PlanetReuse

PlanetReuse Begins Beta Testing New National Online Platform for Reuse Centers

noreply@blogger.com (PlanetReuser) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Since 2008, PlanetReuse has been expertly matching commercial materials with designers, builders and owners to save projects money, serve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) efforts and sustain the planet. PlanetReuse is now expanding its services to make use of reclaimed building materials more commonplace in the residential construction market.

PlanetReuse has begun testing its proprietary InvenQuery technology platform, a web- and mobile app-based system that offers real-time inventory, point-of-sale and e-commerce serviced tailored for the reuse center industry. Formerly called PlanetRestore, the InvenQuery technology platform will power PlanetReuse Marketplace, an online store to debut later this year, that will help reuse centers make reclaimed and surplus building materials instantly accessible to homeowners nationwide.

Currently, reuse centers sell less than 5% of their inventory online. If you are a reuse center interested in learning more about InvenQuery and PlanetReuse Marketplace (coming soon), please contact us at raeann@planetreuse.com.

Living Future '11 - Panel Discussion: Building Material Reuse: Understanding the Challenges, Celebrating the Successes, and Providing the Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:09:00 +0000

With increasingly limited resources and a growing awareness around sustainable stewardship, material reuse represents one of the ultimate forms of resource conservation. It not only provides a vision of how to live more sustainably, it can also be economically pragmatic and nurture a community. Such principles overlap greatly with the goals of certification standards like the Living Building Challenge. Despite this potential, reuse remains significantly underutilized. Key to maturing the opportunity is building a greater awareness. Panelists will address reuse challenges and opportunities, innovative tools and resources available, and strategies to utilize reuse as a vehicle for creativity and sustainability.

Presenter Bios

Kevin R Hydes
Kevin R Hydes, CEO of Integral Group, is a professional engineer and honorary architect in BC. He has been addressing green building issues for 2 decades since first meeting Bob Berkebile on the CK Choi project at UBC. That project opened his mind and curiosity to reuse of building materials, weaving through noteworthy projects such as the Materials Testing Lab and Telus Headquarters in Vancouver and many projects across North America including his own adaptive reuse office in Oakland, California, a low energy LEED Platinum targeted office. Kevin is also founding chair of the Cascadia Chapter and a Cascadia Fellow.

Laura Lesniewski
Laura Lesniewski, AIA is a principal at BNIM. An architect with 20 years of experience, she has spoken nationally on emerging technologies and philosophies in sustainable design, BIM and lean thinking and, most recently, at Brazil’s first Greenbuild in Sao Paulo. Laura led the design team efforts on the Omega Center for Sustainable Living, which achieved both Living Building and LEED Platinum certification. She co-authored “Roadmap for Integration” for the AIA’s 2006 Report on Integrated Practice and recently completed FLOW: In Pursuit of a Living Building with Bob Berkebile and Steve McDowell. Laura is a graduate of MIT and UCBerkeley.

Nathan Benjamin
Nathan Benjamin - LEED AP, Principal + Founder of PlanetReuse & PlanetRestore – a reclaimed construction material broker and consultant predicated on a simple but revolutionary idea: make it easy for people to use reclaimed materials and they’ll do more of it to keep materials out of landfills. He has an Architectural Engineering degree, is on the Building Materials Reuse Association Board and worked on two of the first three “Living” projects. He worked on two of the Reuse Primer’s projects and has presented at the National Demolition Association, Greening the Heartland, GreenTown, past two Greenbuilds, Living Future, and the USGBC Federal Summit.

Liz Ogbu
Liz Ogbu is Associate Design Director at Public Architecture, a nonprofit that mobilizes designers to create positive social change. Liz directs the public-interest design initiatives, which creatively address critical environmental and social justice issues. She led development of the Design for Reuse Primer, a USGBC funded e- publication intended to demystify and inspire mainstream material reuse. Liz has written and lectured extensively on sustainable design. She was a member of the 2010 AIA COTE Top Ten and USGBC Natural Talent Design juries and honored as a "Green Giant" by Steelcase for her work in promoting environmentally and socially sustainable design.

For more info to attend sessions, check out the conference website.

Living Future '11 - Panel Discussion: The Tyson Living Learning Center – First (of Two) Certified Living Buildings – Where do we go from here?

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:59:00 +0000

The Tyson Living Learning Center opened in May 2009 and on October 12, 2010 received full Living Building Status along with the Omega Center in Rhinebeck, New York; the first two certified “Living” Buildings.

In consideration of our next project, several critical themes emerge from our combined experience that we would like to explore with our breakout session:

1. Predictive Energy Modeling + Performance Monitoring
2. Zoning + Code Issues – Where are the barriers in your region?
3. Project Delivery Options –What works Best?
4. Salvaged Materials – How to Integrate into the Design and Construction Process?

Presenter Bios

Neil Myers
Neil Myers has over eleven years experience in financially-focused ecological engineering. His knowledge of the complex world of economic and project development has helped to generate innovative natural system solutions to such complex sustainability initiatives as watershed restoration, industry and development impact management, green infrastructure and high performance design implementation, pedestrian connectivity integration, wastewater management, and community master planning. He has been integral in identifying pioneering-type projects and developing the talented team of multi-disciplinary professionals necessary to provide investment positive solutions to satisfy all project stakeholders. Mr. Myers earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Butler University.

Matt Ford
Mr. Ford is co-founder of Solutions AEC, and has worked in the design and construction industry for the last 10 years. Mr. Ford’s leadership and mechanical engineering experience encompass a wide range of mechanical systems and equipment. His experience includes engineering and managing biomedical engineering buildings, large commercial buildings for Fortune 500 companies, hospital projects, and large institutional projects. Mr. Ford has participated in varying capacities in the design, construction, and commissioning for numerous LEED Certified/Certifiable projects including; Alberici’s Platinum Certified Corporate Headquarters Building, Cortex I, the William Kerr Foundation Building, and the Living Building certified Tyson Living Learning Center.

Nathan Benjamin
Nathan Benjamin - LEED AP, Principal + Founder of PlanetReuse – a reclaimed construction material broker and consultant predicated on a simple but revolutionary idea: make it easy for people to use reclaimed materials and they’ll do more of it to keep materials out of landfills. He has an Architectural Engineering degree, is on the Building Materials Reuse Association Board and worked on two of the first three “Living” projects. He worked on two of the Reuse Primer’s projects and has presented at the National Demolition Association, Greening the Heartland, GreenTown, past two Greenbuilds, Living Future, and the USGBC Federal Summit.

Daniel F. HellmuthDaniel F. Hellmuth, AIA, is a principal and co-founder of Hellmuth + Bicknese Architects, L.L.C. Mr. Hellmuth is a LEED accredited professional and has over twenty-eight years experience in sustainable design, government, housing, educational, historic preservation, transit design and planning projects. Dan was part of the original steering committee that established the St. Louis Chapter of the USGBC.His firm has experience on over 30 LEED projects including LEED NC, C&S, CI, and EB as well as one certified Living Building Project, the Tyson Living Learning Center that is among the first two in the world to achieve this status.

Sign up at the unconference website.

USGBC Webinar - Building & Material Reuse: Understanding the Challenges, Celebrating the Successes, and Navigating the Credits

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:23:00 +0000

Session Description:
The LEED credits related to building reuse (Materials & Resources Credits 1.1 and 1.2) and material reuse (Materials & Resources Credits 3.1 and 3.2) are some of the least utilized credits within the rating system. In a time of increasingly limited resources and a growing awareness around sustainable stewardship, however, building and material reuse represents one of the ultimate forms of resource conservation. The reuse of existing built fabric can be economically pragmatic, nurture communities, and provide vision of how to live more sustainably.

Join USGBC for this exciting webinar session, addressing reuse and credit challenges and opportunities, innovative tools and resources available, and strategies to utilize reuse as a vehicle for creativity and sustainability. Upon completion of this webinar session, attendees will gain a greater understanding of how to integrate building and material reuse into their projects and useful strategies for navigating the related LEED credits.

Learning Objectives:

Define foundational concepts related to building and material reuse
Outline credit intent and techniques that support credit achievement in Materials & Resources Credits 1.1, 1.2, 3.1 and 3.2
Discuss, through case studies and anecdotal stories, effective strategies and methods for building and material reuse
Identify tools and resources available to support designing with material reuse, material and team logistics, and LEED certification processes

Speakers:
Moderator: Sarah Buffaloe, LEED Resource Development, USGBC
Presenter 1: Liz Ogbu, Public Architecture
Presenter 2: Nathan Benjamin, PlanetReuse & PlanetRestore

Live Date: April 7th, 2011: 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Continuing Education Hours: This session has been registered for 1.5 hrs with AIA/CES, GBCI
Pricing Information: $60 for members, $75 for non-members

To register: Link to USGBC website

BMRA announces Poster Session Program at DECON '11

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:39:00 +0000

Great program to help continue to grow and deveopment the materials reuse industry.

The Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) is pleased to announce the Poster Session Program at the DECON '11 Conference.

Architecture, construction management and environmental sustainability students are urged to submit original contributions related to the fields of deconstruction, building materials reuse, and construction and demolition debris (C&D) recycling that can be displayed in an educational poster format.

Overview: BMRA consistently seeks to advance research and education in the public interest. The purpose of the DECON 2011 Poster Session Program is to provide a means of stimulating interest in deconstruction, building materials reuse, and construction and demolition debris (C&D) recycling research, as well as communicating other useful deconstruction information to the profession to include best practices, new program initiatives, etc.

Please visit the conference website for how it works and complete details. Please forward widely to any students or instructors with an interest in decon/reuse!

Removing the Roadblocks to Material Reuse - Cascadia Green Building Council's Trim Tab - Winter 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:23:00 +0000

The Cascadia Green Building Council's Trim Tab is an amazing resource for provocative articles, interviews and news on the issues, designs, and people that are truly transforming the built environment.

PlanetReuse is proud to contribute to this great publication where we review successes as well as struggles when it come to material reuse in commercial and residential projects.

To review and download the complete issue and to sign up for updates, visit their website.

Rethink Recycling - PlanetReuse cited in DWELL

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:16:00 +0000

Bringing reuse and recycling more and more to the mainstream, the February 2011 Dwell magazine highlights amazing reuse and recycling efforts in projects all over the world.

It's a great issue that showcases reuse not always a rustic, weathered or worn-out looking option, but also provides a wonderful palette of material for many modern, elegant and contemporary looks for homes and commercial projects.

Definitely grab a copy or peruse the office copy for reused material inspiration!

PlanetReuse is happy to be cited in the issue in the "Your Turn..." section as a go-to source to connect buyers and sellers of reclaimed materials and recycled materials by hosting online material listings as well as want ads.

The BMRA (Building Materials Reuse Association) is also cited and is an amazing organization with an informative website for more information about materials reuse, upcoming events, and includes an extensive directory of reuse centers and deconstruction companies throughout the US.

For more resources and inspiration:
Dwell - February 2011 issue.

First Living Building Challenge & Reuse Primer Projects - How PlanetReuse Helped - FALL '10 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:42:00 +0000

There have been many successful projects that have incorporated reclaimed materials into the buildings. Recently, an announcement and a publication helped document the process, the successes as well as the challenges.

Announcement:
Cascadia’s first three Living Building Challenge (LBC) Projects were announced recently. PlanetReuse had the pleasure of working with the design/construction teams on 2 of the 3 projects. We helped source many materials from areas throughout the United States for the Tyson Living Learning Center in Eureka, MO and the Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck, NY. For more information on the LBC and the press release describing the details and the teams, visit the LBC site.

Publication:
The 15 diverse projects in the Design for Reuse Primer demonstrate new models of “building green.” Material reuse is always integral to a sustainable vision of how to tread lightly on the earth, be economically pragmatic, and nurture a community. From a school for children with learning differences to a center for holistic living, these case studies are intended to provide insights about the material reuse process in a wide variety of context. By discussing the challenges and demonstrating the benefits of reclaimed materials, they hope to demystify and inspire reuse.

The Design for Reuse Primer publication and website are the latest resources of Public Architecture's ongoing efforts to demystify and promote building material reuse.

There are many great projects that are reviewed in the Primer. PlanetReuse enjoyed working on two of the fifteen projects:
- Omega Center Center for Sustainable Living
- Operation Comeback 5200 Dauphine Street

Both the LBC projects and the Reuse Primer are great proof that reclaimed materials are successfully being used in commercial and residential projects throughout the United States and that PlanetReuse provides services that are very beneficial in sourcing, documenting and coordinating reclaimed materials.

All of the projects had amazing owners and design teams that really pushed the boundaries in incorporation of reclaimed materials. We take our hats off to you – congratulations!

Greenbuild(ing) 2010 - Another Great Conference Celebrating Another Year of Growth! - FALL '10 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:39:00 +0000

Each year, Greenbuild gathers thousands of participants from all over the world to meet, celebrate, and share stories of challenges, successes, new innovations and new products to make the world a better place. Greenbuild is a great source for education and inspiration.

This year is another celebration as the industry continues forward despite struggles with the economy, changes in leadership, etc. there are many things we can look back at and reflect upon when it comes to the sustainable movement.

PlanetReuse is proud to be part of this movement to move the design and construction industry forward making reclaimed materials a viable option on new commercial and residential projects.

We’re in Booth #1296 this year. Join us as we exhibit another year to meet, celebrate and share with you. Our booth will again be made from many of the materials we source and provide to project teams throughout North America. We will have samples of reclaimed office furniture, reclaimed access flooring, reclaimed wood flooring, reclaimed siding, recycled granite stone flooring, structural steel, carpet tile, brick and many more materials. Looking forward to seeing you!

Going to the Educational Sessions??
Join PlanetReuse’s Founder + Principal, Nathan Benjamin for an off-site panel discussion at Chicago's Rebuilding Exchange about how architects and contractors can incorporate reused materials into their project process, with a focused discussion and explanation of how reused materials can impact LEED projects across rating systems. PlanetReuse, the Rebuilding Exchange, OWPP/Cannon Designs, Studio Gang will present on Thursday, November 18th. To sign up, go to OF04 on course registration.

Reclaimed Materials - "Tell us what you have available so we ..." - FALL '10 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:35:00 +0000

….can incorporate reclaimed materials into our projects.” We hear this time and time again along with comments like “if I only thought about reclaimed materials more often, we could incorporate them into our designs.”

We are listening.

Over the past few months, PlanetReuse has taken a more active approach to telling you what we have with our monthly bulletin with current materials that are available. In addition to working with design teams and current designs on projects to locate and source materials on a project, we also look to let you know about great materials we have access to that can help you save time, money and help with your sustainable goals on a project.

Here are a few examples different summaries:
September 2010
July 2010

We’ve received great feedback on the bulletin and plan to continue spreading the word about available materials. You can always go to our listings page. Let us know what you need on projects by sending us your drawings, material lists, etc. And to remain in-the-know about materials that are available or on their way, join our newsletter and encourage others to do so as well.

Greenbuild 2010 - PlanetReuse

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:21:00 +0000

It's going to be another great conference!

Things will be kicked-off by General Colin L. Powell in the Keynote, there will be many great speakers, and will be closed by Paul Hawken.

General Powell has made another career of sharing his lessons of leadership, honed through his distinguished military service, his tenure as the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his role as Secretary of State. His keen insights and global perspective are especially relevant to our movement in these times of great challenge and change.

Paul Hawken has authored four national bestsellers – "The Next Economy," "Growing a Business," "The Ecology of Commerce" and "Blessed Unrest" – and co-authored "Natural Capitalism" with Amory Lovins. He is currently CEO of OneSun Energy, which is focused on ultra low-cost solar PV based on green chemistry and biomimicry.

Going to the Expo?? Come by and see us, we will be in Booth#1296.
(Looking for Expo passes? Just let us know how we can help with free passes).

For an interactive map of the Expo Floor, click here and go to the upper left-hand corner of the "F1" thumbnail.

Look for our booth made many types of reclaimed materials, including reclaimed office furniture, steel, wood flooring, granite flooring, reclaimed brick, granite pavers, and many other reclaimed samples. It will look similar to the booth from last year (as seen in photo at the right - reusing most of the booth, of course), but there will be some revised products so stop by.

We will also be introducing our latest development, PlanetRestore. Want to know more? Come on by.

Going to the Educational Sessions??
Join in a panel discussion at Chicago's Rebuilding Exchange location about how architects and contractors can incorporate reused materials into their project process, with a focused discussion and explanation of Materials Reuse in LEED, and how reused materials can impact LEED projects across rating systems.

PlanetReuse, the Rebuilding Exchange, OWPP/Cannon Designs, Studio Gang will present. To sign up, go to OF04 on course registration.

ReuseConex-1st National Reuse Conference/Expo

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:42:00 +0000

If you are interested in incorporating reuse into your green building techniques, then ReuseConex is for you. Organized by the Reuse Alliance, this first-of-its kind conference allows you to learn from experts around the country.

The adaptive reuse sessions in their “Best Practice” track are designed for design and construction professionals, from remodeling contractors to interior designers, who pride themselves on implementing green strategies. While our “Reuse 101” sessions are designed for students and DIY enthusiasts looking to learn more about how reuse fits into their green building projects.

Some of the sessions focused on reuse and green building, include:
·      Pros & Cons of Building Materials Reuse and Deconstruction Strategies (Hybrid, Custom, Full)
·      Reuse in Commercial & Residential Developments
·      Historic Preservation through Reuse
·      Adaptive Reuse Case Studies (North Carolina’s Textile Mills)
·      Reuse & The Built Environment
·      Design for Reuse Primer
·      How to Create a C&D Waste Reuse & Recycling Ordinance in your Community
·      Interior Designing with Used & Repurposed Materials
·      DIY Green Roofs using Reclaimed Materials

The presence of US Green Building Council (USGBC), Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) and Reuse Alliance members on our plenaries and panels will help foster a dynamic learning experience for you.

PlanetReuse has the pleasure of joining the great list of speakers and exhibitors. Nathan Benjamin will be presenting on a panel on Tuesday and at the round-table on Wednesday. Stop by and visit PlanetReuse on the Expo floor.

If you’re interested in promoting your green building services to a regional and national audience, in addition to learning and networking, please inquire about the ReuseConex exhibitor packages.

To register click here.
For more information, go to: http://reuseconex.org

September Opportunities - Sept Flyer '10

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:26:00 +0000

Want to save money on your project? And build sustainably?
Here are some ways we can help.

Looking for options on your project where you can save money and divert materials from landfills? There are some great reclaimed, excess new and FSC options from great sources throughout North America in our latest PlanetReuse flyer.

The latest summary contains some innovative materials and a lot of great deals. Here are a couple:

Reclaimed Herman Miller Aeron Chairs & Office Furniture
Downsizing of firms has caused a surplus in chairs, office furniture, lobby chairs, conference room tables, etc. Great-looking, like-new options at huge savings vs new. We can help with layouts and coordination with your unique project and no project is too large or small.
Reclaimed Herman Miller Aeron Chairs & Office Furniture

Reclaimed Raised Access Flooring
Need any on your Project? Want to save money?
Reclaimed access flooring is a great way to save money, bump your LEED MRc3.1 percentage, AND divert materials from the landfill. We can help with shop drawings, coordination and installation. Need 1,000SF or even 500,000SF? No project too large or too small.
Reclaimed Raised Access Flooring

To check out the latest flyer, click here.

Don't see what you are looking for? Just let us know what you are looking for and we'll find it for you.

Want to join our newsletter so you receive updates as they are sent out? Register for our newsletter and flyers here.

GreenTown Chicago 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:22:00 +0000

GreenTown: The Future of Community is designed to help create sustainable communities. Mayors and elected officials, public works directors, park district directors, planners, developers, architects, landscape architects, builders, school leaders and others interested in seeing how a community can become greener, gather to hear from inspiring speakers, learn from been-there case studies and discuss actionable ways to make communities greener, healthier and more prosperous.

GreenTown Chicago will be held on October 13-14, 2010, at Columbia College Chicago and will be sponsored by the City of Chicago, Department of Environment.

There are many great presenters from the City of Chicago, Animal Planet and Planet Green, iGo, Seven Generations Ahead, Plant Chicago, City of San Francisco, Chicago Public Schools, and many, many more. Here is a preliminary agenda from the event, Agenda.

One of the many great breakout sessions:

Innovation in Building Material Waste Reuse & Recycling.   This panel will feature managers of two Chicago businesses that are reusing or recycling large volumes of construction & demolition waste and a business that makes it easy for architects and builders to find reclaimed materials for their projects. The ReBuilding Exchange (RX), a new Chicago-based building material reuse store that diverted 1,200 tons of building materials from deconstructed homes and residential rehab work in its first year of operations. Recycling Systems, Inc. is sorting and reselling even greater volumes of C&D waste from demolition activity in Chicago. PlanetReuse matches reclaimed materials with designers and builders to save projects money. Panelists will discuss major markets and customers and present visuals of how materials are being reused or recycled by contractors, designers and how the use of recycled materials can help buildings earn LEED certification.

Moderator: Chris Slattery, Senior Director, Delta Institute

Panelists:
·         Meegan Czop, Business Manager, the ReBuilding Exchange
·         Jerry Golf, Jr., President, Recycling Systems, Inc.
·         Nathan Benjamin, Principal + Founder, PlanetReuse

This “Biocycle #2” breakout will run from 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. on October 14, 2010.

Reuse It: The Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:56:00 +0000

Great video on Building Materials Reuse:

Bryce Jacobson of the Metro Portland Sustainability Center is the narrator of this new film, Reuse It: The Movie.

The twelve minute film provides a background on the current waste stream in the state of Oregon, makes a compelling case for the need to reuse building materials, and provides an overview of the resources available to Oregon residents to find and use salvaged building materials.

What a good example to implement throughout the US in every community.

Nice job BRING and everyone involved!

To view the movie, please click here.

Design for Reuse Primer Released

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:59:00 +0000

Here's a great newly released publication for the material reuse industry. With a real need to showcase the success stories seen in the increasing number of projects incorporating reclaimed materials as well as discuss the process, this Primer is a must read.

Funded by the US Green Building Council, this free publication shares the stories of fifteen innovative projects, from across the United States and Canada, which have successfully incorporated reused materials.

The 15 diverse projects in the Design for Reuse Primer demonstrate new models of “building green.” Material reuse is always integral to a sustainable vision of how to tread lightly on the earth, be economically pragmatic, and nurture a community. From a school for children with learning differences to a center for holistic living, these case studies are intended to provide insights about the material reuse process in a wide variety of context. By discussing the challenges and demonstrating the benefits of reclaimed materials, they hope to demystify and inspire reuse.

The Design for Reuse Primer publication and website are the latest resources of Public Architecture's ongoing efforts to demystify and promote building material reuse.

Download Public Architecture’s newly released publication, the Design for Reuse Primer.

There are many great projects that are reviewed in the Primer. PlanetReuse enjoyed working on two of the fifteen projects:

- Omega Center Center for Sustainable Living
- Operation Comeback 5200 Dauphine Street

Both projects had amazing owners and design teams that really pushed the boundaries in incorporating reclaimed materials.

Visit www.designforreuse.org to download the primer and learn more.

Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule Webinar hosted by EPA

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Questions about the new Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule?? This will be a great, informative session to help answer them.

Tammy Moore, of EPA Region 5's Lead Program, will be hosting a free webinar on Thursday, October 28th, at 2:00 pm Central time titled "Updates to the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule."

Please note that she is specifically targeting an audience with special interests, including deconstruction and historic preservation for the 10/28 webinar; other similar webinars that week are targeted toward other audiences (see info below for details). Please spread the word -- this is an opportunity to learn more about the RRP Rule and participate in a live Q and A session.

You must register in advance for the 10/28 webinar at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/558759305. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Tammy Moore at 312-886-6181.

LEAD AWARENESS WEEK (October 25th-29th): There will be five consecutive webinars held during “Lead Awareness Week” targeting specific audiences that are affected by the RRP Rule.

The Webinar will cover-
·      An overview of the RRP rule
·      New Changes to the RRP rule
·      Compliance to the RRP rule
·      Enforcement of the RRP Rule in Region 5

The Webinars will address specifically how the rule affects the targeted audience to facilitate more informative information sharing during the Q and A sessions.

Space is limited! Reserve your Webinar seat now at the link next to the appropriate date:
October 25th, 2010- Landlords and Childcare Centers https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/783468641
October 26th, 2010- RRP Contractors https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/894698513
October 27th, 2010-State and Local Health Agencies https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/613377545
October 28th, 2010-Special Interest (Historic Preservationist, Deconstruction Industry, NGO’s) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/558759305
October 29th, 2010-Housing and Permitting Professionals https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/808763216

*Each Webinar will be held at 2:00 p.m. central time, and will be 90 minutes long. Q and A session will follow each presentation.

PlanetReuse Lists Its Lines of Reclaimed Building Materials on GreenWizard

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:19:00 +0000

To Advance Sustainable Building and LEED Credits, PlanetReuse Partners with GreenWizard to Provide Comprehensive Online Source for Reclaimed, FSC, & Excess New Building Materials

PRESS RELEASE:
Charleston, SC – September 1, 2010 – GreenWizard, Inc., the largest collection of green building product data for intelligent material selection, and PlanetReuse, a consulting-and-brokering company focused on reclaimed, FSC, and excess new building materials, have formed a new alliance that makes reclaimed building materials even more accessible to architects, engineers, and contractors (AEC) focused on LEED credits and green-and-sustainable building.

Initially, PlanetReuse will list 20+ categories of reclaimed and excess new building products in GreenWizard’s database. A product specifier can request a product by category (e.g. wood, flooring, furniture, doors, etc.), and enter in their project location. With that information, the team at PlanetReuse will source the product from its regional inventory or actively search for the desired product in current demolition and salvage projects. The quality and quantity of the reclaimed products are assured by PlanetReuse.

PlanetReuse prefers to engage AEC firms, owners, and contractors during the design-and-preconstruction phases, because that’s the way to maximize LEED credits through local use, which takes advanced planning. PlanetReuse works at no cost to the design team during the design phase on projects, and its minimal brokering fee is included when materials are delivered to the new project, so PlanetReuse’s service is essentially free-of-charge. With planning, PlanetReuse clients typically obtain reused products for less than the cost of new.

“Only 6 to 8% of LEED-certified projects have ever obtained the LEED Materials Reuse credits, MRc3.1 or MRc3.2, which require that 5%-10% of materials have been installed previously,” explains Nathan Benjamin, PlanetReuse’s Principal + Founder. “We believe we can drive that number significantly higher. After all, it’s a relatively easy LEED credit to obtain when working through the process with partners like PlanetReuse and Green Wizard.”

“AEC firms are not adverse to using reclaimed materials, if they are quality- and quantity-assured,” explains GreenWizard’s Adam Bernholz. “Now, with PlanetReuse, those firms finally have a viable alternative materials source.”

About PlanetReuse

If you make using reclaimed material reuse easier, more people will do it. This simple but revolutionary goal drove the founders of PlanetReuse to create a new kind of company. Frustrated by the time and resources it took to track down salvaged materials for their own commercial projects, the PlanetReuse team took an entrepreneurial leap to uncover a solution for the entire built industry.

Initially an internet-based e-commerce material website, PlanetReuse has evolved into a consulting-and-brokering company focused on providing the insight, experience, and materials its clients need. With a well-defined and efficient process, PlanetReuse expertly matches materials with designers, builders, and owners to save projects money, serve LEED efforts, and sustain the planet. Under the leadership of founder Nathan Benjamin, the company has grown 300 percent in the last year. Learn more: www.PlanetReuse.com

About GreenWizard

GreenWizard Inc. is a technology company offering the most comprehensive web-based software platform for green building materials from thousands of manufacturers. GreenWizard’s WORKflow Pro software is the only data-driven workflow solution helping the design and construction community by putting search, compare, purchase, and LEED documentation capabilities at their fingertips. MARKET Pro software is the only data-driven marketing solution that brings green building products face to face with decision makers in the design and construction community actively engaged in projects. The Company employs a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) software model delivered over the Internet for its process automation tool, communication center, business analytics, and interactive marketplace. Combined, this platform allows project participants to efficiently navigate the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of green building products, utilizing the most advanced analytical tools and information available in the market. The Charleston, SC-based company was founded in 2008. More info: www.GreenWizard.com.

Summer Opportunities - July Flyer '10

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:15:00 +0000

Looking for options on your project where you can save money and divert materials from landfills? There are some great reclaimed, excess new and FSC options from great sources throughout North America in our latest PlanetReuse flyer. The latest summary contains some innovative materials and a lot of great deals. Here are just a couple:

Granite Pavers/Brick made from excess/discarded granite scrap - Perfect for commercial and residential installations, these brick cut from scrap granite countertop material are perfect for walkways, countertops, backsplashes, flooring, sidewalks, etc. Sustainable and durable solutions with great color selection, thickness options, and variety of finishes

Excess New CFL Lightolier Fixtures - 50% less than the price of new. Canceled project with single and dual-lamp fixtures still in original boxes available immediately. There are 350 of each type - excellent opportunity to save money!

To check out the latest flyer, click here.

Don't see what you are looking for? Just let us know what you are looking for and we'll find it for you.

Want to join our newsletter so you receive updates as they are sent out? Register for our newsletter and flyers here.

USGBC Central Plains Chapter - USGBC for Wichita Presents

noreply@blogger.com (Broker4u) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:42:00 +0000

In continuing their educational outreach to help grow the local chapter presence and to educate it's members, the USGBC Central Plains Chapter - USGBC for Wichita, will be hosting Nathan Benjamin of PlanetReuse on August 26, 2010. He will provide an overview of the company, discuss their services for the design and construction community, and review ways they promote reclamation of building materials nationwide to increase landfill diversion opportunities.

As a follow-up to his presentation to the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) -Wichita on June 15th, 2010, PlanetReuse continues its outreach efforts with design and construction professionals in the Wichita and Central Kansas region.

Please join for the luncheon at Water Center, 101 East Pawnee Street Wichita, KS.

Click here to register.

USGBC Iowa Chapter Monthly Program: August 18.

noreply@blogger.com (PlanetReuser) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Every month members of the Iowa Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council get together for a program in which they can discuss and learn about new green technologies or design strategies. Their July monthly meeting will be held this afternoon with guests from The Weidt Group discussing the benefits of comparative analysis through energy modeling. "Energy modeling" can normally allow the designers and owner, "to evaluate mechanical system options and to maximize daylighting potential in early design stages."

Next month the event will change gears to focus it's attention on the world of reclaimed and salvaged materials. Guest speaker Nathan Benjamin will deliver the August program titled, "Making Reclaimed Material Reuse Easier." If you are in the area and interested in learning more about incorporating reclaimed materials into your next project, or just looking to further your LEED knowledge base, be sure to attend the Iowa USGBC Chapter August program. Find out more about registering for this event here.

Sustainable Furniture: Trend or Standard?

noreply@blogger.com (PlanetReuser) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:50:00 +0000

In recent years, furniture festivals and exhibits such as the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City and the Milan Furniture Fair have had a growing number of sustainable furniture entries. The overwhelming push with the green movement has made the practice of designing sustainable pieces almost commonplace. The new sustainable furniture market has created many 'trends' such as the use of reclaimed & salvaged materials. Notable examples from this niche market can easily be found on almost any continent around the world.

In America, one interesting material re-use story begins with the furniture design company Uhuru Design which is based in Brooklyn, New York. Uhuru's newest charming line of furniture is called the "Coney Island Line." This six-piece collection is inspired by as well as created from the demolished boardwalk ipe remnants.

If we look across the pond to Great Britain we will find more intriguing work from designer Ryan Frank. His South African roots fuel an intense passion for material reuse motivating the creation of his "free-range" furniture pieces which use primarily locally sourced lumber or salvaged waste-wood. Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek's work with reclaimed materials can also be found in Great Britain in addition to many other European nations. Eek handcrafts his pieces through the use of recycled wood and metals in a way which is commonly described as "poetic functionalism."

Moving to another region, Israel has a hidden gem. All furniture from Ubico Studio located in Tel-Aviv is made from 100% recycled industrial waste, urban waste, and materials from waste disposal centers. It may sound pretty gritty, but this industrial "garbage" deceivingly transforms into chic and functional furniture at Ubico Studio. Our last inspiring reuse story comes from the continent of South America. In Brazil, Hugo Franca is able to acquire roots, trunks and branches from the Pataxo Indians located along the Bahian southern coast. Franca allows these "unusable" portions of trees to become something functional, as well as develop their own personality.

Hopefully this trip around the globe has been an inspiring one and challenges you to think more deeply when you go to purchase your next home furnishing. The strong presence of reclaimed materials in the world of furniture design will hopefully continue to flourish and perhaps someday become less of a novelty and more of an industry standard.

Global Summer Spectrum: London Festival of Architecture.

noreply@blogger.com (PlanetReuser) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:45:00 +0000

So far this summer season has had no shortage of notable, worldwide design events which have all in some way or another accentuated the importance of sustainability. One intriguing concept came from the London Festival of Architecture, that took place for nearly a month from June 19th through July 4th. This year's LFA brought artists, architects, gardeners and scientists together to create an orchard that was anything but normal.

The Union Street Urban Orchard was designed by Heather Ring of the Wayward Plant Registry for The Architecture Foundation. This temporary community gem was once a vacant urban London lot which found a new life from June through September as a public garden complete with apple trees and a timber pavilion. A zero-carbon modular sustainable living pod can be found on the site as well called the "LivingARK." To demonstrate it's livability, volunteers inhabited the residence during the course of the festival.

Design students of the Finnish Institute were also able to participate in the design & build of the Urban Orchard with their timber pavilion creation titled "The Nest." Other highlights of this site included the skip turned ping-pong table created by Oliver Bishop-Young and the The Identikit Urban Playground from Thomas Kendall and Tamsin Hanke. For the next few months this temporary community haven will host several events and workshops. In September when the Urban Orchard is dismantled, the trees and greenery will be donated to local estates and gardens. To find out more about this exciting urban infill project created sustainably to bring a community together specifically for the London Festival of Architecture and summertime, check out their website here.

June 24th Webinar 'Deconstruction Trends & Markets'

noreply@blogger.com (PlanetReuser) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:13:00 +0000

If you are curious about implementing deconstruction into future projects, have all of your questions answered on June 24th from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. WasteCap Resource Solutions & the Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) are teaming up to co-sponsor the webinar event, "Deconstruction Trends & Markets." During this time, experts in the realm of deconstruction will be available for an informative question & answer forum explaining more thoroughly the role that deconstruction material recycling can play in any prospective project.

This discussion will feature moderator Jenna Kunde of WasteCap Resource Solutions, Inc., Chuck Goddard, Dubuque Metropolitan Area Administrator, Thomas Napier, Research Architect of the Construction Engineering Research Lab US Army Corps of Engineers, and Nathan Benjamin of PlanetReuse. These experts will be able to share their knowledge of the industry and help participants explore potential marketing realms. Member discounts are available to WasteCap and BMRA membership but all are welcome to be a part of this beneficial session! For more information on Thursday's event, click here.

Recap: 2010 National Demolition Association Annual Convention

noreply@blogger.com (PlanetReuser) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:04:00 +0000

This year, the 2010 National Demolition Association Annual Convention was held at The Mirage in Las Vegas March 20-23. The NDA convention hosted many events which included the Exhibit Hall, Golf Tournament, speakers, and various breakout sessions. The Mirage Exhibit Hall boasted the ability to accommodate demolition equipment of any size from "everyone involved in the demolition process from around the globe."

As yet another sign that things are changing across all industries when it comes to sustainability, breakout sessions about sustainability and speakers engaged throughout the conference were equally as impressive. In addition to many other great sessions, one session explained the importance of LEED certification and was delivered exclusively to those involved with the demolition process as opposed to deconstruction. In the session, Nathan Benjamin was afforded the opportunity to speak about the significance of salvaging materials alongside John Lloyd of Lloyd's Construction Services Inc., and Jason Haus of Dem-Con Cos. LLC. It created a great dialog that received great feedback and questions. To get another perspective on this year's annual convention, click here for a wrap-up by "Recycling Today."