Education, Advocacy
+ Training

Empowering communities through sustainable education, advocacy, online +  hands-on training in deconstruction and reuse.

Sustainability is more than a concept for Birch Group, it is the foundation of our work. Through the Birch Group Institute of Sustainability (BGIS), our mission is to educate, inform, and train the next generation of green builders, deconstructors, and community leaders.

For over 30 years, we have been hands-on in the reuse sector reclaiming materials and repurposing.

Now we are teaching others the value of deconstruction and sustainable design. With support from Hennepin County, we’ve created one of the first online structured programs in deconstruction more than five years ago, and today, we continue to expand access to education, advocacy, and workforce training that transforms both people and communities.

OUR TEAM IS EXPERIENCED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

OUR CREW OF EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS HAS OVER 95 YEARS COMBINED CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE.

WE PROVIDE COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO YOUR SALVAGE PROJECT THAT SAVES YOU MONEY.

OUR TEAM IS EXPERIENCED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

reuse salvage deconstruction birch group
deconstruction reuse

The Art of Education through
Hands-On + Online Learning

At Birch Group, education is more than information — it’s mastering a craft. We combine online deconstruction courses with hands-on experience, teaching students from our experts in sustainable construction and material reclamation.

Our courses break barriers, offering access to green building education anytime, anywhere. Real expertise comes from working with materials, seeing their lifecycle, and learning to reimagine their potential.

We don’t just teach deconstruction training, we shape skilled specialists who turn waste into opportunity and build a circular economy, one reclaimed board at a time.

Birch Group Institute of Sustainability
What We Offer

01

Birch Group Institute of Sustainability

Learn from leaders in the reuse sector. Birch Group Institute of Sustainability (BGIS) offers certifications, CE credits, and online courses in deconstruction, materials management, and sustainable design, all taught by experts with decades of experience.
under deconstruction
02

Advocacy + Lecturing Engagements

We amplify sustainability at every level, engaging students, professionals, and communities. From high schools to architecture firms, Birch Group brings awareness and practical solutions that make reuse a standard, not a specialty.
under deconstruction
03

Deconstruction
Academy

Deconstruction Academy, started the first ever online + hands-on learning and training program. Every project creates jobs, every session builds skills, and every worker we mentor strengthens the future workforce. Our programs provides long-term careers.
sign-up now!

Birch Group’s Certified Deconstruction Program provides a progressive, hands-on training pathway for individuals pursuing careers in sustainable construction and deconstruction. The program combines immersive instruction, practical field experience, and green building education to prepare participants for success in the sustainable construction industry.

Why Choose BGIS?

Deconstruction Academy: Course Structure

1. Introduction to Deconstruction and Salvage
This introductory course (also known as DECON 101) provides participants with essential knowledge and skills to understand the principles of deconstruction and sustainable design. Trainees learn the basics of safely and efficiently disassembling structures, identifying reusable materials, and applying construction and demolition waste management practices. Upon completion, participants receive a Deconstruction 101 Certification, demonstrating their foundational understanding of the trade and readiness to progress to Certified Deconstruction programs
2. Deconstruction Specialist Certification - Advanced Practices
2. Deconstruction Specialist Certification – Advanced Practices

Building on Deconstruction 101, the Deconstruction Specialist Certification is a two-week immersive program designed for trainees ready to deepen their knowledge. Participants explore advanced deconstruction techniques, material recovery strategies, and sustainable construction practices. Graduates of this course earn a Specialist Certification, reflecting a higher level of expertise in the field.

 

Different than a college or university, the Birch Group Institute of Sustainability offers practical, flexible, applied education with instructors who have direct, hands-on experience in their field.

– Petrina Rhines / Founder

 

In parallel, trainees complete 10 strategic seminar modules over 16 weeks, designed to integrate sustainability principles, industry standards, and organizational culture:

1. Sustainability Orientation 
Understand the meaning of sustainability and how to apply it in personal and professional contexts.

2. LEED Orientation 
Learn the LEED rating system, with emphasis on recycling demolition waste, material reuse, regional sourcing, and sustainable construction practices.

3. Birch Group Values
 Explore the mission, culture, and triple-bottom-line philosophy that define Birch Group as a social enterprise.

4. Ten Additional Modules
Cover advanced sustainable building practices, material reclamation strategies, safety leadership, career development, and professional project management.

 

2. Flexible, Cutting-Edge Learning
Be part of the nation’s first online deconstruction certification program, paired with immersive hands-on training and CE credits to advance your skills and career.
3. Build a Sustainable Career
Gain practical knowledge that supports the circular economy, creates jobs, and positions you as a leader in reclaiming materials, sustainable building, and reuse practices.
4. Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Deconstruction Academy:

- Are equipped to safely and efficiently deconstruct structures.
- Can identify, recover, and repurpose valuable building materials.
- Possess advanced technical skills, OSHA-compliant safety knowledge, and sustainable construction expertise.
- Are prepared for careers in green construction, material reclamation, and sustainable housing development.
- Earn CE credits, Micro-credential and job placement with our industry partners.
Screenshot 2025-09-13 at 6.34.02 PM ”

Jason Chambers

Online + Hands-on Learning | BGIS
Taking the deconstruction class taught me so much about how buildings can be taken apart in a safe and responsible way. I learned the difference between demolition and deconstruction, and how materials can be reused instead of thrown away. The hands-on activities made it easy to understand the process, and I enjoyed working with my classmates as a team. This class showed me that construction and deconstruction are not just about building, but also about protecting the environment and making smart choices for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

You must be over the age of 17 with a Diploma or GED to attend.

We have scholarships available for different tiers in your green career journey? We also have free classes we offer monthly. Reach out for more information.

It depends on the program and course you are looking to enter. We have 3 Certifications and each training is different. 

Go to: www.deconstructionacademy.org and sign-up for more info.

 The Academy is a Certified Deconstruction Program offering hands-on and online deconstruction courses for careers in sustainable construction and deconstruction.

Our programs are open to anyone interested in sustainable construction and deconstruction, including individuals seeking careers as sustainable home builders or in demolition waste management.

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