketing to the coalition. Her focus is on communicating sustainable building practices to a broader audience and raising awareness about global environmental issues. Marley’s work ensures that the coalition’s message reaches diverse audiences, fostering a greater understanding of sustainable building practices among youth.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
The Youth Coalition is designed to serve as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to integrate younger voices into their sustainable development goals. We look forward to collaborating with our team members and their diverse talents to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the forefront of sustainable deconstruction. Through workshops, public speaking engagements, policy advocacy, and partnerships with educational institutions, the coalition will enable young people to participate actively in sustainable practices and initiatives that prioritize environmental responsibility.
This initiative also aims to create valuable learning experiences for coalition members by providing access to industry expertise, mentorship from established professionals, and networking opportunities. By collaborating with experts in sustainable building and deconstruction, the coalition’s youth leaders will gain insight into the workings of the industry and learn how they can effectively contribute to creating long-term environmental solutions.
Together, we will build a future where sustainable deconstruction practices are not only accessible but are an integral part of our efforts to preserve the planet for future generations.
Organizations Specializing in Sustainable Building, Deconstruction, and Material Reuse:
The Youth Coalition for Sustainable Deconstruction aims to partner with prominent organizations dedicated to sustainable practices in building, deconstruction, reuse, and ESG reporting. Here is a list of just a few key organizations, each playing a vital role in fostering sustainable development, which will serve as resources and potential collaborators to empower and inspire our coalition members:
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1.
Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit (ASW Detroit)
ASW Detroit deconstructs buildings in Southeast Michigan to salvage reusable materials, which are available to the public. They promote environmental sustainability, provide affordable resources, and offer job training in salvage careers.
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2.
Aurora Circularity (Scottsdale, AZ)
Aurora Circularity sources and distributes surplus and pre-owned interior products, such as high-end kitchens and appliances. By providing a secondary market, they aim to reduce carbon impact and waste, promoting a circular economy.
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3.
Build Reuse (National)
Formerly BMRA, Build Reuse advocates for building material reclamation, offering educational resources, workshops, and certifications. They support policies and practices that advance deconstruction and extend material life cycles.
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4.
Deconstruction Works (Vermont, NH, Western MA)
This worker-owned cooperative specializes in selective dismantling, preserving reusable materials, and promoting sustainability through democratic decision-making and responsible waste reduction.
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5.
Delta Institute (Chicago, IL)
Delta Institute promotes sustainability by collaborating with communities to manage waste, reclaim materials, and reduce emissions. Their Sustainable Business Enterprise supports resource conservation and community development.
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6.
ESG Global Advisors (New York, NY)
ESG Global Advisors helps organizations integrate ESG strategies, focusing on responsible resource management and carbon accountability in building projects to achieve measurable sustainability goals.
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7.
Green Building Alliance (Pittsburgh, PA)
This organization promotes sustainable building practices across Western Pennsylvania, providing certification support, training, and grants. Their community-centered approach advances green infrastructure and healthy spaces.
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8.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores (Various Locations)
Habitat ReStores sell donated furniture, appliances, and building materials, funding Habitat’s home-building projects. These stores reduce waste and make reuse accessible in communities.
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9.
Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS) (National)
MTS promotes sustainable building standards and ESG frameworks, working with agencies and corporations to implement best practices and sustainable product standards.
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10.
Materials for the Arts (New York, NY)
This program provides free materials to artists, educators, and nonprofits, promoting reuse and resource conservation within the creative and educational sectors.
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11.
Murco Recycling (Chicago, IL)
Murco Recycling connects homeowners and builders with buyers for salvaged materials, facilitating reuse of cabinetry, appliances, and architectural elements, and reducing construction waste.
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12.
Perks Deconstruction (Denver, CO)
Perks Deconstruction is a certified woman- and minority-owned company offering sustainable demolition services in the Denver metro area and Boulder County. They focus on salvaging and recycling materials, providing tax-deduction benefits, and complying with local recycling requirements.
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13.
Princeton Reuse (Princeton, NJ)
Focusing on sustainable deconstruction, Princeton Reuse salvages architectural elements and vintage fixtures, promoting responsible building practices and preserving historical charm.
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14.
Recyclean (Kenosha, WI)
Recyclean specializes in sustainable deconstruction and the recycling of building materials, focusing on preserving reusable elements from structures slated for demolition. They provide full-service deconstruction, salvaging valuable materials like wood, brick, and fixtures to reduce landfill waste. Recyclean also partners with architects, contractors, and property owners to incorporate sustainable practices into construction and demolition projects, helping clients achieve environmentally responsible outcomes and often offering tax benefits for salvaged materials.
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15.
RePurpose Savannah (Savannah, GA)
A women-led nonprofit dedicated to sustainable deconstruction of historic buildings, RePurpose Savannah provides reclaimed materials and offers job training for underrepresented individuals in construction.
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16.
Reuse Minnesota (Minnesota)
RReuse Minnesota is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the reuse, repair, and rental economy throughout Minnesota. They advocate for sustainable practices by connecting businesses, governments, and individuals with resources and support to reduce waste through reuse and recycling. Through partnerships, educational events, and community initiatives, Reuse Minnesota fosters a strong network focused on making reuse accessible and impactful across the state.
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17.
Rethos: Places Reimagined (Minnesota)
Rethos is a nonprofit organization that champions historic preservation and adaptive reuse to support economic and environmental sustainability in Minnesota. By revitalizing historic buildings and fostering community-centered development, Rethos preserves cultural heritage while reducing construction waste. Their educational programs, grants, and partnerships encourage sustainable development practices that honor local history and promote environmental responsibility.
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18.
Revolvs (Waupaca, WI)
Revolvs sources and distributes salvaged materials, providing deconstruction services and reclaimed items, from antique to modern, with the goal of promoting reuse and reducing landfill waste.
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19.
Second Chance (Baltimore, MD)
A nonprofit that deconstructs buildings and sells salvaged materials at their retail center, Second Chance funds job training for individuals facing employment barriers and preserves architectural heritage.
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20.
Sustainable Building Alliance (Washington, D.C.)
Dedicated to green building research and advocacy, the Sustainable Building Alliance develops standards and certifications that prioritize environmental impact, health, and resource efficiency.
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21.
Sustainable Warehouse (Columbia, SC)
A nonprofit salvaging building materials for resale, Sustainable Warehouse offers reclaimed lumber, fixtures, and architectural items, supporting sustainable building and affordable renovation.
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22.
True Value of Carbon Initiative (San Francisco, CA)
This initiative promotes carbon accountability in construction, advocating for low-carbon building materials and providing insights for reducing carbon footprints in projects.
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23.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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24.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) (National)
Creator of LEED certification, the USGBC promotes sustainable design, construction, and operations. They support sustainability in building sectors through initiatives like the Greenbuild International Conference.
These organizations, and many more, represent a diverse array of expertise in sustainable building, deconstruction, reuse, and ESG integration, offering invaluable resources and collaborative opportunities for the Youth Coalition for Sustainable Deconstruction. The Green Mission Inc. and its coalition members look forward to learning from and contributing to this dynamic network to drive meaningful environmental change across the industry. Through mentorships, workshops, and shared projects, we aim to build a resilient, sustainable future that serves communities and our planet.
