November 11, 2011

Deconstruction & ReUse Network, Inc. is searching for a qualified individual to help us maintain and grow our client base in the following regions:
• East Bay
• Santa Clara
• Santa Cruz
• San Mateo
• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• San Diego

This position requires a strong sales background, or a solid dedication to our industry and meeting the quarterly revenue objectives. This position is ideal for a business person looking to add services to their repertoire, and is commission-based only. Please read this posting carefully and respond if you believe your interests & qualifications make you a suitable candidate.

Our goal is to educate and empower homeowners, building industry professionals and civic leaders to adopt the practice of deconstruction as a rational alternative to traditional demolition, thereby keeping C&D materials out of landfills, while simultaneously growing a robust network of individuals and organizations committed to the reclamation and distribution of reusable building materials.

DRN collaborates with complimentary affordable home building organizations in an effort to better complete the circle of reuse. These currently include Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Sonoma County and future San Jose and San Mateo locations, Rebuilding Together SF, and The Away Station in Fairfax. We also work with Reuse Businesses such as Urban Ore, Ohmega Salvage, and other for profit reuse entrepreneurs.

About the position:
Our business has been growing steadily, necessitating expansion of our team. We are searching for an individual to focus on Project Development:
Responsibilities Include:
a. Identifying deconstruction project-candidates and educating relevant parties on the potential benefits of our program.
b. Determine the project-candidate’s general scope and point of contact, approach decision makers and make program presentations.
c. Increasing awareness through more general forms of public outreach (e.g. communicating with local governments, trade show presence, etc.) will be an integral function.
d. Direct Marketing through records searches using letters, post cards and follow up calls.
e. Helping to identify local reuse outlets for materials both non-profit and for profit and assist the Local Development Directors to bring them on as donation recipients/buyers of materials.

The qualified candidate will possess a unique set of skills and experiences. These include:
Mandatory
● Experience in the building industry – Familiarity with common materials and basic principles of SFR construction, as well as the ability to understand what motivates builders and designers.
● Experience and demonstrated success as a consultant and/or in consultative sales.
● Self starter quality – While we will provide the necessary support for you to succeed, we prefer to not micro-manage and appreciate” go-getters”.
● Excellent spoken and written communication abilities – We need someone who can convey our mission effectively to a wide range of individuals, including homeowners, builders, architects, government officials, etc.
● Furnish personal and reliable vehicle, camera, and useful tools (digital recorder, computer, tape measure, etc) .
● Familiarity with and willingness to travel throughout regions.
● Comfortable with basic office and administrative tasks (i.e. full-time computer/internet access and familiarity with Adobe & MS Office products or equivalent).

Desired
● Knowledge of green building practices – e.g. LEED or BIG standards and/or academic background in environmental studies or professional experience in related fields.
● Established professional contacts within the local building industry.
● Non-profit/NGO experience
● Ability to work on commission.

*This is a commission-based position.

If your skills and experiences closely match our mandatory and desired qualifications, please compose a brief introduction letter, and attach, along with a current resume, as a .pdf or MS Word doc. Send to admin [at] reusenetwork [dot] org

admin@reusenetwork.org

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

February 1, 2011

Corazón, bestowed its highest award, The Order of the Grader, on Deconstruction and Re-use Network founder, Lorenz Schilling, at its Annual Meeting January 29 in Irvine. The Order of the Grader Award, established in 1993, recognizes volunteers who embody the organization’s indomitable spirit of completing their mission of building community across borders in Northern Baja California no matter what obstacles they may encounter. Lorenz’s recycled building material donations helped sustain construction activities in their seven communities in Mexico during the difficult economic times for the past two years.

Corazón Bestows its Order of the Grader Award to Lorenz Schilling

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

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#

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

Homeowners in Winters Chooses Deconstruction & ReUse over Home Demolition to Benefit Community and Environment

June 1, 2011

Los Angeles, CA – June 1, 2011: Elisa Brown, a Los Angeles based Green Event and Business Consultant, and Erin Acuña, a Bay Area LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Interior Designer, have joined Deconstruction & ReUse Network (DRN) as regional representatives. DRN is a social benefit and environmental non-profit dedicated to furthering the reuse of building materials and salvage while educating people about the advantages of these building practices. Ms. Brown joins the Los Angeles team, bringing extensive experience with non-profits and green businesses that will aide in developing awareness and coordinating Grant Proposals. As a representative for the Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey areas, Ms. Acuña will be a valuable resource to assist property owners and businesses in facilitating deconstruction and charitable reuse.
“Elisa and Erin bring varied skills and education and we are so pleased to welcome them both to our growing team,” says Lorenz Shilling, DRN president and founder. “Their experience with green businesses, non-profits, construction and design is a great fit for our organization and will benefit the Californians we serve tremendously.”
Ms. Brown is a Sustainability and Green Event Consultant for non-profits and Green Businesses. Her experience with non-profits is an asset to DRN as she will also coordinate grant proposals and support the development department. Ms. Brown has a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from University of California, Los Angeles.
Ms. Acuña’s qualifications as a LEED Accredited Professional and a Certified Interior Designer have lead her to successfully work for several Design and Construction companies throughout Northern California. Ms. Acuña holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architectural Project Management.
As representatives for DRN, Ms. Brown and Ms. Acuña will be working with property owners and policy makers to help them save money and resources through deconstruction, and facilitate charitable reuse of surplus materials.
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
# # #
Media Contact:
Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com

Deconstruction & ReUse Network Expands Reach in Los Angeles & Monterey Counties with Addition of Elisa Brown & Erin Acuña

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

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

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