Accommodating change in existing buildings on a college campus or in a school district is challenging, but manageable. The key to successful adaptive reuse is thoughtful and thorough decision-making. Why consider recycling existing buildings? There are many reasons, including limited institutional resources, the increasing cost of new construction, and a commitment to sustainable design principles. Before an education institution decides to add new space, the planning process should determine whether existing square footage is being used efficiently and effectively. At the heart of any planning effort are two critical questions: (1) How well do the existing buildings accommodate and support the functions they house?; and (2) What is that building's highest and best use for the institution? This article explains the factors to be considered when schools and universities recycle existing buildings.