Recycling Existing Buildings Becoming 'Green' Alternative

La Jolla Pacific Expert Will Address Risks on Multifamily Trends
Panel in San Francisco, June 24
SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
A welcome trend is taking place in the quest for more sensitive,
sustainable development: rehabilitating and renovating existing
buildings into new, energy-efficient multifamily housing. Yet applying
new methods to older structures can present risks that may have
unforeseen impacts, according to Don Neff, president of La Jolla
Pacific, Ltd., a national consulting firm advising builders on making
the move to "green."

Neff will address these issues on a panel themed "New Life for Old
Buildings: Why Recycling Buildings Is Green," scheduled for Tuesday,
June 24, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Multifamily Trends
Conference, a national conference presented by the Urban Land
Institute and PCBC(R), June 23-24, 2008, at Moscone Center in San
Francisco.

"There is always a risk in incorporating new products and
techniques, even in new construction," said Neff. "Rehabbing an
existing structure presents even more challenges, such as ensuring
that the trades and construction schedule do not compromise the
integrity of the building during the rehab process, and that the new
products and technologies will function in harmony with existing
systems."

By recycling and reusing much of the existing building materials
and creating more energy-efficient, higher-performing buildings,
developers are adding a new facet to the goal of sustainable
communities. However, the top risk areas associated with new
construction are commonly seen in building renovations as well,
particularly water intrusion.

"Knowing the risks and having performance guidelines and
inspections will minimize the potential for construction-defect
litigation and maximize the probability of a good outcome," Neff said.

PCBC, the largest regional builders' show in the nation, is
presented each year by the California Building Industry Assn. For
information, visit www.pcbc.com.

With an extensive background in direct construction experience, La
Jolla Pacific Ltd. is an industry leader in construction risk
management, third-party peer review, green and sustainable building
consulting, quality assurance, and forensic investigation services
throughout the West. The firm will be exhibiting at the show, in Booth
#5432 (North Hall). For information, visit www.lajollapacificltd.com,
or contact Cassie Cherry at 949-336-8913.

TAGS: RENOVATING BUILDINGS; MULTIFAMILY HOUSING; GREEN BUILDING;
SUSTAINABILITY

for La Jolla Pacific Ltd.
Ann Romano, 949-496-1076
annromano@bigplanet.com
At-show:
Cassie Cherry, 714-345-0207

Copyright Business Wire 2008