falconuser, Author at Falcon Water Free

WE’RE OFF TO ISSA

Our sales team is off to Vegas this week. Not for the casinos or to enjoy the sparkling swimming pools, but to attend ISSA’s cleaning trade show. The ISSA foundation is the leading trade association for the cleaning industry worldwide, and they host the industry’s largest cleaning shows throughout the world.

This year’s U.S. show is located in Las Vegas and we’re sending a few of our sales folks alongside our partners at Bobrick to connect to fellow peers in the industry. The event will include keynote speakers, such as Jay Leno and Kevin O’Leary, as well as seminars and workshops.

If you want to know more about the event, you can check out their webpage here.

311 CITIES. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE REST?

Hello readers, today we’re introducing a new series on the blog. After almost two years (!!) of content, the team decided it was about time we put some faces to the articles we develop for you.

To start off, we would like to welcome – and introduce – Liam Dow. Liam plays the roll of our Government Affairs Coordinator, and steers the wheel when it comes to California’s water conservation initiatives. Without further ado, here is Liam with a little update on what we’re seeing in Southern California.

One thing that might surprise you is that during the month of August California exceeded its reduction target by 3 percent, but water suppliers representing roughly 131 cities fell short of their targets. These 131 cities have continued to fall short with the majority having never met their conservation targets set forth by the State. To address these challenges the State has sent violation letters, urging non-compliant cities to implement new policy changes, provide rebate funding, and host educational initiatives.

In my day to day role, I get to see these initiatives up close and personal and while some efforts have helped with conservation, frankly I think most of these cities are not demonstrating a sense of urgency and creativity. In these circumstances, I see the Public Works – or comparable – departments working diligently on water conservation suggestions from the State. However, rarely does a city unanimously demonstrate a willingness to go above the state recommendations and confront the urgency with action. In addition, it seems that cities are justifying missed targets by blaming hotter months while, at the same time, hoping for colder ones.

But that’s not going to solve our drought. We desperately need action! We can learn from initiatives taken by cities that surpass their compliance targets, such as San Francisco and Pismo Beach. Where I have seen leadership take a more active role to implement new policies that effectively save thousands of gallons of water. Pismo Beach recently issued a city ordinance that mandates all existing and new buildings install high efficiency water conservation devices by February, 2016. Alongside San Francisco which implemented an ordinance that provides significant rebate funding for high efficiency restroom devices and requires cities to be in compliance by 2017.

That type of urgency is what California needs to bounce back from a drought like this. We need more cities to take immediate action and think through innovative solutions that include both the business community and non – profits. Together we can effectively tackle challenges that threaten our most precious natural resource, and rise above the worst drought California has ever seen.

STORY OF A RETROFIT: LA CONVENTION CENTER

With California approaching its fourth year of extreme drought, the Los Angeles Convention Center recently launched a massive retrofit project for its over 700 toilets and 30 urinals in a step to achieve greater water conservation. As more than 2 million visitors and 350 events are hosted by the center each year, the project is expected to save the building, as well as the city, millions in gallons annually.

The LA Convention Center worked in conjunction with us and our partner Sloan to outfit its restrooms with the latest in high-efficiency toilets and waterless urinals. The project took place on the week of September 14th.

As mandated by Governor Jerry Brown and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) must reduce its overall water consumption by 16% lest it be subject to fines by the state of up to $10,000 per day. Most recent data by the SWRCB shows that in last August alone the LADWP consumed over 14 billion gallons of potable water with 28% of that water originating from the commercial sector.

Significant efforts then have been made by the LADWP to encourage more businesses and commercial buildings like the LA Convention Center to reduce water use. And knowing that 15% of the water consumed in the commercial sector comes from restroom use, it opens up a huge opportunity for retrofitting.

Way to go LA Convention Center! This is one more venue we are proud to be a part of.

#4LITERS CHALLENGE

by Mariana Hodges, Communications Manager

Hi guys! You might have caught a glimpse of me on our social media channels talking about the #4Liters Challenge last week. After my 24 hours consuming only 4 liters of water, I decided to write a blog post about the experience.

First I want to start with the WHY in this challenge, since that was the first question I would get from people.

WHY? Americans use more than 100 gallons of water a day, and most of us take it for granted. We assume that when we turn the tap, water will show up. However, for hundreds of millions of people worldwide water is scarce– and they have to survive with as little as four liters (about a gallon) a day. It’s incredibly hard to shift your perspective unless you actually experience it for yourself.

HOW? For 24 hours, you are only able to use 4 liters of water for everything you do. During the day it’s fun to documenting your experience with pictures showing your progress. At 4 pm, you need to record a short video where you show how much water you have left and challenge two friends to take over. This challenge is a way to change the way we think about water forever – and oh boy, it does!

MY BIGGEST CHALLENGES? I have to be honest with you, the biggest challenge I had was reminding myself NOT to use the tap. It’s almost an instinct for you to turn on the tap whenever you need water. Having to use a bottle every time I wanted to wash my hands, clean a cup, and brush my teeth had me re-educating my mind for sure. Also, I am in awe with how people can maintain a standard of personal hygiene with that little water. It made me value my hot shower even more.

As a result, the challenge made me think how blessed I am to be able to have access to running water. One that is safe, clean and at my finger tips at a twist of the tap.

To continue the chain and create more buzz, I have nominated the whole team at Falcon. I know it’s not usual to do so, but I thought we could twist the plot a little and have fun observing a whole team doing it together. We love organizing team building events around the office, and what better way to engage than taking the challenge together? So tune in on October 21st, to see what happens when a whole team has to carry around a gallon of water. I will be observing and giving the team my support! Maybe I’ll even throw in a few tips I acquired along the way.

Falcon’s European Team Strengthened by New Members

Zurich, Switzerland, October 8, 2015 – In order to continue investing in our European business Falcon is pleased to announce the addition of Kim Jessica Vögelin and Dusan Petrovic to our Swiss Team. Ms. Vögelin will be joining as the Sales and Service Coordinator, responsible for managing our local service business and supporting our local sales team. Mr. Petrovic will be working as the Service and Workshop Technician and will manage future product development and assist with our service component.

Ms. Vögelin recently completed her apprenticeship at Mercedes- Benz Schweiz AG, after which she worked as a procurement manager for a local garage door company. Ms. Vögelin is an extremely focused individual who will be crucial in supporting and creating operational structure for Falcon’s Swiss office. “Ms. Vögelin is a self-starter that is crucial to assisting our team’s future development and growth. We are excited to see her interact with our customers and guide them into Falcon’s upcoming new technologies,” stated Dr. Michael Wächter, Managing Director of Falcon Waterfree Europe, GmbH.

Mr. Petrovic joins Falcon after an impressive service technician and research career at Coca Cola Schweiz AG. With a strong technical background, Mr. Petrovic will be instrumental in the success of future product development, quality control and Falcon’s service offerings. “We could not be happier to welcome Mr.Petrovic to our team. His discipline and ability to find technical solutions will be crucial to in-house support and technology development,” stated Dr. Wächter.

About Falcon Waterfree Technologies
Founded in 2000, Los Angeles-based Falcon Waterfree Technologies is the sustainability and technology leader in the development of water conservation solutions for the commercial restroom.

Falcon Continues Investment in CA Market with New Hires Bob Paulick and Nola Walkup

LOS ANGELES, October 7, 2015 – In order to continue investing in drought solutions with Sloan in the California market, Falcon Waterfree Technologies is pleased to announce that Bob Paulick and Nola Walkup have joined the company at its Los Angeles Headquarters. Mr. Paulick has joined as the Regional Sales Manager and will be working to convert the drought-plagued California market towards water conservation fixtures in the commercial restroom. Ms. Walkup, as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator, will be working to develop administrative rebates processes and provide much needed administrative and sales support in this water-starved region.

After many years in software and technology sales, Mr. Paulick began his tenure at Falcon Waterfree in early 2006, focusing on sales in the California market. In 2011, Mr. Paulick joined Bobrick Washroom Equipment when Falcon and Bobrick formed a nationwide distribution partnership. Mr. Paulick worked with all Bobrick distributors west of the Mississippi and functioned as their waterfree technology expert. “I am very excited to be back with Falcon and excited to see the new faces and some great new products. The future for saving water looks bright,” stated Mr. Paulick.

Ms. Walkup is joining Falcon with many years of account coordination and administration experience. Previously working for Kirk Kara, Ms. Walkup was responsible for sales reporting, account and vendor management, and inventory management. Prior to Kirk Kara, Ms. Walkup worked for Chanel, creating sales strategies, coaching staff and providing administrative support. “I am so excited to be a part of an organization working towards preserving our environment. Water conservation and sustainability are extremely important and Falcon Waterfree has the technology and dedication to make a powerful impact,” stated Ms. Walkup.

“We are focused on working with our partner, Sloan, to deliver to this market exemplary water conservation solutions for the commercial restroom. We could not be more excited to have Bob and Nola join our team and to start achieving water savings in the state of California,” stated Simon A. Davis, President and CEO of Falcon.

IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER

If you read something about “our infrastructure is falling apart,” you probably picture the usual potholes in the road and rusted bridges that need replacing. But that is just the infrastructure you can see on a daily basis. What about the one that is under your feet and you rely on constantly? According to National Geographic, the U.S. has 1.2 million miles of water mains and many of those pipes were built way back in the 1800s or early 1900s. Many that were built based on how cities were structured back then, not for modern metropolises.

We see broken pipes all around our city and the water waste related to it is huge – a scenario that definitely shouldn’t be occurring when we are so focused on decreasing water usage due to the drought – and if those systems failed us one day, Los Angeles would wake up to a very unpleasant morning. Imagine a day without water. You wouldn’t be able to brush your teeth, flush the toilet or take your usual morning shower. And that is just the residential use. Commercial use is a huge component of water consumption as well. Water keeps our economy growing – and we need to use it wisely!

At Falcon, we focus our work on preserving the most important natural resource, and that includes bringing awareness to the infrastructures related to water as well. That is why we are part of a nationwide educational effort called “Imagine a Day Without Water.” Dozens of other business leaders, engineers, contractors, water agencies, and community members are joining the effort, because not only do we have to use water wisely, but the underlying infrastructure of it is often forgotten. Water is essential, invaluable, and needs investment. Not only in technology to preserve it, but in what brings safe, reliable, and affordable water to customers – the underlying infrastructure.

Let’s bring the conversation to sight and talk about the importance of water for our livelihood! Join the hashtag #ImagineADayWithoutWater through October 8th, and share your thoughts.

Falcon Waterfree Technologies Joins Imagine a Day Without Water

National Effort to Raise Awareness and Educate Public about Challenges Facing Water Infrastructure and Water Resources, and Need for Investment

Los Angeles, October 6^th 2015 – Today Falcon announced its participation in the national advocacy and educational event, Imagine a Day Without Water. Across the country, organizations, elected officials, corporations, environmental advocates, and more are joining together to educate people about how water is essential, the challenges facing water and wastewater systems, and the need for investment. To understand how essential water is to our livelihood, Falcon employees are taking the 4 Liters Challenge throughout the month of October, which requires one to consume no more than 4 liters in 24 hours.

Many people take water service for granted. Clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water comes out of the tap and flows down the drain without a second thought. But the massive infrastructure, much of it underground, which brings water to homes and businesses, takes it away, and treats it, is aging.

A water main breaks somewhere in the U.S. every two minutes. Most pipes have an average life expectancy of 50 years, but in many major cities, water pipes are more than 100 years old. Communities cannot afford to go a day without water if those systems reach their breaking points.

At Falcon, we focus our work on preserving the most important natural resource, and that includes bringing awareness to the infrastructures related to water as well.

“We are thrilled that Falcon is joining Imagine a Day Without Water. The truth is, of course, we can’t go a day without water. For homes, that would mean no water to take a shower, make coffee, clean, do laundry, or flush the toilet. For businesses from restaurants to manufacturing plants, water is essential to daily operations,” said Radhika Fox, Director of the Value of Water Coalition. “During Imagine a Day Without Water, we’re speaking with one voice across the nation about how water is essential, invaluable, and needs investment.”

From October 6-8, 2015, groups are hosting events, elected officials are issuing proclamations and resolutions, water advocates are spreading the message over social media, and everyone from schools to aquariums are joining in the effort. Everyone participating in Imagine a Day Without Water is coming together to educate the nation that water is essential and that we must invest in it for future generations.

More information about Falcon Waterfree Technologies can be found here: http://www.falconwaterfree.com/

More information about Imagine a Day Without Water can be found here: http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org/

More information about the 4 Liters Challenge can be found here: https://www.4liters.org/

About Falcon Waterfree Technologies

Founded in 2000, Los Angeles-based Falcon Waterfree Technologies is the sustainability and technology leader in the development of water conservation solutions for the commercial restroom.

WATER USE IN CITIES IS CHANGING

The water system that supplies California’s household, businesses, and industries is vast and complex. Nearly 400 large utilities supply more than 90 percent of the state. Most are public agencies with locally elected governing boards, however there are some privately owned utilities as well. Both large and small face similar water supply and quality challenges.

With the dry spell California has been facing the past year, it is clear to see changes being made to urban water consumption, however the total water use began to flatten in the mid-1990s, based on per-capita use. Cities now consume about 10 percent of California’s available water compared with 40 percent for farming.

Let’s take a look at a few things that have changed in the past few years:

Per capita use is declining due to the adoption of low-flow plumbing fixtures and water saving appliances. The average restroom uses a ton of water daily and when regular toilets, urinals and faucets are being substituted by waterfree and water efficient fixtures, major savings become a factor.
Outdoor watering also accounts for most of the urban water usage especially in inland areas. Despite that, public utilities have started enforcing watering schedule, more efficient irrigation systems, and replacement of thirsty lawns with more drought-tolerant plants.
In January 2014, Governor Jerry Brown called on Californians to reduce water use by 20 percent. With that mandate in state, local government are having to adopt water restrictions – some more than others. We are seeing local utilities unite and try to modify their water consumption patterns.

To help cities get to where they need to be with water savings, utilities have made rebates available for residential and commercial buildings. From landscape to plumbing fixtures, they are offering a multitude of ways for you to help save water!!

STORY OF A RETROFIT: DOWNEY POOL

Welcome back to our series of post where we will be showing before and after pictures of some of our installations. Have you ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes of a bathroom renovation? Well you have come to the right place. Today we will be taking you inside the Downey Recreation Center, in Los Angeles, California.

Just across the Los Angeles River, you can find the Downey Rec Center as well as the Downey Pool. A few years from now residents be able to experience a full-on, 6.3 acre, river-adjacent park, with much needed green space, a soccer field, stormwater treatment features, and a bicycle hub for the park. For now, residents are able to use the pool across the street. It is one of the oldest public swimming pools in the city of Los Angeles and we were able to retrofit three of their urinals from water-fed to waterfree.

The Downey Rec Center was the venue to the Empty Pool Party last Saturday. While the party was fueled by good times, the heart of it laid with the concern of the drought affecting Los Angeles and surrounding areas. To bring awareness to water conservation, the non profit Dig Deep hosted the party alongside partners such as the LA mayor Eric Garcetti’s office, Falcon and Change the Course.

Together we saved 550,335 gallons of water at the Empty Pool Party, with:

Pledge to save 44,746 gallons with the tickets; vegan, water-friendly tacos from Whole Foods saved 103,432 gallons needed for beef; the drinks were made with recycled pool water; Falcon’s waterless urinals saved 150 gallons and using an empty, seasonal pool saved us 402,000 gallons. And trust us when we say, that after spending a hot day in an empty pool, we felt this one the most!

More about the party here.

Happy weekending guys!