April 9, 2013

Just added to our Photo Gallery: Sonoma, Santa Monica and Malibu Home Deconstructions

More Photo Galleries Added

April 20, 2012

We are thrilled to be included in OC Metro Magazine's Green Team! OC Metro recognized 25 OC green businesses and we are some very impressive company. Check out the April issue of OC Metro or click the link below to read our feature. Also, visit our Photo Gallery for photos from the Green Team reception held earlier this week.

DRN Featured in OC Metro Green Team issue (April 2012)

The Reuse Conference and Expo is a bi-annual event held by the Reuse Alliance*, a national nonprofit working to increase awareness of reuse by educating the public about the social, environmental and economic benefits of reuse.

Visit our blog to read our five reasons to attend this worthwhile event.

New Blog: 5 Reasons to Attend the 2nd Annual Reuse Conference & Expo - October 18-20, 2012 in Portland, Oregon

June 8, 2011

New Photo Gallery: Charitable ReUse of Lumber helps Corazon build a community center in Canon Carretas MX

Corazon Builds Community Center in Canon Carretas MX Using Salvaged Lumber

March 31, 2011

Today, DRN is co-hosting the first So Cal ReUse Summit with the Reuse Alliance in City of Industry. California carpet manufacturer Bentley Prince Street is hosting the event in its LEED-EB Silver certified carpet mill. We are expecting 50 reuse professionals including representatives from SUSTAIN LA, BURBANK GREEN ALLIANCE, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE OF SO CALIFORNIA, BENTLEY PRINCE STREET, ECOVATIONS, CITY OF SANTA MONICA, REUSE PEOPLE OF AMERICA, LA COUNTY DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS and EPA. Following today's summit, we'll be posting findings on this site and you can follow along during the conversation live on Twitter with the hashtag #reusesummit.

Overlooking the famous Chateau Marmont, this Los Angeles full deconstruction saw some nice kitchen cabinets, plantation shutters and several hundred sq feet of hardwood flooring among the items donated for ReUse.

New Photo Gallery: Hollywood HIlls Home Deconstruction

November 9, 2010

Five recently completed home deconstruction projects have been documented and added to our Photo Gallery. View homes being deconstructed in Tiburon, Belvedere, Santa Rosa and San Francisco to see how deconstruction works and why charitable reuse helps communities and saves energy.

Photo Gallery: 5 Deconstruction Projects in Bay Area

November 9, 2010

Deconstruction and Reuse Network have been working hard on three deconstruction projects in Southern California. Photos documenting 1 home in Rolling Hills and 2 in Manhattan Beach have now been added to the photo gallery. Deconstruction and ReUse Network will ensure that the donations from all three of these homes will be put to charitable ReUse. 

Just Added to the Photo Gallery: 3 New Deconstruction Projects in Southern California

October 28, 2010

San Mateo, CA - October 28, 2010: San Mateo County has contributed more than ten tons of surplus assets to poverty relief in Jamaica from demolition of its Hillcrest Juvenile Detention Center.

The County opened a new juvenile center in 2006, replacing a structure dating from the 1940s. The County took all the furniture it could use in the new facility, and gave away more to other agencies and local charities. But there was still some usable furniture and equipment left over. In addition to an assortment of desks and tables and other movable items, there were some bulky pieces that needed special disassembly and handling, including a walk-in freezer and roof-mounted solar panels.

The old building was scheduled for demolition this summer. The County has an aggressive policy to reuse or recycle as much as possible from every project. Project Manager Mike Ramirez made a connection with IRN – the Institution Recycling Network, which matches usable surplus with a network of U.S. and international charities for relief and development projects. IRN told Ramirez they could pull the surplus out of the building and find it a new home.

It was a challenging project. The building was a maze of hallways with long carry distances and only one point for truck access. In the years since 2006 it has been a training site for local fire crews, who wrecked walls and ceilings, broke down doors, and generally left the place in shambles. There was no water, no lights, and no electricity. And with paperwork and schedule delays, the County was left with only three days to empty the old assets before abatement contractors got on site.

But it got done. IRN connected with Deconstruction and Reuse Network from San Francisco to disassemble the solar panels and other built-ins, and Graebel, Inc. from San Jose to move the smaller pieces of surplus. Over three days in June the surplus was moved and packed for shipment. One crew on the roof with a crane dismounted and dropped the solar panels to the ground. Another crew took apart the freezer, dismounted doors, and took down wall-mounted cabinets and blackboards. Movers shuttled back and forth taking everything to a shipping container outside the back door. By the end of Day 3 just about everything that could possibly be used again had been moved and packed.

In late September the County saw the final results – photos of San Mateo surplus in Jamaica and in use. Says Project Manager Ramirez, “One item really stood out. It was an old stainless steel sink unit. We could barely get it out the door and it took about eight guys to get it into the trailer. We really had to ask if it was worth it. Then we got photos back of the sink all polished up, in a school for the blind in Jamaica. That gave us our answer: Yes, it was really worth it.”

Ramirez adds that the project was smart financially as well. “We had to move all the stuff anyway to prepare for abatement,” he says. “And once it was out of the building, it was just as easy to load trailers for reuse than throw it in dumpsters. Apart from some extra planning and management, there was really no extra cost. Combine that with the environmental benefit and the knowledge that we helped some really needy people, and it was one hundred percent the right thing to do.”

XXX END XXX

A case study of this project can be found at:
www.irnsurplus.com/docs/San%20Mateo%20Hillcrest%20Case%20Study%20DR1%202010-07.pdf

Photos of the Hillcrest sink going grave-to-cradle from Hillcrest to a school in Jamaica are at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/recycling.network/GraveToCradleSanMateoHillcrestSink#

USA Today recently reported that recycling homes is becoming a booming enterprise, citing a trend toward deconstruction rather than demolition. One of our competitors and my former colleague, Ted Reiff, goes on to mention that the heightened interest may be due to stimulus funding.

BLOG POST: Recycling Homes Should be a Matter of Conscience, Not Stimulus Money

EVENT DETAILS:
Building Awareness & Inspiring Change
Saturday, April 24, 2010
11:00 to 5:00
Downtown Napa at Veterans Park
Presented by:
The Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County

Stop by and meet T.R. Vierra, DRN Bay Area Associate, and find out more about the services and programs DRN has to offer Napa residents. Celebrate Earth Day by learning how smart building choices can make a difference.

T.R.Vierra
800-587-7630 ext. 208
tr@reusenetwork.org

March 23, 2010

Check out this article by our own TR Viera (a SF Examiner):

As we look toward a future with mandatory green building ordinances in California and elsewhere, one critical construction component is often overlooked - - site preparation. Regardless of the property – whether there is a pre-existing structure or simply an open field – site preparation typically signals the start of the actual construction process.

http://www.examiner.com/x-41482-SF-Green-Business-Examiner~y2010m3d23-Deconstruction--The-Green-Alternative-to-Demolition#

January 15, 2010

Just added to Photo Gallery: Building in Baja with Corazon. Donated materials were used to build this school - see if you recognize the famous blue roof tiles!

Building a High School in Baja with Corazon

November 17, 2009

Tim Smith learned about Deconstruction from his architect and his golfing mate. Tim was initially hesitant about the extra time deconstruction would take but ultimately decided it was silly to spend extra money in the long run to throw materials into the landfill or recycle when reuse and donation clearly made more financial sense for his project. Working with Tim has been great. He’s the nicest guy. All of us at DRN suggest you get your next vehicle at Bob Smith BMW in Calabasas, which Tim Smith just happens to own.

LaCanada-Flintridge Home Deconstruction & Donation

December 4, 2009

Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork founder, Lorenz Schilling, shows you how to recycle a house in this video from the site of a home under deconstruction in Manhattan Beach, CA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbbPYM7O3Wc

November 9, 2009

Deconstruction began August 2009 with Tim Greenleaf Engineering. Beautiful Balboa Peninsula home is being remodeled by general contractor Mark Lockwood and its homeowners chose deconstruction and reuse. This home had a great deal of antique and rustic light fixtures and plumbing fixtures as well as professional grade appliances which were donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Garden Grove. Great double hung windows from 1928 were donated to Silverlake Architectural Salvage.

November 16, 2009

General contractor Doron Naiem started his first residential green building endeavor in the Palisades, choosing deconstruction over traditional demolition on the Newton residence. This home had lots of great lumber, doors, hardwood flooring, brick and more that was salvaged and donated for reuse.

Just Added to Photo Gallery: Pacific Pallisades Home Deconstruction

November 9, 2009

This Deconstruction & ReUse project is in Palos Verdes, California and includes a nearly complete teardown (few small retaining walls remain) of a 5,328 square foot single family home, circa 1979. The total donation will include over 500 square feet of marble tile; 2,000+ square feet of reusable carpeting; appliances; kitchen & bath fixtures, cabinets & vanities; interior and exterior doors; light fixtures; other finished materials and salvaged lumber.

Visit our photo gallery to view photos of this Palos Verdes home before, during and after the deconstruction and donation process.

Palos Verdes Home Recycled

November 12, 2009

Working with Larry Murakami Contracting on a Manhattan Beach property circa 1936. The main house (1,836 sq ft) will be deconstructed to framing & the garage (576 sq ft) will be completely deconstructed including framing. Building materials to be donated include: appliances; water heater; kitchen & bath cabinets, vanities, fixtures; interior and exterior doors; stained glass windows; portion of original hardwood floors; interior wood paneling; framing lumber and more.

http://www.reusenetwork.org/rn-gallery/catalog.php?categ_id=16

November 24, 2009

In October 2009, McKecnzie-Gray Construction deconstructed a 5,500 Square foot ranch style home in Atherton, California. The homeowners chose to reuse their home’s valuable resources through Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork including redwood siding, double pane wooden casement windows, oak wood flooring, panel name brand appliances with matching cabinets and double pane French doors with side lights.

Just Added to Photo Gallery: Home Deconstruction & Donated Items in Atherton, CA

October 30, 2009

DRN Founder Lorenz Schilling was interviewed by Meet the Planet's radio show Sunday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. PST. Recording was done at West Coast Green 2009. (No archive currently available)

November 16, 2009

DRN Board Member Matt Macko’s company, Environmental Building Strategies http://www.EBSconsultants.net was featured in the LEEDS School of Business Alumni publication.

Click below to view article.

Board Member Matt Macko Featured in the LEEDS School of Business Alumni Publication

If you missed it live, here's the archive of Garden Gossip Radio's interview with Lorenz Schilling & Jared Walker Dostie (HGTV's Rate My Space)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/big-blend-radio/2009/08/08/garden-gossip-green-home-improvement

July 14, 2009

Lorenz Schilling appeared on CNN Local Edition with Brad Pomerance to discuss Deconstruction & ReUse Network.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NM7CBKNWZI

November 10, 2009

06/2009 Punchouse Project, Santa Monica, CA
The Punchouse (http://punchouse.com/HOME.html) project in Santa Monica was going for 100% diversion, and they may have pulled it off! They took their time and did a meticulous job in source separating all materials to achieve the maximum in reuse and recycling. SMK Construction did the deconstruction, but DRN was in the area to pick up the lumber donation and deliver it to Corazon!

Punchouse Project in Santa Monica - Aims for 100% Waste Diversion

Deconstruction & ReUse Network helps Homeowner go "Green" by Donating Salvaged Items to Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A.

Laguna Beach, CA – Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN), an environmental and humanitarian non-profit, is assisting a Manhattan Beach homeowner in the dismantling of a nearly 3,000 square-foot home and facilitating the donations of all reclaimed building materials for reuse.

Now you can support our mission by sharing content and photos with us on Facebook. Become a fan today!

Become our Fan on Facebook

Last week NonProfitAwareness.com featured us! (No archive currently available)

Great video about...well, Stuff!

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

January 13, 2009

California Leads Nation in Recycling at 58% Waste Diversion

December 10, 2008

Our founder/president, Lorenz Schilling was on "5900 Wilshire" in late December 2008. The community affairs program airs at 7:30 am on 100.3 FM The Sound hosted by Mike Powers.

Click here to listen to the interview

November 15, 2008

The Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an official eBay Giving Works charity, which means you can designate 10-100% of your eBay auction sale price be donated to our non-profit. Also, we just added a DONATE button to the website - via Paypal - and we welcome all donations, large or small. Thank you for your continued support & for thinking “Outside the Roll-Off.”

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued its 2009 “dirty dozen” list of tax scams, including schemes involving phishing, hiding income offshore and false claims for refunds.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206370,00.html

Lorenz Schilling Interview on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" show from October 24, 2008.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nature-connection/2008/10/24/the-nature-connection-

February 7, 2013

Salvaged Building Materials Donated to help Build Affordable Housing

Hermosa Beach, CA – February 7, 2013: Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN), an environmental and social benefit organization, recently assisted Bonnie MacLeod and Dr. David Brunner of Hermosa Beach with the deconstruction of her 1930s home for reuse and recycling. DRN develops programs for property owners to ensure structures slated for remodel or tear down will be reused and recycled. Deconstruction is environmentally practical and, in most cases, provides property owners with significant tax deductions. Most projects are completed in three weeks or less.

Situated a few blocks from the ocean in Hermosa Beach, this 1,200 square-foot home was built in 1931. The one-story home, which included a basement, yielded nearly 6.5 tons of reusable rough lumber (made up of mostly old growth, true dimensional wood,) 4,500 bricks, 300 clay roof tiles, 1,000 square-feet of hardwood flooring, numerous windows, doors, and vintage light fixtures. Once again DRN partnered with Larry Murakami Contracting to deconstruct this home.

Proper planning is the key to successful deconstruction, yet often times it is the last thing a homeowner thinks about. That is where DRN comes in. According to DRN President Lorenz Schilling, “A typical home can yield as much as 85% diversion through reuse and recycling. With traditional home demolition, materials that can and should be repurposed are sent to the local landfill. Deconstruction is a responsible and effective solution for the environment and it benefits the community.”

MacLeod said: “I was fascinated by the whole process of deconstruction and impressed by the quantity and quality of the materials salvaged from my home.” As General Contractor, MacLeod plans to incorporate deconstruction into all her future projects, adding, “We need to educate homebuilders with the benefits of recycling materials and decrease the demand for new building products that may otherwise be easily substituted. If we can convey to our clients the tax equivalent savings, and attempt to make up the two weeks of deconstruction with savings elsewhere, I believe we can incorporate deconstruction as part of our business platform with being a steward of the environment.”

DRN’s South Bay representative Kristiaan Vergel-de-Dios began the process by identifying and inventorying all reusable (and donation worthy) items in the home. Next, Larry Murakami Contracting carefully dismantled the home and organized all salvageable materials under Vergel-de-Dios’ direction. DRN’s local reuse partner-venue Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ ReStore in Gardena received the salvaged building materials for resale and reuse within the community and to help fund affordable housing.

To view photos please visit our photo gallery.

DRN is an environmental and social benefit 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting and empowering deconstruction practices and the reuse of quality building materials through collaboration. The organization endeavors to secure continued life for reusable items in order to reduce waste. DRN facilitates charitable reuse of surplus property and building materials through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity affiliates in California, and the housing ministry, Corazón.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental and social benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

# # #
Lorenz Schilling
DRN
T: 562-307-6065
Lorenz@reusenetwork.org

Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

http://www.reusenetwork.org/press_room.php

October 11, 2011

Home’s Building Materials have been Donated for ReUse by Local Non-Profits

San Francisco, CA -- October 11, 2011: Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN), an environmental and humanitarian non-profit, recently assisted Martin & Theresa Mariani, a local Walnut Farmer & Teacher in Winters, California, with the deconstruction of their home for reuse and recycling. Deconstruction is environmentally practical and, in most cases, provides property owners with significant tax deductions.

The Mariani project was a the full deconstruction of three structures: a 4,389 sq ft house, a 680 sq ft garage built in 1983 and a 1920's era pool house. DRN develops programs for property owners to ensure structures slated for remodel or tear down will be reused and recycled. Most projects are completed in 3 weeks or less.

According to DRN President Lorenz Schilling, “A typical home can yield as much as 85% diversion through reuse and recycling. With traditional home demolition, tons of materials are sent to the local landfill, the majority of which can be reused in their current state in other homes. Deconstruction is a win-win for the environment and the community.”

Ned Forrest, the Architect for the project, contacted DRN’s Northern California Development Director Nicole Tai to begin the process of identifying and inventorying all reusable (and donation worthy) items in the Mariani’s home. Next, General Contractor Grendahl Construction brought in All Cal Demolition, a deconstruction contractor new to DRN, which carefully dismantled the home and organized all salvageable materials under Tai’s direction.

Tai notes that the deconstruction crew was especially suited for this work because the owner of All Cal, Bobby Trujillo, had first hand experience with salvaged materials. “Bobby was a dream to work with - he listened to all my directions and offered more custom solutions in some cases! I really had a great time working with this team - everyone was so dedicated to reuse, and it showed”.

The salvaged building materials included redwood and steel fencing, lumber, windows, doors, cabinetry, pool equipment and other fixed assets in the structures. After removing sheetrock from the living room, they discovered an entire ceiling of 2” thick tongue and groove knotty pine that was added to the donation. Many of these items were donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore Sacramento to be reused in the community and to fund more affordable housing.

DRN is an environmental and social benefit 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting and empowering deconstruction practices and the reuse of quality building materials through collaboration. The organization endeavors to secure continued life for reusable items in order to reduce waste. DRN facilitates charitable reuse of surplus property and building materials through partnerships with IRN – The Recycling Network, Habitat for Humanity affiliates in California, and the housing ministry, Corazón.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental and social benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org


# # #
View Photos here

Media Contacts:
Lorenz Schilling
DRN
T: 562-307-6065
Lorenz@reusenetwork.org

Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

http://www.reusenetwork.org/press_room.php

Non-Profit offers Comprehensive Charitable ReUse Solutions for Building Materials & Surplus Salvage in California

Santa Monica, CA – May 6, 2011: Alt Build Expo in Santa Monica is one of the most established Green events in the country and each year it attracts industry professionals, homeowners and experts from all areas of environmental responsibility. At this year’s expo May 6 and 7, 2011, Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN) will be highlighting its expanded services, which includes charitable reuse solutions for surplus materials. DRN now offers the most comprehensive charitable reuse solutions for building materials and surplus salvage in California. Attendees are invited to “Think outside the Roll-off” with DRN in Booth #48.
“Alt Build is just great because the City of Santa Monica and its residents are conscious of their environmental impact and really receptive to learning about new and creative environmental solutions, like the ones DRN and other innovative exhibitors at the expo provide,” says Lorenz Schilling, president and founder of DRN. “We are thrilled to have Corazón with us this year to demonstrate the humanitarian benefits of charitable reuse, in addition to its environmental benefits.”
DRN is an environmental and social benefit 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting and empowering deconstruction practices and the reuse of quality building materials through collaboration. The organization endeavors to secure continued life for reusable items in order to reduce waste. DRN facilitates charitable reuse of surplus property and building materials through partnerships with IRN – The Recycling Network, Habitat for Humanity affiliates in California, and the housing ministry, Corazón.
Corazón is a bi-national U.S./Mexico non-profit organization with a proven track record at building homes, while strengthening families and emerging communities in Baja California. Corazón works to develop self-sufficient, cohesive and safer neighborhoods through a variety of means. Corazón provides educational scholarships to children, and vocational and essential life-skills training to adults. Representatives from Corazón will be exhibiting with DRN to share photos and videos that demonstrate exactly how building materials donated through DRN have been and can be used to build homes, schools, community centers, and good will in Baja California.
As a non-profit, DRN is committed to educating others about the critical role of reuse in sustainability, therefore they are asking attendees to Alt Build Expo to stop by their booth #48 anytime during the show to record a message for the world with tips to “Think outside the Roll-off!” The video will be featured on DRN’s website and blog, appropriately named Thinking Outside the Roll-off.
About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental and social benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org
# # #
Media Contact:
Angela Moore, Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

Deconstruction & Reuse Network Advocates ReUse over Recycling at 8th Annual Alt Build Expo

January 27, 2011

San Diego, CA – January 27, 2011: Humanitarian and advocate for sustainable building, Kathy Faller has joined the Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN) team in San Diego. DRN is an environmental and social benefit non-profit dedicated to furthering the reuse of building materials and salvage while educating people about its advantages. As a Program Manager for San Diego County, Ms. Faller will serve as a valuable resource for local property owners who are remodeling, rebuilding and considering deconstruction. Her goal is to increase the charitable reuse of salvaged and surplus materials in San Diego County.
“With Kathy’s first-hand experience and shared commitment, she is a great fit for our organization,” says Lorenz Shilling, DRN’s president/founder. “We are pleased to welcome her to the DRN team and confident that with her help we will grow our business in San Diego.”
Ms. Faller first became involved with DRN through her humanitarian activities in Mexico, where she has been serving communities since 1998. While building a home in Mexico, Ms. Faller learned of DRN through one of its partners, Corazon, and began utilizing much of the salvaged lumber and materials that had been donated for reuse. One of her notable ReUse projects was a community center in Colonia Carretas.
“I’m thrilled to represent DRN in San Diego and am hoping to really make a difference here,” says Faller. “I know that there are people out there who want to make the environmentally and socially conscious choice when it comes to remodeling and my goal is to help them understand how simple it can be and why it’s beneficial on so many levels.”
Ms. Faller’s first-hand experience reusing building materials, along with twenty years of experience in corporate finance and manufacturing, makes her a welcomed addition to the DRN team. She is an advocate of sustainable deconstruction, and is committed to the reuse of salvaged building materials. A practice that ensures continued life for reusable items, rather than being disposed of in local landfills. DRN facilitates charitable reuse of surplus property and building materials through partnerships with Institutional Recycling Network, Habitat for Humanity and Corazon.
About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental and social benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org
# # #
Media Contact:
Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

Download the Press Release

Kathy Faller Determined to Help San Diego County Increase its Deconstruction & Charitable Reuse

January 12, 2011

Three Reuse Leaders Extend Commitment to Sustainability, Join National Reuse Nonprofit

New York, NY – January 12, 2011: Lorenz Schilling of the Deconstruction and Reuse Network; Mary Ann Remolador of the Reuse Marketplace; and Joe Connell of Habitat for Humanity ReStores of Portland Metro Area, are furthering their commitment to the reuse movement by joining the board of directors for the Reuse Alliance - a national nonprofit working to increase awareness of reuse by educating the public about the social, environmental and economic benefits of reuse.

Lorenz Schilling is the President of the Deconstruction and Reuse Network, a California-based nonprofit that provides deconstruction and reuse solutions; educates Californians about the environmental and humanitarian benefits of building materials reuse; and offers surplus property reuse services. “Reuse Alliance is working on a national scale to make reuse a matter of action. I am happy to have been appointed to serve on their board and look forward to developing national campaigns that will increase awareness and advance reuse practices.” says Mr. Schilling.

Mary Ann Remolador is the Assistant Director of the Northeast Recycling Council, a Vermont-based nonprofit that promotes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling; and manages the Reuse Marketplace - an online tool that lets you browse available items on a national network of materials exchanges. “It is wonderful to be part of an organization that brings a national voice to reuse. As a board member, I look forward to developing the organization’s programs to help people understand the economic and environmental benefits of reuse,” stated Ms. Remolador.

Joe Connell is the Director of the Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the Portland Oregon metropolitan area. He oversees two ReStores and is opening a third in the spring, and was a member of the Habitat’s National ReStore Work Group. “I have learned through my work with Habitat that we are all stronger when we work together, and I think that the Reuse Alliance and Habitat ReStores are natural partners in the effort to promote reuse as a sustainable materials management strategy. I believe the Reuse Alliance is well positioned to be the national network for the reuse industry, and I am excited to be part of it,” says Mr. Connell.

As board members for Reuse Alliance, Schilling, Remolador and Connell will support a national movement to increase public awareness and access to innovative reuse and waste prevention services. Rounding out the board of directors is Harriet Taub of Materials for Arts; Ann Woodward of The Scrap Exchange; Luis Jimenez of Goodwill Industries of NY and Northern NJ; MaryEllen Etienne of Reuse Alliance; and Stefanie Feldman of Waste Management. “I look forward to working with such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team that shares a common commitment and passion to promote the triple bottom line benefits of reuse”, stated MaryEllen Etienne, Executive Director of the Reuse Alliance.

# # #

About Reuse Alliance:
Reuse Alliance was born in 2005 by five individuals who shared an interest in increasing awareness of reuse. Under the leadership of the founding director, MaryEllen Etienne, the Reuse Alliance became a nonprofit organization. The Reuse Alliance began organizing the reuse community, advocating for reuse policy, and providing networking opportunities in the New York City metropolitan area. The organization re-launched as a national organization in late 2009, and now offers educational programs such as Master Reuser TM and organized the first national reuse conference and expo, ReuseConex, in North Carolina this past October. For more information, visit: http://www.reusealliance.org.

About Deconstruction and Reuse Network:
Deconstruction and Reuse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Proud member of Build it Green; International Facility Management Association and the California Resource Recovery Association. Deconstruction and Reuse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. For more information, visit: http://www.decon-network.org.

About Reuse Marketplace:
The Reuse Marketplace, a program of the Northeast Recycling Council, is a web-based network that allows you to browse available items from Materials Exchanges around the country. These exchanges are entities that make reusable items no longer needed by businesses, municipalities, and non-profits available for sale or for free to anyone interested. It’s a win-win-win scenario. Website users save money on disposal costs, others save money on purchase costs, and the environment benefits by reducing the amount of waste flowing into landfills. For more information, visit: http://www.reusemarketplace.org.

About Habitat for Humanity ReStores of Portland Metro Area:
Habitat ReStores of Portland Metro Area are open to the public and sell a variety of high-quality, used and surplus building materials, appliances, furniture and other home improvement products. The merchandise is donated by businesses and individuals and is sold at a fraction of retail price. Usable materials are kept out of the waste stream and are put into home building, remodeling, and creative arts projects. They have raised over $1,000,000 to help build Habitat homes in the Portland-Vancouver Metro area and are keeping over 2,000 tons of materials out of the landfill each year. These ReStores are part of a network of over 700 ReStores nationally. Proceeds help Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes throughout the country and help support our work in 90 countries throughout the world. For more information, visit: http://pdxrestore.org.

Reuse Alliance Expands Board

December 9, 2010

As Development Director, McGray Boosts Efforts to Decrease Waste

Los Angeles, CA – December 9, 2010: Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN), an environmental and humanitarian non-profit, has promoted Myles McGray to Development Director for Los Angeles County. McGray has been very successful thus far in Los Angeles’ South Bay area, advancing participation in deconstruction of property owners and building industry professionals, with 17 projects completed in the last 12 months; equating to approximately 276 tons of building materials salvaged and gifted for charitable reuse in neighboring communities. McGray will widen his focus for donation development beginning immediately in West Los Angeles County, including coastal communities from Marina Del Rey to Malibu, and will expand his duties to cover Eastern Los Angeles County. In his new role, McGray will build and manage a development team to increase DRN’s overall deconstruction project volumes in the county.

As McGray transitions to his new service areas, he will continue to serve the South Bay community as area manager, a community he believes has tremendous room for growth and to which he remains very committed.

“The potential for diversion and reuse here is staggering and thanks to Myles, we have developed a solid foundation for growth,” says Schilling. “Now we just need to connect the dots. We believe that under his direction and with his persistence our organization will be more successful in Los Angeles and extremely beneficial for the Southern California community.”

“While we’ve managed to keep literally tons of material ‘in the loop’ and out of the landfill, there’s still an enormous volume of material being unnecessarily wasted out there,” says McGray. “I am thrilled to be able to help DRN have an even greater impact on the local community and beyond. Our work has not only tangible environmental, economic and social benefits, but also the potential to influence and inspire others to ‘fight the good fight’.”

DRN is a California-based environmental and humanitarian non-profit specializing in disassembling, or “deconstructing” structures and facilitating the reuse of building and surplus materials for charitable purposes. DRN begins the process by identifying and inventorying all reusable (and donation-worthy) items throughout the home. Next, the deconstruction contractor for DRN's Deconstruction Solution Program carefully dismantles the interior of the home and organizes all salvageable materials under DRN’s direction. DRN always pursues reuse for salvaged items as they are, rather than recycling them, because it uses less energy and reduces the long-term environmental impact.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Proud member of Build it Green; International Facility Management Association and California Resource Recovery Association. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org Blog: http://recycleyourhouse.blogspot.com
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Media contacts:
Lorenz Schilling
DRN
T: 562-307-6062
Lorenz@reusenetwork.org

Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

October 1, 2010

San Francisco, CA: Deconstruction & ReUse Network, Inc. (DRN), an environmental and humanitarian non-profit, is exhibiting at West Coast Green 2010 in San Francisco to educate property owners, industry professionals and civic leaders about the importance of fixed asset reuse. This week DRN announced a partnership with the Institution Recycling Network (IRN) that will expand opportunities for charitable reuse of surplus property and building materials. Lorenz Schilling, founder and president, along with Bay Area representatives for DRN will be in booth #367 at Fort Mason Center through October 2, 2010.

DRN is a California-based environmental and humanitarian non-profit specializing in disassembling, or “deconstructing”, residential structures and facilitating the reuse of building materials for charitable purposes. Through the partnership with IRN, the organization is able to extend this service to commercial structures and provide a solution to businesses and institutions with surplus property. “It’s a natural extension of the services we currently provide,” explained Lorenz Schilling, founder/president DRN. “We’re very excited about the new opportunities this partnership will bring.”

“Landfills are inundated each day with items that could easily be reused as-is or recycled,” says Mr. Schilling, “Our organization helps property owners to reuse and recycle as much as 80% of their structure, and with the addition of our surplus property program, we can keep those items from the landfill too. Where do those items go? We distribute them to other non-profits that build sustainable housing and those that provide relief efforts to areas in need.”

DRN develops turnkey solutions for commercial and residential property owners, corporations and institutions, ensuring their fixed assets (building materials) and surplus property will be reused and recycled. DRN’s expert staffers in the Bay Area include Gerald Long, Leslie Roth, Lorenz Schilling, Nicole Tai and T.R. Vierra. For more information, please visit our website.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org Blog: http://recycleyourhouse.blogspot.com

ON SITE:
Lorenz Schilling
562-307-6065
Lorenz@reusenetwork.org

September 29, 2010

Download the Press Release

Ross, CA – September 27, 2010: Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN) recently assisted local homeowners with the deconstruction of their 100+ year-old home in the City of Ross (Marin County, CA) and all salvageable materials were donated for reuse. DRN is an environmental and humanitarian non-profit that helps Californians with deconstruction and reuse solutions. The 15,000 square foot home was originally built in 1906 and is currently being remodeled. The entire interior of the home was carefully deconstructed to salvage as much of the existing interior as possible for reuse through DRN rather than being demolished down to the studs.

“It’s important to avoid sending construction waste to local landfills which are inundated each day with materials that could easily be reused as-is or recycled,” says Lorenz Schilling, founder/president DRN. “Our organization helps property owners embarking on a remodel or tear down to reuse and recycle as much as 75% of their structure, and assists them in donating those materials to other non-profits that help families in need.”

DRN begins the process by identifying and inventorying all reusable (and donation worthy) items throughout the home. Next, the deconstruction contractor for DRN's Deconstruction Solution Program carefully dismantles the interior of the home and organizes all salvageable materials under DRN’s direction. Some of the materials included in this owner’s donation were from 1906 and have historical value, as well as a great deal of life still left in them. The home featured period light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, crown molding and accents, in addition to old Douglas fir ¾ inch flooring, T&G redwood wainscoting, lighting, tubs and appliances. All salvaged materials were gifted for charitable reuse to the Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County ReStore located in Santa Rosa and The Away Station in Marin. From start to finish, the total time for deconstruction and removal of materials for this property was 14 days.

Many of the home’s materials were gifted to The Away Station, a local non-profit that creates a useful flow for local resources. According to founder Carrie Bachelder, the best resources in Marin are in its high-end homes. “These are materials that we cannot get again,” adds Bachelder. “Redwood is the highest grade wood and the most sought-after, even beat up redwood is being used to build chicken coups, raised bed frames and fences. This was an exciting project and a great demonstration of Marin doing the right thing.”

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County helps DRN to achieve its mission by using some of the donated materials in local construction and selling reusable materials to the public through its ReStore. To view photos from this and other projects, please visit the DRN Photo Gallery. DRN’s expert staffers in the Bay Area include Gerald Long, Leslie Roth, Lorenz Schilling, Nicole Tai and T.R. Vierra. For more information, please visit our website.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org Blog: http://recycleyourhouse.blogspot.com

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Download the Press Release

April 28, 2010

Ross, CA – April 28, 2010: Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN) recently completed the deconstruction of a single-family home in the City of Ross (Marin County, CA) and all salvaged materials have been donated for reuse. DRN is an environmental and humanitarian non-profit that helps Californians with deconstruction and reuse solutions. The 3,000 square foot home in the City of Ross, which is going to be completely remodeled, has been carefully deconstructed to salvage as much of the existing interior as possible for reuse with DRN rather than being demolished down to the studs. Most of the home’s beautiful interior, which includes French doors, brand named fixtures and dual pane windows have been donated for resale at the Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County ReStore in Santa Rosa.

“California’s landfills are inundated each day with construction waste that could easily be reused as-is or recycled,” says Lorenz Schilling, founder/president DRN. “By choosing deconstruction, homeowners can reuse and recycle as much as 75% of their home, with the donated materials being used to help families in need.”

DRN began the process by identifying and inventorying all reusable (and donation worthy) items throughout the home. Next, Roa Construction, acting as the deconstruction contractor for DRN's Deconstruction Solution Program, carefully dismantled the interior of the home and organized all salvageable materials under DRN’s direction. Some of the valuable materials included in the owner’s donation were: dual pane Marvin and dual pane Milgard vinyl windows, solid core interior doors with Balwin hardware, Marvin dual pane French doors, maple kitchen cabinets with a custom finish, Decor stainless gas stove with vent, oak flooring, wool carpets, Kohler toilets and a Jucuzzi spa tub. From start to finish, the complete deconstruction and removal of materials took fifteen days.

“The whole process worked great and I was amazed at how much material they were able to reuse,” said Jason Roa, Roa Construction. “I would highly recommend this to any homeowner who is planning a large scale remodel. It decreased the need for debris boxes and, because DRN is so well organized, we removed all the materials in a timely manner.”

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County helps DRN to achieve its mission by using some of the donated materials in local construction or selling reusable materials to the public through its ReStore. To view photos from this and other projects, please visit the DRN Photo Gallery. DRN’s expert staffers in the Bay Area include Gerald Long, Leslie Roth, Lorenz Schilling, Nicole Tai and T.R. Vierra. For more information, please visit our website.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org Blog: http://recycleyourhouse.blogspot.com

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Media Contacts:

Lorenz Schilling
DRN Founder/President
T: 562-307-6065
Lorenz@reusenetwork.org

Alison Mullin
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-560-4049
Alison@starfish-pr.com

Donated Doors, Windows, Appliances & more will be Resold at Sonoma County ReStore, Diverting Tons of Materials from area Landfills

Sonoma County, CA – April 22, 2010: Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN) is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County to divert reusable building materials from locally deconstructed homes to the affiliate’s new ReStore facility and to jointly promote DRN’s Deconstruction Solutions program to property owners, building industry professionals, and community leaders. Deconstruction is the careful dismantling and reclaiming of a structure’s reusable, finished materials and rough lumber. Salvaged items will be sold at the ReStore, well below retail, with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission to build affordable homes in the community. Donated items may include doors, windows, appliances, cabinetry, rough lumber, stone and some roof tiles.

“Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is helping us achieve our environmental mission which is to promote deconstruction practices and to divert materials from unnecessarily entering landfills, while supporting their community by providing a valuable resource to residents,” says Lorenz Schilling, president/founder of DRN. “I am thrilled that our donations will help Sonoma County’s ReStore fund more affordable housing and recycle valuable building materials back into the community.”

DRN works with local deconstruction contractors and building professionals to offer simple, professionally performed deconstruction services to property owners looking to reduce waste during demolition. Up to 50% of an average 2,000 square foot house (including about 9 tons of rough lumber) can be re-used, while another 15% can be recycled. Counting recycled foundation concrete helps to achieve about 85% diversion overall. In addition to achieving an environmental savings, homeowners often reduce overall project costs via donation by significantly lowering their overall tax liability.

The ReStore is a cost-effective outlet for home improvement projects that is open to the public offering quality used and surplus building materials at reduced prices. Profits from the Restore help cover overhead costs so that donations can be used strictly for house building. In some areas, ReStores generate enough funds to build additional Habitat homes. ReStores are environmentally friendly, keeping overstock and quality reusable items out of landfills and therefore reducing disposal costs.

The ReStore is moving and will reopen early May. The new location is 1201 Piner, Santa Rosa, off Industrial. The entrance is on Industrial at the back of the building. Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 9-5 for donations and more information please call 707-568-3228 or visit our website.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.reusenetwork.org

About Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County
Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a 501(c)(3). They have built 10 homes since 1991, and currently has 2 under construction in Healdsburg, with 7 more homes scheduled to begin within the next year. For more information, visit www.SonomaCountyHabitat.org.
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Media Contacts:
Name Jeanette Tan
HFH Sonoma County
T: 707-578-7707
Email: j.tan@SonomaCountyHabitat.org

Lorenz Schilling
DRN
T: 888-545-8333 ext 103
lorenz@reusenetwork.org

Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

Palm Springs, CA – April 15, 2010: Deconstruction and ReUse Network (DRN), has announced two new representatives to advocate and assist in advancement of deconstruction and reuse of building materials. Jorge Michios and Meaghan Hundley will work to expand services for the organization in the Palm Springs and San Diego regions respectively. DRN is an environmental and humanitarian non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering Californians about the benefits of reusing building materials.
Jorge Michios will be serving the Palm Springs region for Deconstruction & ReUse Network, more specifically he will be advocating in the cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Banning and Beaumont. Michios joins DRN after working on several design projects that have focused on Sustainable design. He has been acknowledged for his design know-how by Plinth and Chintz in 2007, and his passion for design and architecture will be instrumental in the success of DRN’s mission in Palm Springs. Jorge can be contacted at Jorge@reusenetwork.org or 888-545-8333 ext. 106
Meaghan Hundley will be implementing her experience with sustainable business practices as well as her marketing and business development savvy in the San Diego region. Her well-rounded education from Syracuse University, as well as her strong commitment to sharing her knowledge of living and adopting a green lifestyle have made her successful while working on several green projects since moving to San Diego. Meaghan can be contacted at Meaghan@reusenetwork.org or 888-545-8333 ext. 614.
"We are thrilled to have Jorge and Meghean join our team," says Lorenz Schilling, President/Founder of DRN. "They each have great passion and experience which will be a huge asset to our mission and for the people we serve in the San Diego and Palm Springs areas."
Deconstruction and ReUse network anticipates great success as these two broaden the outreach efforts as well as support the deconstruction involvement and consultant support in their regions.
About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org
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Santa Cruz, CA – February 16, 2010: A single-family home in Santa Cruz on Capitola Beach has been dismantled and donated for reuse and recycling with the Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN.) DRN is an environmental and humanitarian non-profit that helps Californians with deconstruction and reuse solutions. The homeowners opted to recycle their 1,900 square foot, ocean-view home with DRN rather than demolish it and many of the home’s beautiful fixtures and building materials are now available for purchase at the Habitat for Humanity East Bay ReStore.

“California’s landfills are inundated each day with construction waste that could easily be reused as is or recycled,” says Lorenz Schilling, founder/president DRN. “By choosing deconstruction, homeowners can recycle about 75% of their home, with the donated materials being used to help build affordable housing for families in need.”

DRN began the process by identifying and inventorying all reusable (and donatable) items in the home. Next, Up State Demolition, a deconstruction contractor for DRN, carefully dismantled the home and organized all salvageable materials under DRN’s direction. Some of the valuable materials included in the owner’s donation were; oak flooring, redwood tongue and groove sub-floor, low-flow toilets, IWC double-pane windows, Dutch doors, rare waved glass windows and side lights, Kitchen-Aid® appliances and a stainless sink with Grohe® faucet fixtures. From start to finish, the complete deconstruction and removal of materials took fifteen days.

Habitat for Humanity East Bay helps DRN to achieve its mission by using some of the materials in construction or selling reusable materials to the public through its ReStore. Rough lumber will be delivered to Orange County based Corazon, where it will be used to help build more sustainable communities and affordable housing for low-income families in Tecate and Tijuana. To view photos please visit http://reusenetwork.org/rn-gallery/catalog.php?categ_id=28

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

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Santa Cruz Homeowners Turn Tear Down Into a Valuable Benefit for Families in Need & Their Community

February 4, 2010

San Francisco, CA -- February 1, 2010: San Francisco resident and sustainability contractor, Nicole Tai, has joined Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN) to help advance development efforts for the organization in Northern California. DRN is an environmental and humanitarian non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering Californians about the benefits of reusing building materials. Ms. Tai will be instrumental in broadening DRN’s outreach efforts, donation development focus, deconstruction involvement and deconstruction consultant support.

“Northern California is a crucial area for our organization’s development,” says Lorenz Schilling, president/founder of DRN. “We are very pleased to have someone with Nicole's experience dedicated to this critical endeavor.”

Nicole has a BS in Conservation Resource Studies from UC Berkeley and her Masters in [Sustainable] Community Development from UC Davis. She is a co-founder of the non-profit organization Reuse Alliance (Astoria, NY), and was an integral part of start-up and development efforts for the "ARROW Reuse Center for Building Materials" (Astoria, NY) and Build it Green New York City. Amongst
her many complimentary talents and experience, she has extensive grant writing experience and is an accomplished public speaker.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

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January 20, 2010

Home’s Building Materials will be Reused by Local Non-Profits

Los Angeles, CA – January 20, 2010: Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork (DRN), an environmental and humanitarian non-profit, is assisting homeowners in Bel Air with the deconstruction of their home for reuse and recycling. Deconstruction is environmentally practical and, in most cases, provides property owners with significant tax deductions. This major remodel project includes carefully dismantling approximately 75% of the 5,500 square-foot home. DRN develops programs for property owners to ensure structures slated for remodel or tear down will be reused and recycled. Most projects are completed in 3 weeks or less.

DRN president Lorenz Schilling estimates that most of this structure will be reusable. “A typical home can yield as much as 85% diversion through reuse and recycling,” says Schilling. “With traditional demolition, tons of materials are sent to the local landfill, the majority of which can be reused in their current state in other homes in our region. Deconstruction is a win-win for the environment and Southern California.”

DRN began the process by identifying and inventorying all reusable (and donatable) items in the home. Next, McLoud Demolition, a longtime deconstruction contractor for DRN, carefully dismantled the home and organized all salvageable materials under DRN’s direction. Appliances, French doors, cabinetry, solid interior doors, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures were just some of the great materials that made up the owners’ donation. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ Home Improvement Store (located in Gardena) helps DRN to achieve its mission by using some of the green salvage in construction or selling reusable materials to the public through their ReStore. Rough lumber will be delivered to Orange County based Corazon, where the lumber will be used to help build more sustainable communities and affordable housing for low-income families in Tecate and Tijuana. target=new1>Click here to view photos.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

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Download Release

http://www.reusenetwork.org/press_room.php

November 10, 2009

Deconstruction & ReUse Network Maximizes Environmental Savings for Homeowner Under City's New Green Building Program

Los Angeles, CA – May 27, 2009: As the first fully compliant single family residential project to meet the standards of Beverly Hills’ new Green Building Program, owners Steve Dubin and Brenda Ellerin have started this project by deconstructing their existing home with the help of the environmental and humanitarian non-profit Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork (DRN). For the next several weeks deconstruction crews will carefully dismantle the home, saving all the reusable building materials. DRN will, in-turn, distribute and donate the materials to other complimentary organizations like Habitat for Humanity’s Home Improvement Store and the housing ministry Corazon, a community development and home building organization operating in northern Baja. DRN estimates close to 200 tons, or as much as 85% of the home will be reused or recycled. This would be the equivalent of approximately 50 roll-off bins.

“The first step in building green should be deconstruction,” says Lorenz Schilling, founder of DRN. “In the past, ironically, removing the materials in the existing structure has been the last thing property owners think about, even though it’s the first thing they must do. We’re working hard to educate and empower property owners, industry professionals, and city officials across the state that planning for deconstruction can save valuable physical and financial resources for all involved.”

Mr. Dubin and Ms. Ellerin’s home was originally built in 1948 and has many valuable, re-useable materials. DRN first inventories the entire home and identifies the materials to be saved. Next, items such as appliances, windows, doors, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing and lighting fixtures, etc., are removed and taken to a partner Habitat for Humanity affiliate ReStore. The items from this project will be available for purchase at the Gardena Home Improvement Store over the next several weeks. The next phase of the project will be dismantling the home’s roofing components and framing; carefully removing lumber, roof tiles and brick. Once all the lumber has been inventoried for donation and diversion documentation, it will be shipped to Corazon ministries in Tijuana to be re-used in the building of affordable homes, instead of being turned into mulch or burned for fuel.

Architect Marc Whipple of Russell Group Architects was a driving force behind the project’s sustainable emphasis, which was fast-tracked by the City of Beverly Hills Building & Safety; an incentive the City offers to encourage more green building within its boundaries. “Sustainable residential design is a new emphasis for our group, as it is for many architects these days. But it’s really been a team effort,” said Whipple. “The folks at the city have really worked with us to make this project happen in a timely manner and encourage this model project.”

General contractor Joe Griffith says, "In the past, there was very little thought given to reusing elements from a structure to be demolished other then saving some of the large pieces of framing lumber. The demo process was plainly 'out with the old, in with the new.' We would even have a pre demo day where the owners and their kids could go wild spray painting walls, breaking windows, just tearing the place up before the heavy equipment rolled through. It’s good to see we’re all starting to be more productive with the reusable assets in unwanted buildings. Instead of using a portable bathroom that contains a ton of chemicals, we’re building a small latrine, connecting an existing toilet to the sewer line, all in an effort to be more eco-friendly. I’m very excited to be putting this project together in a sustainable way from start to finish.”

Owner Dubin said, “The existing house had a lot of high quality, beautiful features and finishes. While we have a different vision for the property, we wanted to preserve as much of the house as possible. Deconstructing the house and donating the materials, while more expensive and time-consuming, seemed to be the logical move. Our goal is help get the word out that this is an easy process. When I tell people what we’re doing, they all say the same thing: ‘I wish we would have done that when we tore our house down’.”

Deconstruction & ReUse Network works with deconstruction contractors, architects and municipalities to develop simple solutions for homeowners to deconstruct as an alternative to traditional demolition. A typical 2,500 square-foot home yields 10 tons of reusable lumber that can be used to build homes for families in need, rather than end up in landfills or as mulch. The organization works with other complimentary non-profits that help complete its circle of reuse, and help families build or improve their homes. It also provides all necessary documentation for property owner tax-deductions stemming from the donation of a building’s reusable parts. For more information about how deconstruction works please visit www.Decon-Network.org

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

Download Release

http://www.reusenetwork.org/rn-gallery/catalog.php?categ_id=2

October 8, 2009

Caruso Affiliated Donates Beloved Resort’s Famous Blue Roof Shingles for Reuse to Support Affordable Housing in California & Baja

Santa Barbara, CA – October 8, 2009: The Miramar Hotel in Montecito has been a beloved landmark since the early 1900’s, known to visitors and residents for its signature blue roof tiles. Today, those famous blue shingles are getting a second life. The packaged and unused shingles were purchased to replace old shingles and were never used. To assure the surplus shingles did not end up in local landfills, Rick Caruso, Founder and CEO of Caruso Affiliated and the Miramar’s owner, generously donated over 12 tractor truckloads (or over 200,000 square feet) to Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork for reuse with partners Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County and Corazon, an affordable housing ministry in Baja. Caruso’s donation will brighten up the "colonias" in Tijuana & Tecate that Corazon serves, as well as provide funding for Habitat for Humanity homes and the advancement of deconstruction & reuse practices in Santa Barbara and Southern California.

“Representatives from Habitat for Humanity heard about the Miramar and the surplus of blue shingles and suggested I reach out to Caruso staff to discuss reuse as an option,” says Lorenz Schilling, president of Deconstruction & ReUse Network. “They were very receptive to the idea of re-using the surplus materials to help other families, and it’s fun that we were able to continue the tradition of the famous blue roofs.”

“We were really pleased to be approached by the Deconstruction and Re-Use Network about reusing the roof tiles and to partner with a great local organization. These are perfectly good shingles whose fate was a landfill. This donation is a real winner for everyone -- it keeps the roofing material out of the landfill, it puts the shingles to good use helping to provide or improve housing for those who need a helping hand, and it begins to clear the site so we can move forward on bringing back the heritage of the Miramar,” said Rick Caruso, CEO of Caruso Affiliated.

Beginning this week, tractor trailers will be loaded at the site of the Miramar and shipped to Baja where Corazon will reuse many to build affordable homes and community centers, while the remainder will be sold with proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County and Deconstruction & ReUse Network’s programs. The donated shingles, which have been stacked on the property for years, equate to 153 pallets / 42 packages per pallet / 204,000 square feet total.

Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental and humanitarian non-profit that works with deconstruction contractors, architects and municipalities to develop simple solutions for property owners to deconstruct as an alternative to traditional demolition. The organization partners with non-profits that help complete its circle of reuse, and help families build or improve their homes. It also provides all necessary documentation for property owner tax-deductions stemming from the donation of a building’s reusable parts. For more information about how deconstruction works please visit www.Decon-Network.org

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complementary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

About Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County
Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County is an independent, locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates build homes for sale to partner families with no profit, zero-interest mortgages. Habitat for Humanity is not a relief agency, but an established non-profit home building organization with a worldwide network of volunteers and over three decades of experience in home building. The local affiliate was established in 2000 and completed its first major home building project in 2007, three homes on Via Lucero. The next home building project, four homes on San Pascual Street, will be constructed in 2010. Volunteers and other support are welcome. Visit www.sbhabitat.org for more information.

About Caruso Affiliated Caruso Affiliated is best known for developing and operating high quality outdoor retail properties that are destinations including The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, The Commons at Calabasas, The Promenade in Westlake, The Grove in West Los Angeles and The Americana at Brand in Glendale.
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10-08-09 MiramarShinglesFINAL.pdf

Pieces Of The Miramar Resort In Montecito Are Getting A Second Life & Helping Families In Need

August 26, 2009

Salvaged Building Materials get a Second Life & Local Landfills get a Break

Los Angeles, CA – Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork (DRN), an environmental and humanitarian non-profit, is helping local homeowners in Griffith Park with the deconstruction of their home for reuse and recycling. Deconstruction is gaining popularity among property owners and building professionals because it is environmentally practical and, in most cases, provides property owners with significant tax breaks. The scope of the project, which lasts 2 ½ weeks from start to finish, includes the careful dismantling of the 1,800 square-foot home; removing finished materials and salvaging raw materials, such as lumber and stone. By choosing deconstruction over demolition, the majority of this home will be reused and recycled.

DRN president, Lorenz Schilling, estimates that most of this structure will be reusable. “A typical home can yield as much as 85% diversion through reuse and recycling, which for this home equates to about 45 tons of materials that will not be sent to the local landfill, as is often the case with traditional demolition.”

Appliances, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and other finished items have been donated to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ Home Improvement Store (located in Gardena) where they will be reused in construction or sold to the public. Raw building materials will be donated to Corazon, an affordable housing ministry in Baja, where they will be used to build sustainable, affordable housing for low-income families. The homeowners have chosen to reuse all doors and windows in the new home they’re building. To view photos please visit: http://reusenetwork.org/rn-gallery/catalog.php?categ_id=6.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

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June 2, 2009

Deconstruction & ReUse Network helps Homeowner go “Green” by Donating Salvaged Items to Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A.

Laguna Beach, CA – June 2, 2009: Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork (DRN), an environmental and humanitarian non-profit, is assisting a Manhattan Beach homeowner in the dismantling of a nearly 3,000 square-foot home and facilitating the donations of all reclaimed building materials for reuse. Several tons of finished materials salvaged from the home have been delivered to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles for resale in its Home Improvement Store. DRN partners with Habitat for Humanity to support the building of more affordable homes and diversion of unnecessary waste from landfills, while maximizing tax-deductable donations for homeowners. All donated items from this home, which include maple cabinetry and vanities, appliances, granite countertops, doors, shutters and more are available for purchase at the Habitat Home Improvement Store located in Gardena.

“This home was built in the 1990’s and has beautiful fixtures and materials that would have ended up in a local landfill,” says Lorenz Schilling, founder of DRN. “Thanks to this homeowner’s decision not to demolish, but to deconstruct and donate their home, tons of materials will get a second life and low-income families will be closer to a better life.”

DRN oversaw the delivery of 1 1/2 truckloads of materials to the Habitat Home Improvement Store where everything was then itemized, priced and added to the store floor. Items now available for purchase include KithenAid appliances, maple kitchen cabinetry and bathroom vanities, granite countertops, doors, windows, shutters, stovetop, nightstands, light fixtures and faceplates. The Habitat Home Improvement Store is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

Deconstruction & ReUse Network partners with complementary humanitarian non-profits as part of its commitment to completing the circle of reuse. The organization works with homeowners to deconstruct their home and oversees the donation of valuable, reusable materials to its non-profit partners. Deconstruction is the careful dismantling of a home, performed by licensed deconstruction contractors and facilitated and documented by DRN. Finished materials are donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStores and raw building materials are donated to Corazon, a ministry that builds homes in Baja for low-income families. Homeowners receive tax breaks based on their individual donations and all documentation is provided by DRN. Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell all donated materials at significant discounts to the public and all proceeds help the organization build more homes.

About Deconstruction & ReUse Network:
Deconstruction & ReUse Network is an environmental and humanitarian public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. Deconstruction & ReUse Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org or www.ReuseNetwork.org

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Valuable Materials Reclaimed From Manhattan Beach Home Remodel Get Second Life & Help Families In Need

February 4, 2009

Deconstruction Network has elected Miranti Ojong of Cal Green Lending in Calistoga to its board of directors.

Laguna Niguel, CA – February 3, 2009: Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork has elected Miranti Ojong, of Cal Green Lending in Calistoga, to its board of directors. Ms. Ojong’s green building expertise and industry relations will help strengthen the organization’s ability to educate and empower Californians to choose deconstruction and reuse of valuable building materials over traditional demolition.

Miranti Ojong currently develops green business strategies for Cal Green Lending to increase the awareness of green building opportunities throughout the San Francisco Bay area. She has over ten years of experience in a variety of industries including Commercial and Residential Real Estate; Green Lending; Hotel Management and Real Estate; Hospitality Services and Construction and is an active member of the Residential Green Building Advocacy Committee of the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Our board was very impressed by Miranti’s achievements in the green building industry and we are delighted she has accepted our nomination, “said Lorenz Schilling, president of Deconstruction Network. “Her expertise and industry connections will be instrumental in shaping the organization and expanding our programs.”

Ms. Ojong’s responsibilities will include guiding the development of Deconstruction Network’s regional programs; exploring strategic partnerships; strengthening community relations and advising its regional steering committees.

“Being chosen to be part of the board is an honor and I'm looking forward to working with everyone at Deconstruction and Reuse Network,” says Ojong. “I'm excited to help the organization recognize their goals, bringing about a stronger impact into the construction and green industry.”

About Deconstruction & Building Materials ReUse Network, Inc.
Deconstruction Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. The Deconstruction Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

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Miranti Ojan Elected to Board

January 27, 2009

Reusable Doors, Windows and more Donated to Habitat ReStore will Help Build more Homes & Divert Tons of Materials from Local Landfills

Santa Barbara, CA – January 27, 2009: Deconstruction & ReUseNetwork is teaming with Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat) to offer residents comprehensive deconstruction and building materials reuse solutions. The Team’s programs, targeting homeowners, building industry professionals and environmentally-minded community members, will advance waste diversion efforts within the county and achieve building materials reuse at much improved levels through Deconstruction Network’s whole house Deconstruction Solutions program and Habitat’s not-for-profit retail “ReStore” in Goleta.

Deconstruction is the careful dismantling and reclaiming of a structure’s reusable, finished materials and rough lumber. Through the team’s Deconstruction Solutions program, homeowners can be assured all reusable building materials salvaged from a remodel or complete tear-down will be honored as a tax-deductible donation.

Most program materials will be resold at the ReStore, located at 6725 Hollister Avenue, in Goleta. The Habitat ReStore is currently accepting donations, welcomes deconstruction program inquiries, and strongly supports the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Donated items may be used in Habitat’s building projects, or be resold to the public, while also supporting Deconstruction Network’s mission to increase waste diversion and build community awareness of positive and rational alternatives to traditional crude and wasteful demolition practices.

The ReStore provides a three-fold benefit: 1) the acquisition of highly usable materials for Habitat homes at no cost 2) a steady stream of revenue (from sales) to be used to support Habitat’s mission to eliminate substandard housing, and 3) the opportunity to divert a great amount of usable building materials from local landfills.

“We wholeheartedly support Habitat for Humanity’s mission and I am so pleased to partner with the affiliate in Southern Santa Barbara County,” says Lorenz Schilling, president/founder of Deconstruction Network. “Together we’ll be able to fund more affordable housing, as well as, recycle valuable building materials back into the community.”

Deconstruction Network works with local deconstruction contractors and building professionals to offer simple solutions for homeowners to dismantle and reuse their home’s valuable physical assets rather than disposing of them. The improvements to most homes can provide the ReStore with inventory while diverting tons of materials from needlessly entering local landfills. An average 2,000 square foot home may yield as much as 85% in reusable materials, including approximately 9 tons of reusable lumber alone. In addition to the environmental benefits, homeowners may also achieve significant tax savings based on their unique donation’s appraised value.

“We believe the deconstruction and segregation of good usable materials is a win-win proposition,” said Joyce McCullough, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County, “We will use the materials in our home building projects, or sell them at deep discounts to the public. Anyone looking for affordable, environmentally friendly options for home improvement materials should check out the ReStore and tell a friend to consider deconstruction”

Habitat’s ReStore opened in August 2008 and hopes that more people will see the value of reusing perfectly good home improvement materials and will consider the ReStore as an alternative to buying new.

About Deconstruction & Building Materials ReUse Network, Inc.
Deconstruction Network is an environmental public benefit corporation 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and empower deconstruction practices and to grow a greater reuse network for quality building materials through partnerships with complimentary operations and organizations. The Deconstruction Network currently serves Northern and Southern California with partnerships that benefit Habitat for Humanity and Corazon. www.Decon-Network.org

About Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County
Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County is an independent, locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates build homes for sale to partner families with no profit, zero-interest mortgages. Habitat for Humanity is not a relief agency, but an established non-profit home building organization with a worldwide network of volunteers and nearly three decades of experience in home building. The local affiliate was established in 2000 and completed its first major home building project in 2007, three homes on Via Lucero. The next home building project, four homes on San Pascual Street, will start in early 2009. Volunteers and other support are welcome. Visit www.sbhabitat.org for more information.
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