workshop 2 - pasadena 2. this page ... - add insulation to walls, ceilings, ducts, cold water pipes...

Green BuildinG

Outreach &

educ atiOn

PrOGram

2007

Greening Your House Par t 1:Do-It-Yourself

WORKSHOP 2

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Pasadena Green Building Program March 2007

RBF Consulting& Marie Jones Consulting 1

Greening Your House Part 1: Do-It-Yourself

Thursday, March 1, 2007 7:00 p.m.

The Neighborhood Church

Tonight’s Workshop

Issues of Concern in the Home and How to Address Them:– Indoor Environmental Quality– Solid Waste Reduction– Energy Reduction– Water Reduction– Green Building Materials

• Exercise: Room-to-Room Open Forum



The Problem• On average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors

– Often the air quality indoors can be 6-10 times more polluted than outdoor air

• Children are particularly vulnerable when it comes to air pollution. – A New England Journal of Medicine report states that 40%

of children will develop respiratory disease, in part due to thechemicals in their homes.

• Poor indoor air quality contributes to asthma (15 million Americans) and to hay fever and other allergies (28 million Americans).

• Indoor air pollution consistently ranks among the top five environmental risks to public health

Indoor Environmental Quality

Sources:• Materials purchased off-gas toxic chemicals

– particle-board, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and other pressed-wood products found in shelving, furniture, countertops, cabinets.

• Finishing products off-gas toxic chemicals– Paints, adhesives, sealants, floor finishes

• Household ventilation, design and maintenance– Carbon monoxide, radon, mold

• House-hold cleaning products off-gas toxic chemicals

• Tracked-in contaminants– Dust, dirt, other biological contaminants




Volatile Organic Compounds

• The Environmental Protection Agency states that studies have found that levels of several Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) "average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors.”

• Once outside, certain VOCs react with other pollutants, producing ground-level ozone (smog) that also affects human health. VOCs can be harmful to children and chemically sensitive individuals.

• Found in:– Paints, oil-based adhesives, sealants, wood finishes


Indoor Environmental QualitySOLUTION: LOW- or NO-VOC PAINT

• Paint with low- or zero-VOCs is available from most major manufacturers and is applied like conventional paint.

– Low VOCs = less than 150 grams per liter (gpl) for non-flat finishes; less than 50 gpl or less for flat finishes.

– Zero VOCs = less than 5 gpl.

• A number of manufacturers have developed high-quality recycled content latex paint and primers.

– Recycled portion (20 to 100%) from unused consumer or industrial stock and paint recovered from household hazardous waste collection facilities.

– Paint is checked for quality and sent to paint manufacturers for recycling and blending with a portion of new paint.

– Applied like conventional paint; limited range of colors.– Less expensive than new paint – up to 50%!– Reduces need to manufacture new paint and reduces waste

stream



Indoor Environmental QualitySOLUTION: LOW-VOC ADHESIVES/CAULKS

• Flooring, countertops, trim, wall coverings, paneling, tub/shower enclosures:– Use low-VOC products (70 gpl or less) in place of

standard adhesives and caulks

• Replace oil-based finishes with low-VOC wood finishes (150 gpl or less)– If oil-based wood finishes must be used, apply off-site or

allow to offgas for 3-4 weeks prior to occupancy.

• Most commercial sealants and strippers also outgas toxic chemicals. Look for finishes and strippers that are less toxic and can provide a safer alternative.

Indoor Environmental QualitySOURCE: CARBON MONOXIDE• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced whenever fuel is burned

• CO causes the largest number of accidental poisoning deaths in U.S.

• Simple steps to greatly reduce your risk of poisoning:

– Annual inspection of your home heating system in fall or early winter.– If you cook with natural gas, be sure your kitchen is well ventilated.– Never barbecue in an enclosed space.– Install CO detectors, preferably near bedrooms, as recommended by

the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission. Alarms must be replaced every 3-5 years.

• Purchase a CO test kit for $20, CO monitor for $45



Indoor Environmental QualitySOURCE: RADON• EPA: 15,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. due to radon

exposure. – 1 in 15 homes are at or above EPA’s recommended level of 4 picocuries

per liter (pCi/L) of air.

• Radon is a breakdown product of uranium-238, which occurs naturally in the soil. Radon seeps into the home from the earth through:

– floor drains and sumps – basement wall and floor joints– cracks in basement walls and floors – holes in foundation wall for piping and wiring– exposed earth or rock surfaces– well water

• Average indoor radon level in U.S. is 1.2 pCi/L; average outdoor levels are only 0.4 pCi/L

Indoor Environmental QualitySOURCE: RADON

Test radon levels below the third floor, using test kit certified by National Environmental Health Association or National Radon Safety Board. (Test kits $120)

Radon Mitigation:

– Place airtight membrane under carpets– Cover exposed earth with polyethylene air barrier– Seal all cracks and joints in foundation wall and floor

slab with caulking or foam– Activated charcoal filters or aeration units will remove

radon from well water– Self-priming drains or gas trap in the floor drains

leading to a sump or to drainage tiles



Indoor Environmental QualitySOURCE: MOLD

• Found wherever moisture accumulates– Basements, kitchens, bathrooms, window sills, carpets, wall cavities, or wherever

leaks and flooding occurs

• Microbes commonly grow within ductwork of forced air heating systems, which can spread mold and dust throughout the house.

• Once inhaled, mold produces allergic reactions, hypersensitivity, infectious diseases.

• Certain fungi can produce myotoxins, which can be carcinogenic, teratogenic (induces birth defects), immuno-suppressive (reduces immune system performance), or oxygenic (poisons tissues).

Indoor Environmental QualitySOURCE: MOLDAvoiding mold:

1) Prevent condensation- Cold spots from air conditioners- Add insulation to walls, ceilings, ducts, cold water pipes to raise temperature

of interior surface and prevent condensation- Air-vapor barriers- Repair leaks and cracks in basement

2) Ventilate – especially in high-moisture areas- showers, laundry room

3) Consider using a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, to help maintain a healthy 30-55% humidity



SOURCE: HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS• Look at the Label:

CAUTION = 1 ounce to 1 pint may be fatal or harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin by an adult 180-lb man.WARNING = 1 teaspoon to 1 ounce may be fatal or harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin by an adult 180-lb man.DANGER = A taste to 1 teaspoon is fatal if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin by an adult 180-lb man.

• These cleaners are outgassing and mixing together to form a chemical soup beneath your sink!


Common ingredients of commercial household products: • Ammonia Fatal when swallowed• Ammonium Hydroxide Corrosive, irritant• Bleach Potentially fatal if ingested• Chlorine Number one cause of poisonings in children• Formaldehyde Highly toxic; known carcinogen• Hydrochloric acid Corrosive, eye and skin irritant• Hydrochloric bleach Eye, skin and respiratory tract irritant• Lye Severe damage to stomach and esophagus if ingested• Naphtha Depresses the central nervous system• Nitrobenzene Causes skin discoloration, shallow breathing, vomiting, and death• Perchlorethylene Damages liver, kidney, nervous system• Petroleum Distillates Highly flammable; suspected carcinogen• Phenol Extremely dangerous; suspected carcinogen; fatal if taken internally• Propylene Glycol Immunogen; main ingredient in antifreeze• Sodium hypochlorite Potentially fatal• Sodium laurel sulfate Carcinogen, toxin, genetic mutagen• Sodium tripolyphosphate Irritant• Trichloroethane Damages liver and kidneys




SOLUTION: HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

• Look for products that list their natural ingredients on the label

• Purchase cleaners containing non-petroleum-based surfactants, that are chlorine and phosphate free, "non-toxic" and biodegradable.

• Make your own non-toxic mixtures from common household ingredients to help you accomplish certain tasks.


Indoor Environmental QualitySOLUTION: HOUSE PLANTS

• Common indoor plants may reduce rising levels of indoor air pollution.

• NASA scientists find that they absorb potentially harmful gases and clean the air inside modern buildings.

• Based on preliminary evaluations, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) joined NASA to fund a study using a dozen popular varieties of ornamental plants to determine their effectiveness in removing several key pollutantsassociated with indoor air pollution.



Indoor Environmental Quality• Philodendron, spider plant and the golden pothos were

labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules.

• Flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were rated superior in removing benzene from the chamber atmosphere.

• Other good performers are dracaena massangeana and spathiphyllum.

philodendron

golden pothos

dracaena massangeana

spider plant

spathiphyllum

Indoor Environmental QualitySOURCE: TRACKED-IN CONTAMINANTS• Up to 2/3 of dust and particulates in houses is tracked in on shoes. Dust contains

everything from soil and pesticides to abrasive sand, mold, road grime and bacteria.

SOLUTION:• Minimize tracked-in contaminants: for entryways, avoid carpet, and instead install

easily cleaned flooring with a hard surface, such as hardwood, bamboo, ceramic tile or natural linoleum.

• Provide features near entryways for removal and storage of outerwear and shoes, such as tiled surface, walk-off mats and benches for removing shoes.



Solid Waste ReductionTHE PROBLEM

• Today organic materials, like waste from our yards and kitchens,take up almost 1/3 of landfill capacity.

• In 2005, U.S. residents, businesses, and institutions produced more than 245 million tons Total Waste Generation which is approximately 4.5 pounds of waste per person per day (U.S. EPA).

SOURCE: US EPA

Solid Waste ReductionSOLUTION: COMPOST• Almost any organic material is suitable for composting. The

pile needs a good mix (about 30:1) of carbon-rich materials, or “browns,” and nitrogen-rich materials, or “greens”. – Browns = yard wastes, like dried leaves, tree clippings, or

wood chips. – Greens = grass clippings and kitchen scraps, like melon rinds,

lettuce, etc. (No meat and dog/cat waste as they may contain bacteria & could attract pests.)

• Bins can be home-made from reused lumber or pallets, or from chicken wire. Compost bins or worm bins are also available for purchase ($70-$150)

worm bin



Solid Waste Reduction

• City of Pasadena Department of Public Works – Compost Bin Sales and Free Composting Workshops– “Garden Gourmet” Compost Bin $40

for City residents• For sale year round – call 626-744-4721

or email [email protected]– Composting Workshops

• Saturday, February 24, 2007• Saturday, September 22, 2007

Solid Waste ReductionSOLUTION: RECYCLING• Recycling, including composting, diverted

79 million tons of material away from disposal in 2005, up from 15 million tons in 1980, when the recycle rate was just 10%.

• Typical materials recycled: – Batteries (Recycle rate 99%) – Paper and paperboard (Recycle rate

50%)– Yard trimmings (Recycle rate 62%).

Recycling•Prevents the emission of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants •Saves energy •Supplies valuable raw materials to industry •Creates jobs •Stimulates the development of greener technologies•Conserves resources for our children's future •Reduces the need for new landfills and combustors.•Reduces greenhouse gas emissions

SOURCE: US EPA

mailto:[email protected]



Solid Waste ReductionSOLUTION: RECYCLING

• Pasadena Pay-As-You-Throw Program– The program is tailored to single family residences and multi-family units of four or less.

– With Pay-As-You-Throw, your cost for collection is based upon how much you recycle and how much your family throws away. The more you recycle, the less you pay. Recycle everything from your soda bottles and magazines to yard trimmings.

– The program is environmentally friendly, and it helps the city meet the requirements set by AB939 which requires a 50% reduction of trash going to the landfill by the end of the year 2000. Pasadena needs your continued help to meet this goal, avoid potential $10,000/day fines, and extend the life of Scholl Canyon Landfill.

– Customers have three containers for the following purposes:• Mixed waste (trash) with a GREEN lid

• Recycling with a BLUE lid

• Yard waste with a BLACK lid

Solid Waste ReductionSOLUTION: RECYCLING

Pasadena Construction and Demolition OrdinanceConstruction, demolition, or remodeling of:– Residential additions of 1,000 square feet or more– Tenant improvements of 3,000 square feet or more– New structures of 1,000 square feet of more– Demolition of 1,000 square feet or more

• Up-front deposit of 3% of project value or $30,000 is returned once compliance is met

• Requirement to recycle 50%, by weight

• Resources for contractors, developers, for salvage and deconstruction

• Recycling Centers

• Reporting requirement



Solid Waste ReductionSOLUTION: SOURCE REDUCTION (Waste Prevention)

• During the past 35 years, the amount of waste each person creates has almost doubled from 2.7 to 4.4 pounds per day.

• Prevent waste in the first place.– Buy bulk food supplies– Choose products with reduced packaging.

• Reuse items to stop waste at the source - it delays or avoids that item's entry in the waste collection and disposal system. Containers and packaging represented approximately 28% of the materials source reduced in 2000, in addition to non-durable goods (e.g., newspapers, clothing) at 17%, durable goods (e.g., appliances, furniture, tires) at 10%, and other MSW (e.g., yard trimmings, food scraps) at 45%.

– Reusable containers– Secondhand clothing, furniture, building materials– Bring your own bags to store

Energy Reduction

SOURCE: US DOE

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, March 2001



Energy Reduction

SOURCE: US DOE

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, March 2001

Energy Reduction The Problem

• Buildings use 70% of U.S. electricity consumed

• U.S Buildings consume twice as much energy as all our cars and emit twice the amount of carbon dioxide (calculation includes total embodied and operating cost energy)

• The U.S. Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, they would use $20 billion less in energy per year.

• Homeowners who choose to remodel green can lower their energy consumption by 30-50%.

• A typical U.S. home uses about 44 cents out of every energy dollar for heating and cooling. Another 14 cents goes to water heating, and 9 cents is used for refrigerators and freezers. The remaining 33 cents is used for appliances, electronics, and lighting.



Energy ReductionSOLUTION: EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

• Major Energy Users:– Refrigerators– Freezers– Washer– Dryer– Hot Water Heater

• Pasadena Water and Power ENERGY STAR Rebate Program (up to $200 per ENERGY STAR appliance or lighting product)

You will find the ENERGY STAR® label on products that exceed energy performance guidelines for energy efficiency.

If all consumers, businesses, and organizations in the United States chose ENERGY STAR® products over the next decade, the national annual energy bill would be reduced by about $200 billion. www.energystar.gov.

Energy ReductionSOURCE: MAJOR APPLIANCES

Refrigerators• Refrigerators and freezers can account for up to 25% of

household energy use.

• ENERGY STAR refrigerators save at least 15% over the federal minimum standards.

• Installing a high-efficiency washing machine can save up to $90 on energy bills and 6,000 gallons of water, every year. The most efficient new appliances typically use 50% less energy than the most wasteful models.

www.energystar.gov



Energy Reduction

SOURCE: MAJOR APPLIANCES

• Pasadena Water and Power ENERGY STAR Refrigerator Rebate: $100-150 per unit.*

• Pasadena Water and Power Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Bonus:

– Refrigerator -$25 incentive plus one 3-pack of CFL'sFreezer - $35 incentive plus one 3-pack of CFL's(Limit 2 units – any combination)

* “Green Power Program” Bonus Amount (Green Power customers only): $15 per unit.


Hot Water Heater

Average Hot Water Use:

• Clothes washing: 32 gallons per use• Showering: 20 gallons per use• Bathing: 20 gallons per use• Automatic dishwashing:12 gallons per use• Preparing food: 5 gallons per use• Hand dishwashing: 4 gallons per use

Source: FEMA




Hot Water Heater

• Improve the efficiency of your hot water heating. You can do the following:

– Replace your hot water heater with a tankless hot-water heater – can cut water heating costs by 50%

– Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees (also prevents scalding).

– Insulate water heater and piping.

– Turn off electric water heater when you’ll be away from home on a vacation or for any extended period.

– For gas water heaters, set the control valve to “pilot” when you will be away from home. You can buy an inexpensive insulation kit at most home improvement stores, or you can do it yourself with backed roll insulation and duct tape.

Energy Reduction SOLUTION: EFFICIENT LIGHTBULBS

• Replace your most-used incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)

• CFLs use about 1⁄4 the energy of normal incandescent light bulbs and CFLs can last up to 10 times as long as standard bulbs. CFLs also produce much less heat.

• A 60-watt incandescent bulb can be replaced with an 11- to 15-watt CFL. Although CFLs cost more than regular light bulbs, they last 6 to 10 times longer, and each one saves $25 to $30 over its lifetime. To maximize their benefit, use CFLs in high-use areas.

• Today CFLs come in a delightful array of models that produce warm glows and can even be attached to dimming circuits.



Energy Reduction SOLUTION: EFFICIENT LIGHTBULBS

• Pasadena Water and Power Rebates for Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

– Free 3-pack of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs when you take the online Home Energy Calculation survey.

– Energy Star® qualified CFL lighting fixtures -$25-30 per unit (may not exceed price of fixture).*

* “Green Power Program” Bonus Amount (Green Power customers only): $5 per unit

Standard

Colored

DecorativeDimmable

Three-way

Energy ReductionSOLUTION: CEILING FAN

• Ceiling fans circulate both heat and cool air, savingenergy and money. ($100-200)

• Ceiling fans improve interior comfort by circulating air. Most ENERGY STAR qualified models can be adjusted to either draw warm air upward during the summer or push it downward during the winter.

• Preferable locations are areas where occupants tend to spend more time, such as bedrooms and family rooms. Anchor ceiling fans to ceiling joists.

• To increase efficiency, select models that include ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures.

• Ceiling fans can make residents feel more comfortable, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating.



Energy ReductionSOLUTION: CEILING FAN

• Pasadena Water and Power Ceiling Fan Rebate

– Energy Star® Ceiling Fan with Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Bulbs - $40-50 per unit (limit 2 units every 5 years)*


Energy Reduction

• One of the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.

• About 1/3 of the air infiltrating your home comes through openings in your ceilings, walls, and floors.

• Save as much as 10% on your heating and cooling bill.

SOLUTION: PLUG AIR LEAKS



Energy Reduction

SOLUTION: PLUG AIR LEAKS

• Use weather-stripping or caulk to seal air leaks around windows

• Use mastic to seal heating and cooling ducts.

– Leaks in the joints between ductwork have been shown to allow, on average, 20 to 30% of conditioned air to leak out.

– Leaky air ducts can also cause negative pressure in the house, which can draw many outdoor and indoor contaminants into the home, including carbon monoxide from gas water heaters and furnaces.

– Duct tape loses its effectiveness in a few years. Mastic maintains a tight seal for decades. Install mastic at every duct joint and seam.

Energy ReductionSOLUTION: PROGRAMMABLE

THERMOSTATS

• Install programmable thermostats to regulate temperature and maximize efficiency and savings. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling bills by turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for 8 hours.

• Pasadena Water and Power ENERGY STAR Programmable Thermostat rebate: $20-25 per unit.*




Energy Reduction

HEATING AND COOLING TIPS:

• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.

• Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed, and make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Energy Reduction/Indoor Environmental Quality

SOLUTION: CLEAN AIR FILTERS

• Home air filters also called "furnace filters" keep the coils and heat exchanges on the heating and air conditioning system clean. Dirty coils and heat exchanges make the system work harder, so keeping the filter clean helps prolong the life of your HVAC unit.

• Not changing or cleaning your air conditioner filter at regular intervals can decrease equipment operating efficiency by 20% percent or more.

– Different filters are meant to be changed at different intervals, but once a month is a common time frame.

– Brand new homes, as well as homes where there is remodeling or construction going on, will need more frequent filter changes tocompensate for the extra dust and residue in the air.




SOLUTION: CLEAN AIR FILTER• MERV – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value – is a metric used to

measure an air filter’s efficiency. The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 2 (the higher the MERV number, the more efficient the filter).

• Filters of MERV 6 to 10 are recommended for cleaner air without compromising the performance of standard mechanical systems.

– Only use a filter with a MERV of 10 or higher if the HVAC system is specifically designed for it (filter media becomes denser as efficiency increases).

• Most filters for residential HVAC systems are 1" thick, but somelarge houses (3,000 sq. ft. and more) require 4" filters because of the volume of air circulating in the home. The 1" filters come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to note what size you need before going to the store to make a purchase.


SOLUTION: CLEAN AIR FILTERS• There are several choices of material and style to choose from when

buying a home air filter. Performance is affected by the size and density of the material used, as well as the size and volume of the particles being filtered.

• The least expensive filters have a layer of fibers, in some cases covered by a honeycomb-shaped grille. The material is often fiberglass, but filters made of natural materials such as hogs' hair and coconut fibers also are available, often by special order.

• Pleated filters made of a variety of materials are more efficient because the pleats provide a greater surface area to trap particles. Many pleated filters are electrostatically charged to help them attract and hold microscopic particles.

• Reusable filters are made of material that can be rinsed clean with water.

• Some filters for window air conditioners are made of foam.



Energy Reduction SOURCE: PHANTOM LOADS

• Phantom energy load is the power that an electronic device consumes when the power is switched off.

• Common sources: stereos, TVs, DVD/VCR players, digital clocks and cell phone chargers. Any device with a glowing light when it is “off” is constantly drawing electricity.

• While the phantom load for an individual device is minimal relative to total household electricity load, the cumulative effect of all of the electronics in your house, plus all of those in other people’s homes, is significant.

• A simple test using a 'true power meter' or energy meter found that an all-in-one hi-fi unit (CD, tuner, tape deck) consumed 20W when 'off' and 60W when on but silent. Similarly, a recent microwave oven with a clock used 15W when not cooking. All of these power users can add up to 5 or 10% of your electricity bill.

Power adapters burnelectricity as heat,even when notcharging electronics.

Energy Reduction SOLUTION: PHANTOM LOADS

• Use an energy meter (e.g., Kill-A-Watt) to find out where your electricity leaks are.

• Plug your electronic devices into a surge protector, or power strip

• When the surge protector is turned off, the appliance can no longer draw power from an outlet, thereby reducing phantom load.

Kill-A-Watt Meter

Controls and timers



Water ReductionTHE PROBLEM

• California residences use 5.6 million acre-feet of applied water annually.

• On average, PWP customers use 32 million gallons of water each day.

• Daily indoor per capita water use in a typical single family home is 69.3 gallons. Overall use falls into the following categories:

– Toilets: 26.7%– Baths: 1.7%– Showers: 16.8%– Clothes Washer: 21.7%– Dishwashers: 1.4%– Faucets: 15.7%– Leaks: 12.7%– Other Domestic Uses:2.2%

Water Reduction

SOLUTION: EFFICIENT DISHWASHERS

• High efficiency dishwashers save at least 25% over the federal minimum standards. Some dishwashers are more water efficient than others, even among ENERGY STAR- qualified models. The most water-efficient models use 6.5 gallons or less per cycle.

• Energy Star dishwashers use an internal water heater to boost temperatures inside the dishwasher.

• Pasadena Water and Power ENERGY STAR dishwasher rebate: $60-75 per unit.*

* “Green Power Program” Bonus Amount (Green Power customers only): $15 per unit.



Water Reduction

SOLUTION: EFFICIENT CLOTHES WASHER

• Energy Star clothes washing machines use 45% less energy and 50% less water while performing as well as a standard washer. To maximize water efficiency, choose models with a water factor rating of 6.0 or less. The high-efficiency washers save up to 40 gallons of water per load.

• Pasadena Water and Power High Efficiency Clothes Washer rebate: $200 per unit (limit one unit per 10 years per residence).

Water ReductionSOLUTION: WATER-SAVING DEVICES

• Low-flow toilets (1.6 gallons per flush compared to 3.5 gpf conventional) could save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year for a family of 4. Dual-flush toilets cost about $250, pressure-assisted models range from $200-$1000. – PWP Ultra-low Flush and Dual Flush High Efficiency Toilet Rebate

Program: $135-$265 rebate (limit 2 toilets).

• Install water-saving devices in the bathroom and kitchen. – Faucet aerators use up to 40% less water than conventional

fixtures, or about 2.5 gallons per minute compared to 4 gallons per minute.

– Low flow shower heads save about 50% of the water a conventional shower requires, or about 2.5 gallons per minute ascompared to the conventional 4 or 5 gallons per minute.



Water Reduction

SOLUTION: REPAIR LEAKY FAUCETS

Check for leaks and repair promptly – a leak of 1 drop per second wastes 2,400 gallons per year.

Green Building Materials & Furnishings




• Selecting green materials involves an assessment of a product’s environmental impact over its life cycle. – This process tracks the raw materials used to make a product; its

manufacturing process; its transportation; its performance when it is used; and its disposal, reuse, or recycling options. When choosing materials and products look for:

High levels of:Renewability Reusability Durability

Low levels of:Embodied energy (energy required to extract, process, and transport materials) Environmental impact


LOOK FOR:

High levels of:Renewability Reusability Durability Low levels of:

Embodied energy (energy required to extract, process, and transport materials)

Environmental impact





• Consider furniture made of recycled and renewable resources– Look for pre-owned furniture at secondhand stores, antique stores

or flea markets– Look for FSC-certified wood

• Consider flooring made of recycled and renewable resources.– Linoleum, bamboo, FSC-certified wood, cork, recycled

rubber



Green Building Materials• When it comes to choosing your materials for kitchen cabinets,

counters and flooring, look for the following criteria:– Recycled content, whether post-consumer, post-industrial or agricultural waste – Ability to be recycled, reused or reconditioned when you're through with it– Durability: products with a long lifecycle need to be replaced less frequently – FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, identifying wood as harvested from a

sustainable, well-managed forest – Rapidly renewable: Made from plants that grow to maturity quickly: cork, bamboo,

cotton, etc. – Found in nature (stone, wood, etc.) and requiring minimum processing, which can

create harmful chemicals and toxins– No pollutants: wood products without formaldehyde; low- or no-VOC (volatile organic

compounds) paints, caulks, adhesives and sealants; flooring without PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

– Noise absorbing or reducing properties – Locality: Transporting materials a long distance takes energy and pollutes the

environment– Re-using salvage items might be the most green option of all

Exercise: Envision and Collaborate



Q&A

Upcoming WorkshopsGreening Your House Part 2: The Bigger

PictureThursday, April 57:00 – 9:00 p.m.Art Center College of Design South Campus

Exterior Green – Landscaping for the Environment

Thursday, May 37:00 – 9:00 p.m.Art Center College of Design South Campus



Green Buildings TourJune 2, 2007

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Meet at Pasadena City Hall

Space is limited!Call Alice Sterling at (626) 744-3726 or

Sandra Robles at (626) 744-6646 to reserve a seat

For More Information on Pasadena’s Green Building ProgramVisit cityofpasadena.netand www.PWPweb.com

or ContactAlice Sterling at (626) 744-3726

www.PWPweb.com

Green Building Workshop #2 March 2007

Pasadena Green Building Education and Outreach Program

Pasadena Green Building Compliance Steps

The Pasadena Green Building Practices Ordinance, effective April 15, 2006 applies to the following projects and requires additional plan review and submittals to verify the project’s environmental soundness:

1) Municipal buildings: 5,000 square feet or more of new construction;

2) Non-residential buildings: 25,000 square feet or more of new construction;

3) Tenant improvements: 25,000 square feet or more and that require a building permit;

4) Multi-family residential buildings: 4 stories or more;

5) Mixed use buildings: 4 stories or more;

6) Mixed use projects and multi-family residential projects that include a residential building: 4 stories or more.

The following steps are provided to assist in the review and approval of a project with a building that meets one of the above thresholds:

Pre-Plan Check Steps:

1) Retain the services of a LEED Accredited Professional as part of the design team.

2) Register the building with the USGBC.

3) Discuss City requirements and plan review procedures with the City’s LEED AP consultant (including access to LEED templates online) as soon as possible.

4) Obtain City forms for LEED review (i.e. City’s Green Building Development Guide, City of Pasadena Green Building Checklist - electronic format).

Initial Plan Check Submittal (typical turn around time 30 days)

1) Incorporate the applicable LEED checklist as a sheet in the plan sets indicating points meeting at a minimum LEED Certified level (LEED checklist must be signed and dated by the project LEED AP). Provide a three-point margin for credits that might be compromised during construction.

2) Submit required number of plans for review (the City’s LEED AP consultant will receive one set of plans).



3) Submit one set of documents in support of LEED credits (i.e. Title 24 modeling, specifications, LEED templates or access to LEED templates on line).

4) Submit City of Pasadena Green Building Checklist.

Note: All building documents must indicate in the general notes, specifications, and/or individual detail drawings,

where feasible, the green building measures employed to attain the applicable LEED rating. Plans submitted that do not provide the required information for green building review will be returned as

incomplete.

Plan Check Corrections:

1) Upon completion of the Green Building review, the city’s LEED consultant will provide comments on why or why not the LEED points indicated have been approved on the City of Pasadena Green Building Checklist.

2) If the minimum number of points have not been approved the project must make corrections and submit for re-check (typical turn around time 14 days).

3) If the project passes Green Building review, and no changes to the points will be impacted by any other department’s corrections, the project can submit for final sign off (FSO).

Final Sign-Off

1) The City’s LEED AP will review the plans and sign-off if no changes have been made to the project (typical turn around time seven days)

2) The City will retain a hard copy of the project’s LEED templates for its record.

Construction:

1) The City’s Building inspectors will perform normal building inspections.

2) It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the city of changes in the field that impact LEED points and to seek remedial action and city approval immediately.

3) If discrepancies or changes to LEED credits occur during construction the City may issue a stop-work order if the project LEED points are below the minimum number required (the City recommends a three-point margin to avoid this situation).



Recipes for Homemade Cleaners1 All-Purpose Cleaner 1 teaspoon Borax ½ tsp baking soda 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice 1 tsp. Liquid soap (vegetable oil based if possible) Combine with 2 cups of very hot water and use in a spray bottle. If you want a bucketful, use 1/8 cup each of borax, baking soda, and vinegar and combine with 1 tablespoon liquid soap and 2 gallons of water. Cleaning the Oven 1 cup or more baking soda Water Baking soda and water are excellent for cleaning the oven. Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the oven, then cover the baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Let the mixture set overnight. The next morning the grease will be easy to wipe up because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. Add borax and salt for increased abrasive action. Clogged Drains ½ cup baking soda 1 cup vinegar Products for un-clogging drains are some of the most dangerous ones found in the typical home. You're better off with an ounce of prevention: Use a drain catch or screen to keep hair and food from clogging pipes, and periodically pour boiling water down the drain. If you do get a clog, pour baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour vinegar in after it. Cover the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. It might bubble like a volcano but that just means it's working. Then flush with a gallon of boiling water. For tougher clogs use a plumber's snake. Furniture Polish 1 tsp of lemon juice 1 pint of vegetable oil Mix lemon juice in vegetable oil. Apply a small amount to a clean cotton cloth and wipe wooden parts of furniture.

1 www.seventhgeneration.com, accessed February 10, 2007.



Rug Deodorizer Baking soda Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary. Silver Polish Water 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda Aluminum foil Boil 2-3 inches of water in a shallow pan with salt, baking soda, and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for 2-3 minutes more. Remove silver from the pan and wipe away tarnish with a clean cotton cloth. Repeat if necessary. (Do not use this method with antique silver knives. The blade may separate from the handle.) Another alternative is to use non-abrasive toothpaste. Ants 1 cup Borax 1 cup sugar 3 cups water Mix ingredients In a bowl. Place a loose wad of toilet paper into four different screw-top jars that are about the size of shallow marinated artichoke jars. Pour the mixture into the jars until it is about one inch from the top. Screw the lids on the jars, and with a hammer and nail, make four to eight holes in the lid. Place the jars in areas where you have ants, and watch them line up in rows and march in. Keep away from children. Plant Sprays To rid your plants of many common pests, gently wipe leaves with a solution of mild soap and water. Or mix the solution in a spray bottle and spray leaves and stems. Mothballs Use cedar chips or a sachet with any or all of the following: lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, and white peppercorns. Fleas and Ticks Put brewer's yeast or garlic in your pet's food; sprinkle fennel, rue, rosemary, or eucalyptus seeds or leaves around animal's sleeping areas.



Architects, Builders, Interior Designers & Consultants Taken from Greenopia – The Urban Dweller’s Guide to Green Living – Los Angeles Volume 1

Jacob Gordon; The Green Media Group, LLC, 2006. www.greenopia.com

*This list of architects, builders, interior designers, consultants and installers, provided by RBF Consulting, is for informational purposes only, and is not an endorsement of any individual, group, and/or company. The list of professionals provided is not intended to be comprehensive.

ACME Environmental Group

3200 Airport Ave. #18 Santa Monica, CA 90405 phone: 310-397-2199 website: www.acmegreen.com

Alert Insulation

phone: 626-945-0158

All Valley Solar 6851 Cahuenga Park Trail Los Angeles, CA 90068 phone: 800-400-7780 website: www.allvalleysolar.com

Caldwell Architects

3107 Washington Blvd. Marina del Rey, CA 90292 phone: 310-306-2449 website:

www.caldwellarchitects.com

California Green Designs 18025 Rancho St. Suite 200 Encino, CA 91316 phone: 888-422-4733 website: www.ca-green.com

Casasco Studio

320 Sunset Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90291 phone: 310-399-1206 website: www.casasco.net

Criteria Design 7824 Zombar Ave. Van Nuys, CA 91408 phone: 818-904-3200

Dake Wilson 8019 1/2 Melrose Ave. Suite 4 Los Angeles, CA 90046 phone: 323-658-6554 website: www.dakewilson.com

Dennis Design Group, Inc.

211 N. Swall Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 phone: 310-493-3972 website: www.dennisdesigngroup.com

Design Forward

30 N. Raymond, Suite 804 Pasadena, CA 91103 phone: 626-796-2566 website: www.designforward.net

Devito Rochlin Architecture 11973 San Vicente Blvd. Suite 215 Los Angeles, CA 90049 phone: 310-476-1987 website:

Duvivier Architects 308 Westminster Ave. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-399-4944 website: www.idarchitect.com

http://www.greenopia.com/

http://www.acmegreen.com/

http://www.allvalleysolar.com/

http://www.caldwellarchitects.com/

http://www.ca-green.com/

http://www.casasco.net/

http://www.dakewilson.com/

http://www.dennisdesigngroup.com/

http://www.designforward.net/

http://www.idarchitect.com/



Earth Accents

1601 Cloverfield Blvd. 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90404 phone: 866-223-9990 website: www.earth-accents.com

Earth Friendly Interior Design

22434 Marlin Place West Hills, CA 91307 phone: 800-770-6250 website: www.earthfriendlyinteriordesign.com

Eco Tech Design

8834 Hollywood Hills Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 phone: 323-650-2827 website: www.ecotechdesign.com

Ecology By Design Westwood, CA phone: 310-470-8055 website:

Environmental Home Improvement

6440 Bellaire Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91606 phone: 818-508-1415 website:

Environmental Inspection Services

phone: 310-396-6532 website:

Environmental Inspections & Solutions

PO Box 1500 Agoura Hills, CA 91367 phone: 866-821-1317 website: www.envirosolutionsusa.com

Environmental Planning and Design

411 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 304 San Pedro, CA 90731 phone: 310-241-6565 website: www.epd-net.com

Environmental Testing & Technology 5431 Avenida Encinas Suite F, Carlsbad, CA 92008 phone: 760-804-9400 website: www.iaqsurveys.com/index.html

EPD Consultants-Sustainable Water Systems 411 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 304 San Pedro, CA 90731 phone: 310-241-6565 website: www.epd-net.com

Everguard Home Insulation 23450 Collins St. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 phone: 818-348-1460 & 310-274-5644 website: www.everguardinsulation.com

GreenBuilt Consultants 2444 Hill St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 phone: 310-749-5766 website: www.greenbuiltconsultants.com

Greening Development & Consulting 2166 N. Vine St. Hollywood, CA 90068 phone: 323-465-7653 website: www.greeningplanet.com

Green Sandwich Technologies 4717 Van Nuys Blvd. 3rd Floor Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 phone: 818-771-5200 website: www.greensandwichtech.com

http://www.earth-accents.com/

http://www.earthfriendlyinteriordesign.com/

http://www.ecotechdesign.com/

http://www.envirosolutionsusa.com/

http://www.epd-net.com/

http://www.iaqsurveys.com/index.html

http://www.everguardinsulation.com/

http://www.greenbuiltconsultants.com/

http://www.greeningplanet.com/



H3 Environmental

5803 Rhodes Ave. Valley Village, CA 91607 phone: 818-766-1787 website: www.h3environmental.com

Icaza Construction

115 21st St. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 phone: 310-480-0385 website: Izhak’s Custom Interiors 6824 Bryanhurst Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90043 phone: 323-752-8800 website: www.izhaks.com

James Heimler, Architect, Inc.

19510 Ventura Blvd. Suite 210 Tarzana, CA 91356 phone: 818-343-5393 website: www.jhai-architect.com

Janaki Welch Design & Construction 1348 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-581-4975

JO-MI Plumbing

2011 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 phone: 310-473-8111 website: www.jo-mi.com

Coscia Day Architects & Design 595 Venice Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-399-1613 website: www.cosciaday.com

Koning Eisenberg Architecture 1454 25th St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 phone: 310-828-6131 website: www.kearch.com

Lead Tech Environmental 5419 McConnell Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90066 phone: 310-574-6880

Lucinda Bailey Interior Design Pasadena, CA phone: 626-351-7695

Mannin Studio 2000 N. Highland Ave. Suite 10 Los Angeles, CA 90068 phone: 323-512-7302

Militello Plaster 4445 Zocalo Cir. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 phone: 805-531-0067

Minardos Construction 2800 28th St. Suite 170 Santa Monica, CA 90405 phone: 310-450-6900 website: www.minardos.com

Nadel Architects Inc.

1990 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90025 phone: 310-826-2100 website: www.nadelarc.com

Newman Building Designs 1501 Main St. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-384-9473

http://www.h3environmental.com/

http://www.izhaks.com/

http://www.jhai-architect.com/

http://www.jo-mi.com/

http://www.cosciaday.com/

http://www.jhai-architect.com/

http://www.nadelarc.com/



Nicholas Paint & Design

Los Angeles, CA phone: 310-925-1801

Office of Mobile Design

1725 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-439-1129 website: www.designmobile.com

Pacific Environmental Engineering Corp. 339 Indiana St. El Segundo, CA 90245 phone: 310-414-9974 website: www.4voc.com

Pickett Design Associates 9020 Linblade St. Culver City, CA 90232 phone: 310-558-5500 website: www.pickettdesigns.com

Poly-Tech Environmental Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning 3661 Woodhaven Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93063 phone: 805-306-0354

Pugh+Scarpa Architecture 2525 Michigan Ave. Bldg F1 Santa Monica, CA 90404 phone: 310-828-0226 website: www.pugh-scarpa.com

Sant Architects

1613 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-396-4828 website: www.santarchitects.com

Sciarc

960 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013 phone: 213-613-2200 website: www.sciarc.edu

Sco Studio 53 Dudley Ave. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-392-2600

Shubin+Donaldson Architects Inc 3834 Willat Ave Culver City, CA 90232 phone: 310-204-0688 website: www.shubinanddonaldson.com

Syndesis Inc 2908 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 phone: 310-829-9932 website: www.syndesisinc.com

W3 Architects Inc. 1337 Palms Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 phone: 310-396-5885 website: www.w3architects.com

Zinner Consultants 538 21st Pl. Santa Monica, CA 90402 phone: 310-828-6051

Whole Earth Development Corporation Los Angeles, CA phone: 818-266-5911 website: www.wholearthbuilders.com

http://www.designmobile.com/

http://www.4voc.com/

http://www.pickettdesigns.com/

http://www.pugh-scarpa.com/

http://www.santarchitects.com/

http://www.sciarc.edu/

http://www.shubinanddonaldson.com/

http://www.syndesisinc.com/

http://www.w3architects.com/



Insulation Installers • Alert Insulation

La Puente, CA 91744 phone: 626-945-0158

• Progressive Insulation & Windows

Van Nuys, CA 91411 phone: 818-995-9675 website: www.progressiveiw.com

• Green Sandwich Technologies

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 phone: 818-771-5200 website: www.greensandwichtech.com


Buena Park, CA 90620 toll-free: 800-500-6200

• Chuck Cutler Blown Insulation

Torrance, CA 90503 phone: 310-316-6937


Chatsworth, CA 91311 toll-free: 800-500-6200 website: www.progressiveiw.com

• Everguard

Woodland Hills, CA 91367 phone: 818-348-1460 email: [email protected] website: www.everguardinsulation.com

http://www.greensandwichtech.com/

http://www.progressiveiw.com/

http://www.everguardinsulation.com/



Local Solar Installers • Solar Engineering Industries, Inc.

2827 East Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 phone: 626-795-2713 website: www.solarengineeringinc.com

• Absolutely Solar

Glendale, CA 90026 phone: 323-665-3192 website: www.absolutelysolar.com

• All Valley Solar

Los Angeles, CA 90068 toll-free: 800-400-7780 website: www.allvalleysolar.com

• Go Solar

North Hollywood, CA 91607 phone: 818-566-6870 website: www.solarexpert.com

• EE Solar

Pomona, CA 91769 phone: 909-865-8561 website: www.eesolar.com

• California Green Designs

Encino, CA 91316 phone: 818-705-3474 website: www.ca-green.com

• Acme Environmental Group

Los Angeles, CA 90401 phone: 310-397-2199 website: www.acmegreen.com

• Buel Solar

Topanga Canyon, CA 90290 phone: 310-455-1288 website: www.buelsolar.com

• California Solar

Simi Valley, CA 93065 phone: 805-522-2747 website: www.californiasolar.com

• Suntrek Solar

Irvine, CA 92618 toll-free: 800-292-7648 website: www.suntreksolar.com

• Solar Electrical Systems

Westlake Village, CA 91361 toll-free: 866-747-6527 website: www.solarelectricalsystem

• Suntrek Solar

Riverside, CA 92506 phone: 951-892-4405 website: www.suntreksolar.com

http://www.solarengineeringinc.com/

http://www.absolutelysolar.com/

http://www.allvalleysolar.com/

http://www.solarexpert.com/

http://www.eesolar.com/

http://www.ca-green.com/

http://www.acmegreen.com/

http://www.buelsolar.com/

http://www.californiasolar.com/

http://www.suntreksolar.com/

http://www.solarelectricalsystem/

http://www.suntreksolar.com/



Resources

Websites Low Impact Living www.lowimpactliving.com Build It Green www.builditgreen.com City of Seattle, Washington – Green Building Remodeling Guidelines http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/SingleFamilyResidential/Resources/RemodelingGuides/default.asp City of Scottsdale, Arizona - Green Building: Home Remodeling Guidelines www.scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding/Manuals/GBRemodelingWorkbook.pdf Metropolitan Water District of Southern California www.bewaterwise.com

The Green House – New Directions in Sustainable Design http://www.nbm.org/Exhibits/greenHouse2/greenHouse.htm

The Washington Toxics Coalition www.watoxics.org Green California – Environmentally Preferable Purchasing http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/Sources/Products.htm California Air Resources Board – Resource Guide for California Environmental Management http://www.arb.ca.gov/ba/barg/ombwbarg.htm

http://www.lowimpactliving.com/

http://www.builditgreen.com/

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/SingleFamilyResidential/Resources/RemodelingGuides/default.asp

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/SingleFamilyResidential/Resources/RemodelingGuides/default.asp

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding/Manuals/GBRemodelingWorkbook.pdf

http://www.bewaterwise.com/

http://www.nbm.org/Exhibits/greenHouse2/greenHouse.htm

http://www.watoxics.org/

http://www.green.ca.gov/EPP/Sources/Products.htm

http://www.arb.ca.gov/ba/barg/ombwbarg.htm



Books Your Green Home: A Guide to Planning a Healthy, Environmentally Friendly New Home Alex Wilson; New Society Publishers, 2006. Safe Shopper's Bible: A Consumer's Guide to Non-Toxic Household Products, Cosmetics and Food David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, MD; Macmillan, 1995. Clean and Green: The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping Annie Berthold-Bond; Ceres Press, 1990. The Green Kitchen Handbook: Practical Advice, References, and Sources for Transforming the Center of Your Home into a Healthful, Livable Place Annie Berthold-Bond; Harper Perennial, 1997.

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This information, provided by RBF Consulting, is for informational purposes only, and is not an endorsement of any individual,

group, and/or company. The content provided is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all websites, resources, and/or materials available.

Produced for the City of PasadenaGreen Building Outreach & Education Program

by RBF Consulting

Printed on Recycled Paper

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