Link to Video - https://1drv.ms/f/s!AhqRBVpFuI9rgpUVb-tXKAbJHQJe2w
Imagine sustainability practices that can help drastically reduce the estimated 600 million tons of construction waste headed to U.S. landfills each year while developing viable training and educational programs that close the 500,000 skilled labor gap.
Hancock Academy’s mission is to engage and support a new generation of skilled tradespeople that can empower the workforce of the future. We intend to build a vibrant economy, community, and a more sustainable environment.
We plan to do this in part by establishing a Wood Reuse Network (WRN) - an innovative concept for a nationwide system to maximize the reuse of salvaged wood from construction and demolition (C&D) activities. The WRN integrates multiple stakeholders from government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and communities and provides a centralized infrastructure for salvaging, processing, and distributing wood waste on a national level. This initiative creates new economic opportunities, reduces environmental impact, and fosters community resilience.
To establish the Wood Reuse Network (WRN) supply chain nationally, we must:
1. Set up centralized hubs to collect and process salvaged wood.
2. Use advanced technologies to sort and categorize the wood.
3. Create an online platform to connect sellers with potential buyers/recipients.
4. Build partnerships to promote wood reuse.
5. Offer resources, workshops, and certification programs.
6. Advocate for supportive policies and incentives for wood reuse.
7. Implement a monitoring framework to track salvaged and reused wood through the WRN.
Hancock Academy is committed to a circular economy where businesses are profitable, jobs are plentiful, communities are thriving, and the environment is protected. We aim to expand the trade industry, provide higher-paying job opportunities, connect with and enhance communities, and promote environmental sustainability. We believe this innovative business model can create a chance to fund our efforts and support people from the community entering the trades and economy while protecting the environment.
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