Build Reuse is empowering communities to turn construction and demolition waste into local resources. we look to build on our history of education and training as we work towards a new vision in which our building industry can transform our communities.

1.
B U I L D R E U S E
A C C R E D I T A T I O N
F O R
D E C O N S T R U C T I O N C O N T R A C T O R S

2. Introduction 3....................................................................................................
Who we are 3.............................................................................................................
Our Vision 3................................................................................................................
Building to Accreditation 4...........................................................................................
Future of Accreditation 5..............................................................................................
Benefits to the Public 6.................................................................................................
Benefits to Local Governments 7...................................................................................
How Accreditation Works 8..........................................................................................
Obtaining Accreditation 11................................................................................
Basic Accreditation Requirements 11.............................................................................
Industry Leader Accreditation Requirements 12..............................................................
Cost of Accreditation 13...............................................................................................
Resources 13.....................................................................................................

3. I N T R O D U C T I O N
W H O W E A R E
Build Reuse is a non-profit organization empowering communities to turn construction and
demolition waste into local resources. For 25 years we have worked to promote
deconstruction and reuse with members across the country doing great things. With the
Build Reuse Accreditation for Deconstruction contractors, we look to build on our history of
education and training as we work towards a new vision in which our building industry can
transform our communities.
O U R V I S I O N
“ T O T R A N S F O R M O U R C O M M U N I T I E S
B Y C R E A T I N G A B U I L D I N G I N D U S T R Y I N
W H I C H U S E D A N D E X C E S S M A T E R I A L S
B E C O M E A N A S S E T T O O U R
C O M M U N I T I E S A N D W A S T E I S N O
L O N G E R A C C E P T A B L E . ”

4. B U I L D I N G T O A C C R E D I T A T I O N
In 2010, Build Reuse, then known as the Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA),
started working with leading practitioners to develop a curriculum for deconstruction. Stage
one of that development was to establish core competencies, from which a textbook and
standardized training resources could be developed. That Fall, with funding from Seattle
Public Utilities, a set of ten core competencies were developed by Bob Falk of the Forest
Products Lab. With the support of two grants from Iowa Central Community college in
2011, work begin to create what is now a 300 plus page textbook on deconstruction. In
addition, developers contributed learning objectives, lesson content, study questions,
assignments and achievement assessments.
Build Reuse continued this work in 2012 with the Kansas
City, MO, based Metropolitan Community College’s
Workforce Development Group. Upgrading the
curriculum and developing full classroom and
demonstration lab resources allowed Build Reuse to offer
two complete courses for deconstruction training, with
full presentation files, student exercises, and practical
lessons to be completed on a live deconstruction site.
This effort produced a written and practical exam that
became the backbone of the Deconstructor Credential.
Since that time, Build Reuse has supported a number of
grant writing efforts to facilitate funding for hosting the
curriculum.
Over the years trainers for Build Reuse have conducted workforce development and
deconstruction for contractor courses around the country. In addition, many other colleges,
trades programs, deconstruction contractors, workforce programs and others have offered
their own trainings. One of the original goals was to build a credential that would be
recognized across the industry. What we have found is that we created barriers within the
credential that made adoption by the industry difficult. With the accreditation program we
are seeking to remove those barriers and improve upon the original ideas of the
deconstructor credential.

5. F U T U R E O F A C C R E D I T A T I O N
The accreditation for deconstruction contractors is just the first of several programs. Build
Reuse understands there is a large part of our membership and industry in which this
program, as explained in this document, will not include. There are Reuse Retail
operations, Non-structural salvage operations, architects, city planners, managers and more,
all of which can and do benefit from events and courses related to deconstruction and reuse.
Moving forward, Build Reuse would like to offer accreditation to Reuse Retail Businesses as
well as the Non-structural Salvage Programs. Build Reuse will work diligently to build
requirements as well as courses within a continuing education program to help push those
programs forward.
For architects, remodelers, city planners
and others who overlap with our
industry, Build Reuse hopes to work
with their professional organizations to
offer approved courses on
deconstruction, salvage and the reuse
economy. We also hope to have all of
these groups represented in Build Reuse
and through our events. Build Reuse
cannot create a circular economy on its
own, it takes awareness, effort and training from everyone along the path.
For those that wish to stay connected and learn more about the future programs as they are
developed follow our social media, sign up for our newsletter and join us at our events.
Visit buildreuse.org to learn more.

6. B E N E F I T S T O T H E P U B L I C
If you had a house that needed to be removed, what would you do? Where would you start?
Would you need to address hazards within the house? Disconnect utilities? Is there
anything that could be salvaged? Who would take those materials? What permits would
you need? How long would it take?
A lot of questions arise on such a big project and you might just find yourself comparing
bids, while not really knowing how one differs from the other. No mater the industry, not
all contractors are the same. Build Reuse maintains a list of Accredited Deconstruction
Contractors whom we can assure, have the combined experience and training necessary to
take on a deconstruction project from start to finish.
Accredited contractors will understand how to:
• Assess projects for salvage potential
• Identify hazards which may require professional abatement
• Remove the structure safely
• Manage materials for their highest and best use
• Create diversion reports and salvage inventories as needed for tax purposes, local
ordinances or green building certifications.
• and much more
By choosing an accredited contractor you can help invest in your community through reuse,
and turn what would be waste into local resources. You can learn more about the
environmental, social, and economic benefits of building material reuse by visiting
buildreuse.org.

7. B E N E F I T S T O L O C A L G O V E R N M E N T S
Communities are taking the lead when it comes to our environment, setting goals that
outpace what the nation as a whole is trying to accomplish. Build Reuse believes that reuse
of building materials must be included as a key component to these sustainability goals. It
is also our belief that reuse is most impactful when implemented locally.
Build Reuse’s Accreditation Program is one tool that can help communities navigate the
shift from the present linear economic models to more sustainable circular economies. The
accreditation program helps community leaders:
• Identify approved deconstruction trainers nationally
• Identify local accredited contractors
• Point to accepted industry standards in policies
• Assist contractors seeking accreditation
• Train, grow and connect local reuse networks
In addition to our accreditation program Build Reuse actively seeks to work with
communities around the nation that wish to transform their community by creating a
building industry in which used and excess materials become an asset and waste is no
longer acceptable. Come see what other communities are doing, connect and share ideas at
buildreuse.org.

8. H O W A C C R E D I T A T I O N W O R K S
Build Reuse recognizes that there are great trainers around the country and our focus,
moving forward, will be on defining the standards and not doing the training ourselves. As
we shift away from doing trainings we are accepting applications from trainers that wish to
have their courses approved by Build Reuse. Build Reuse will maintain a list of approved
trainers and courses on our website. Individuals who successfully complete an approved
course will be recognized by Build Reuse. This helps students promote their skills when
searching for jobs and gives employers the
confidence that the person they are hiring
has quality training.
For the Build Reuse Accreditation for
Deconstruction Contractors, one particular
course will be very important. The course,
“Deconstruction for Contractors.” This
course is designed to teach deconstruction,
demolition, abatement or general
contractors how to run a deconstruction
program. This course will be required for
any contractor lacking more than three
years of full deconstruction experience as
defined in the accreditation requirements.
With the course completed or equivalent deconstruction experience, contractors can apply
to Build Reuse for accreditation. Staff or volunteers for Build Reuse will collect the
applications, review them for any omissions and work with contractors to fill in the missing
pieces. Once complete, applications will be sent to the Build Reuse Accreditation
Committee for final review and approval. This review will happen approximately once per
month or in the case of a large number of applicants, as needed.
Accredited businesses will be allowed to use a special Build Reuse accreditation logo on
their websites and marketing material. Build Reuse will also provide proof of accreditation
to contractors in order to satisfy the needs of clients, governing bodies, or possible funding
partners. To maintain accreditation contractors will need to continue their education and
training. Build Reuse will be launching a continuing education program to satisfy this
requirement in 2020.

9. In addition to CEU's, Build Reuse will require the completion of a shorter application every
two years to maintain accreditation. This will be used to report CEU hours and verify there
have been no changes to staffing, safety, licensure, or certifications that would impact a
company’s accreditation. Build Reuse reserves the right to review the accreditation for any
company at any time during or after the application and approval process.

10. As the industry changes over time Build Reuse may need to change the requirements for
accreditation. In this situation, once the change has been announced, those seeking initial
accreditation at that time will have to meet the new requirements. Those currently
accredited will switch to the new requirements upon their next review. For those set to
renew in the months immediately after a change we will allow for a six-month grace period.

11. O B T A I N I N G A C C R E D I T A T I O N
Build Reuse is here to help contractors become accredited. If for some reason your business
doesn’t initially meet our requirements we will work with you and do our best to support
you in meeting our standards. As our network of accredited contractors grows the level of
trust and support of our industry will grow. We need that growth and strength as well a
diverse group of contractors to help drive innovation within the industry.
After reviewing the requirements below to see if your business is ready for accreditation, the
application for accreditation can be completed online. Contractors should visit: https://
buildreuse.org/accreditation. For ease of use, applications can be started and saved.
Although the ability to upload files is built into the application, due to size restrictions we
may have to request some documents to be emailed. Once you have submitted your
application a Build Reuse staff member or volunteer will reach out to collect any other
necessary documents.
If you have an employee that is currently running workforce trainings or seeking to do so, at
the end of the application you will have the ability to have them submit a Build Reuse
Trainer application. It is important to note, that being accredited does not guarantee
approval will be given as a trainer. The two applications are separate and have their own
review processes and requirements. For those interested in training please take a look at the
Build Reuse Trainers Guide.
B A S I C A C C R E D I T A T I O N R E Q U I R E M E N T S
For the Build Reuse Basic Accreditation. In addition to references, clean safety records,
evidence of a materials management plan, solid leadership and staffing businesses must:
• Comply with licensure requirements within their jurisdiction
• Conduct regular CPR/AED/First-aid training for staff
• Have a least one individual on staff that has passed the Build Reuse Written
Deconstruction for Contractors Exam
• Have experience and education that meets ONE of the following:
- 3 years-experience as abatement, construction or demolition contractor + Build
Reuse Deconstruction for Contractors course
- 3 years full deconstruction experience. Defined here as structural deconstruction of
buildings greater than 600 square feet. Must average 3 structures per year or have
completed over 6,000 square feet over the three years.

12. In addition to our basic accreditation, Build Reuse would like to highlight the best of our
industry and have chosen to do so through a higher level of accreditation. These businesses
will be awarded our Industry Leader Accreditation.
I N D U S T R Y L E A D E R A C C R E D I T A T I O N R E Q U I R E M E N T S
This is for businesses that are dedicated to deconstruction and material salvage. We will
highlight these businesses on our website and encourage all full-time deconstruction
contractors to seek this designation. The application process for Industry Leaders is the
same as the basic accreditation. During review, if you qualify for Industry Leader we will let
you know. In your approval packet you will receive a special Industry Leader Logo to use
with marketing your business.
In addition to great references, great history, businesses should be built on good
management/leadership and must meet the following criteria in addition to the basic
accreditation:
• Must maintain membership with Build Reuse at the Reuse Business level or higher
• 5 + years full deconstruction experience (Construction, abatement or demolition work
does not qualify)
• Should complete an average of 8 houses per year OR average square ft per year should
exceed 15,000
• Minimum EPA RRP certified for all supervisors
• Minimum Asbestos awareness course for all supervisors
• OSHA 30 for supervisory positions
• OSHA 10 for field staff

13. C O S T O F A C C R E D I T A T I O N
Build Reuse doesn’t wish for finances to be a barrier for accreditation. Our hope is that
everyone who ever gains accreditation will also see benefit in becoming a member or
supporter of our organization. We will not require a Build Reuse membership for our basic
accreditation, however, members will receive discounts as a benefit of their added support.
For anyone wishing to obtain our Industry Leader Accreditation you must be a member at
the Build Reuse Business level or higher.
Initial and Bi-Annual Application Fees
Non-members: $300.00
Member (Reuse business or higher): $150.00
These fees will be invoiced at the completion of your application and will need to be paid
prior to your application being sent to committee for final approval. Renewals will happen
every two years with an application that focuses on reporting the work you have done and
training completed through our CEU program.
R E S O U R C E S
Applications for accreditation along with lists of approved trainers, accredited contractors
and training resources such as our Introduction to Deconstruction textbook can be found at
buildreuse.org/accreditation. If you need further help please contact us:
info@buildreuse.org
773.340.2672
PO BOX 28
Great Cranberry Isle, ME 04625