We’re thrilled to feature on Story Homes’ website as a guest contributor, sharing the story of The Rebuild Site and the incredible impact we’ve been able to achieve with their support.
The Rebuild Site is a hub dedicated to giving surplus building materials a second life. Launched in 2021, we aim to reduce waste in the construction industry by diverting perfectly good materials away from skips and into the hands of people and community projects that can use them.
The idea for Rebuild was sparked by the urgent need to tackle waste in the construction industry, which often discards surplus materials due to tight schedules, client changes, or ordering in bulk. Recognizing the opportunity to save these materials and make them accessible to communities, we set out to create a solution that benefits people, the planet, and the industry.
Rebuild now operates from three sites: our largest hub in Carlisle, alongside locations in Workington and Wolverhampton.
From timber, bricks, and plasterboard to paint and tools, the range of materials at Rebuild is diverse and ever-changing. These items are sourced from surplus materials collected from construction sites, ensuring they have a chance to be reused rather than wasted.
Our materials are available to anyone looking for cost-effective and sustainable solutions, including individuals, DIY enthusiasts, community projects, and local businesses.
Contractors play a vital role in reducing industry waste. By working with Rebuild to redirect surplus materials, they not only avoid landfill costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability and local community development. Partners like Story Homes set an inspiring example by supporting us in our mission and helping us grow our impact.
Rebuild’s impact goes far beyond reducing waste. We provide affordable materials for community projects, run workshops to teach reuse skills, and create opportunities for volunteers and employment. Thanks to supporters like Story Homes, we’ve been able to assist schools, refurbish playgrounds, and provide resources to local charities.
Our Carlisle site features a ‘tool library’ which holds tools that people can borrow. They can be loaned for a week at a time and our library holds over 180 items, including hand tools and small power tools, as well as some gardening equipment and bike maintenance equipment. Tools can be expensive and are often used infrequently, so by borrowing ours, people can reduce their carbon impact and save money.
We also host regular sustainable markets and DIY/crafting workshops at our sites, where people can come along and learn a new skill such as wood turning, how to mend clothing and other fabrics, ornament decoration and much more.
The circular economy is all about keeping resources in use for as long as possible. Instead of discarding materials after one use, we find ways to reuse, repurpose, and recycle them. This reduces the need for virgin materials, lowers waste, and promotes sustainability. At Rebuild, we’re proud to champion this approach within the construction industry.
To learn more about Rebuild and how you can get involved, visit our website or follow us on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, where we recently celebrated reaching 10,000 followers!
