In today’s article, we highlight two companies that take distinct yet complementary approaches to material reuse in construction: Reempro and Coliseum. Both are carving out new pathways in sustainable practices and addressing a critical need within the reuse value chain.
Reempro: Efficient Deconstruction and Material Recovery
Based in northern France and now expanding into the Benelux, Reempro is dedicated to giving materials a second life through selective deconstruction. Under Pedro’s guidance, Reempro’s team follows a careful, preservation-focused methodology when dismantling. Instead of the conventional demolition approach, Reempro’s selective deconstruction allows for the recovery and reconditioning of reusable materials such as bricks, timber, and even electrical wiring.
For construction professionals seeking to minimise project costs and environmental impact, Reempro offers an accessible supply of reclaimed materials sourced from site clearances and surplus stock. By purchasing these materials instead of new ones, companies can reduce waste and carbon footprints while supporting a circular economy.
A distinctive feature of Reempro’s service is its tracking of carbon impact avoided through reuse and certifications provided after each project. These certifications quantify the CO₂ emissions saved and offer a clear record of the environmental benefits achieved. This transparency supports clients in meeting corporate social responsibility goals and integrating sustainability metrics into project planning. Beyond this, Reempro also emphasises social inclusion by training individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, allowing them to gain practical skills in deconstruction and material recovery.
Coliseum: Simplifying Access to Circular Construction Materials
While Reempro focuses on the physical recovery of materials, Coliseum takes a different but equally impactful approach: making reclaimed materials more accessible and attractive to the market. Founded by cousins Marc-Antoine and Barthélemy, Coliseum aims to reduce construction’s carbon footprint by addressing the industry’s high levels of material waste. With their construction and client services backgrounds, they saw firsthand the challenges and complexities that often deter companies from adopting circular practices.
Coliseum’s mission is to make reclaimed and surplus materials easy to source and economical, creating a viable alternative to new materials. The platform acts as a specialised sourcing agent, connecting projects with materials such as reclaimed wood, surplus metal, and repurposed fixtures. Coliseum’s approach is grounded in simplicity and accessibility, two elements it sees as essential for the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in construction.
Coliseum recognises the urgent need to shift to more sustainable building practices in a sector responsible for around 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While energy-efficient buildings are increasingly common, they note that construction methods still need to be more resource-intensive. Large volumes of usable materials are often discarded after a single project. By promoting reuse, Coliseum helps extend the life of these materials, preventing them from ending up in landfills and reducing the demand for newly extracted resources.
The Role of Reuse in Sustainable Construction
Reempro and Coliseum address different aspects of reuse, but their efforts are rooted in the same goal: to advance a circular economy in construction. Reuse reduces waste, lowers the industry’s carbon footprint, and offers an alternative to the energy-intensive production of new materials. For instance, Reempro’s selective deconstruction captures a broad range of materials that can be used in future projects. At the same time, Coliseum’s sourcing service enables designers and builders to locate unique or hard-to-find items that meet specific design requirements.
The value of these reuse solutions is evident, especially as environmental regulations and CSR guidelines increasingly call for more resource-efficient practices. By facilitating reuse, both companies offer practical solutions to the logistical and economic barriers that often hinder sustainable material use in construction.
Looking Forward: Innovation and Integration in the Reuse Chain
The reuse economy within construction continues to evolve, and the contributions of Reempro and Coliseum highlight the potential of adaptable, creative solutions. Reempro’s impact measurement and social inclusion initiatives integrate reuse with quantifiable social and environmental benefits, providing a replicable model for other companies. Coliseum’s commitment to simplifying access to circular materials adds another layer of accessibility, encouraging the wider industry to integrate reuse practices into project planning.
Reempro and Coliseum demonstrate the critical role of reuse in sustainable construction, each addressing a specific barrier within the sector. As reuse continues to gain traction, these companies’ work shows how resource-efficient construction can move from concept to reality, offering a practical path toward lower-carbon building practices. For those aiming to reduce their projects’ environmental impact, the possibilities of reuse offer cost and carbon savings while supporting a greener, more sustainable future for the industry.