A seat at the table
We secure young people a genuine voice alongside the established leaders setting the direction of sustainable building.
The Green Mission Inc. · Youth Coalition
A seat at the table for the next generation of sustainable building.
The Youth Coalition for Sustainable Building brings young voices into deconstruction, material reuse, and the circular economy. We are giving students and emerging professionals the platform they deserve to help reshape how the world builds.
Meet the coalition below
Why we exist
An industry that shapes the planet should hear from the people inheriting it.
Buildings and their materials carry an enormous footprint. Deconstruction and reuse keep that value in circulation instead of in a landfill. Our coalition was built to put young people at the center of that work, with real research, real partnerships, and a real voice in the movement.
Champion deconstruction
We promote careful deconstruction and reuse over demolition, so that buildings give their materials a second life.
Connect the field
We link students and emerging professionals with USGBC, Build Reuse, reuse retailers, ESG professionals, and nonprofits.
Do the real research
Our members build secondary-market valuations for salvaged building materials that make charitable reuse possible.
Educate our peers
We use social media and community outreach to show our generation the everyday benefits of reuse and thoughtful building.
Bring fresh perspective
We carry next-generation thinking into an industry that has long needed younger eyes on its biggest questions.
What the coalition does
We carry the conversation in both directions.
The coalition brings sustainable building and the larger ESG conversation into the members' own spheres of influence, at their high schools and universities. In turn, the members bring back to us the issues that matter most to people their age.
●Affordable housing
●Sustainability
●Landfills too full
Outreach and education
Beyond research, the coalition builds community. Members spend focused time each day finding, following, and engaging with the people and organizations moving reuse forward, growing an audience for sustainable building one conversation at a time.
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Meet the coalition
The students and emerging professionals pulling up a chair.
This coalition was inspired by the vision of Lucy Dahl, who believed young people belonged in the rooms where the future of building is decided. Here is the team carrying that vision forward.
Coalition visionary
Lucy Dahl
Penn State, first year
Lucy brought the coalition to life. A gifted graphic designer and writer, she carries her love of sustainability from the next generation's perspective and believes young people deserve a powerful platform to reshape the future of building.
Peer educator
Kelsey Dahl
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
A natural leader passionate about teaching her peers the real-world benefits of sustainable practices. Kelsey is Vice President of the BCC Moves dance team, a National Honor Society member, and active in Best Buddies, Kits to Heart, and Barons for Change.
Policy and law
Emma Brunner
University of Oregon, Clark Honors College
A sophomore studying Political Science with a minor in Sports Business, focused on sustainability and environmental law. Emma examines how legislation can drive long-term sustainable impact and youth-led climate justice movements.
Research intern
Mirabel Oti
Stafford High School, rising junior
Committed to healthcare, youth empowerment, and environmental responsibility. Mirabel contributes to the Indian Legend Yearbook, tutors with GapBuster, and joins the Teen Enrichment Network, exploring how sustainable choices build stronger communities.
Founder, Stafford Dreamwise
Annabelle Marschall
Eleventh grade
An eleventh grade student and the founder of Stafford Dreamwise, Annabelle pairs a builder's instinct for starting things with a commitment to opportunity and sustainability in her community.
Visit Stafford Dreamwise →
Coalition member
Juliette Lee
Youth Coalition for Sustainable Building
Juliette contributes to the coalition's secondary-market research and outreach, helping document the value of reclaimed materials and grow the audience for reuse.
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Coalition member
Lily Brunner
Youth Coalition for Sustainable Building
Lily supports the coalition's research and education efforts, bringing energy to the work of bringing young perspectives into sustainable building.
The table we are pulling up to
Working alongside the leaders of the reuse economy.
The coalition exists to connect young people with the established players already advancing deconstruction and sustainable building.
■USGBC
■Build Reuse
■Reuse organizations
■Deconstruction contractors
■Reuse retailers
■ESG professionals
■Nonprofits
Give the next generation a platform
Ready to claim your seat at the table?
We welcome students, emerging professionals, and sustainability advocates who want to bring fresh perspective to an industry that shapes our planet and our communities. Join us as we reshape the future of building.