Sustainability Through Renovation: Reusing Built Assets at MI-HQ East

​When we talk about sustainability in the built environment, new construction often gets the attention. Renovation and reuse are just as important, but they tend to involve more complexity, uncertainty, and tradeoffs.

​In this session, Mark Smith will share the ongoing journey of renovating MI-HQ East and the decisions involved in adapting an existing structure to support Michigan’s life sciences and innovation community. In addition to reusing the building itself, MI-HQ salvages and reuses equipment and materials from other sites, reducing project costs while limiting the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new goods.

​The conversation will focus on the tradeoffs and practical choices that arise when sustainability becomes a core part of the renovation process, and how adaptive reuse and material salvage can meaningfully reduce emissions compared to new construction.