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Author: falconuser

WHAT WE’RE READING: GETTING BEYOND BETTER

Building bridges to change is something we are very passionate about and what we stand behind as a B Corp. We inspire to lead a global movement of people using business as a force for good, and change is usually led or inspired by a few.  Their actions creates a wave and latterly change as people either follow, adapt or switch course. Not every pioneer will effect change and in “Getting Beyond Better”, the authors argue that such people are helping push change by observing systems and technologies that are ripe for transformation, sometimes going out on a limb, but nonetheless trying…

The book begins with a probing and useful theory of social entrepreneurship, moving through history to show what it is, how it works, and the nature of its role in modern society. The authors then set out a framework for understanding how successful social entrepreneurs actually go about producing transformative change. Overall the book provided good examples of people that were pressed to adapt and were successful doing so. Creativity fuels innovation and those who don’t take no as an answer are able to move forward to create change where they are needed.

In places, it felt as if the book was losing its way, getting thrown around and not moving forward, despite it being an engaging subject to consider. However, what it does is trigger a conversation that is both educational and inspirational. Creativity should fuel innovation, nevertheless leadership to ignite that change must be routed in humility and the overall culture behind it must be based on openness and trust.

 

MARIANA HODGES

REGULATORY RUNDOWN: ARE CA REDUCTION TARGETS FAIR?

It’s no secret California is in one of the worst droughts it has ever faced. Although El Nino seems like a promising relief, we are a long way from replenishing our water supplies. In order to help California through this water shortage, Governor Brown has extend Emergency Regulations supporting mandatory water reductions.

In order to address this extension, the State Water Resources Board held a stakeholder meeting for all California water agencies to comment on the model currently being used to calculate regulation targets. Many agencies have struggled to meet current reduction targets, which take water use from 2013 and compares it to current water use with the goal of reducing between 4-38%. As these water agencies have failed to meet reductions, many have faced notable fines ($61,000 was fined to Beverly Hills last summer) and are fighting back against the methodology to determine these reductions. Feedback has centered on creating a “fair percentage” that includes calculations for factors such as: climate, population growth, and ground water supply credits to name a few.

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In response, the State Water Board’s staff released a recommendation sheet (see table for reference) that outlines these proposed updates and recommendations on whether or not to approve the water agency proposals. This month the board will release draft emergency regulations for public comment before a final vote in early February.

Although the agencies bring up valid points about the methodology, the reality is that some cities are meeting and exceeding reduction targets by installing water conserving technologies, offering rebates to residential and commercial customers, and educating and motivating citizens to take action.  In order to have a sustainable future in California we all need to take action together to meet reduction targets and ditch our excuses.

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The Pacific Council Awards Mary Robinson

We were so pleased to be able to come together Tuesday evening for An Evening with Mary Robinson, hosted by the Pacific Council on International Policy, to honor Mrs. Mary Robinson with the Warren Christopher Public Service Award for her commitment to ethical international and national affairs and government service as a noble pursuit.

MRobinsonPacCouncilBloglogosMary Robinson has been instrumental in environmental thought leadership and has created the Mary Robinson Foundation- Climate Justice to help spur education and advocacy on the struggle to secure global justice for those people vulnerable to the impacts of climate change who are usually forgotten – the poor, the disempowered and the marginalised.  Climate injustice is an often overlooked impact of climate change, making the work of the foundation all the more important. We couldn’t be more proud to congratulate Mary Robinson on her incredible journey so far and her perseverance to push forward and tackle worldwide socio-environmental issues.

To learn more about the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, visit their website here.  We encourage you to join her to help bring justice, equality and empowerment to our responses to climate change.

ABOUT THE PACIFIC COUNCIL The Pacific Council was founded in 1995 to expand foreign affair and global issue conversations beyond Washington D.C. to the West Coast. Since inception, the Pacific Council has built a network of globally-minded members, that includes: current and former diplomats, industry leaders, media representatives, politicians, scholars, and Falcon’s own Chairman of the Board, Marc Nathanson (Co-Chair of the Pacific Council) and longtime Board Member, Dr. Jerrold Green.

ABOUT MARY ROBINSON Mary Robinson is the first woman President of Ireland (1990-1997), former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002), and founder and President of Realizing Rights:  The Ethical Globalization Initiative (2002-2010).  She has spent much of her life as a human rights advocate and sought to use law as an instrument for social change.  In August 2014 she was appointed the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Change.

 

Falcon Launches Revolutionary Water Conserving High Performance Key-Valve® Technology

FALCON LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY WATER CONSERVING HIGH PERFORMANCE KEY-VALVE® TECHNOLOGY IN SWISS MARKET

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- January 12, 2015

Falcon Waterfree Technologies® launches revolutionary, patent pending High Performance Key-Valve® (HPKV) urinal technology to the Swiss market, with a global launch to follow quickly thereafter. Our robust urinal cartridge technology provides best in class performance while maximizing water savings.

Since the introduction of the Key-Valve® technology, there have been many improvements incorporated into our design that sets our cartridges apart from the rest. Our latest design follows that same path and delivers exceptional new benefits that truly provide the best maintenance and user experience.

The HPKV features a patent-pending Bell Valve that provides optimal performance for the duration of valve life span – resulting in better, long term functionality for our customers. Our unique Bell-Valve technology is the secret behind the HPKV’s high velocity and high volume technology, boasting more than two times faster flow rate compared to current valves on the market.  This expedited flow rate allows for a better end user experience and for the conversion of existing flushing urinals to waterfree urinal systems.  The HPKV delivers all these results while significantly reducing its carbon dioxide and environmental footprint.

“Falcon is committed to innovation and our products continually evolve to be the best technology available.  The new HPKV cartridge, offers the best performance available while cutting back on its product footprint,” stated Simon A. Davis, President & CEO of Falcon.  “This revolutionary technology is just the latest of our high-performance water conservation products launched, and is the perfect complement to our current product portfolio.”

For more information about Falcon’s commitment to sustainable technology development please visit www.FalconWaterfree.com.

About Falcon

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.

High Performance Key-Valve® Technology Is Out

There are many types of waterfree mechanical and valve cartridges, but none can compare to our brand new High Performance Key-Valve® (HPKV) Technology.  Our latest and most robust technology features a patent-pending Bell Valve that provides the best sealing and flow performance yet.

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The HPKV technology will first launch in the Swiss Market this January, followed by a European and worldwide launch later in 2016.  We look forward to sharing our new latest and greatest technology with you this upcoming year.

WHY IS IT BETTER?

  1.  MORE ROBUST TECHNOLOGY Our patent pending Bell Valve provides optimal performance for the duration of valve life span- resulting in better, long term functionality for customers.HPKV_BlogPost_pic2
  2. MORE THAN 2X FASTER FLOW RATE  Our High Performance Key-Valve® technology provides more than twice the flow rate of it’s forerunner model. See full product video on our YouTube Channel.
  3. RETROFIT CAPABLE  Our High Performance Key-Valve® features a drastically faster flow capacity, creating a better user experience and
    allowing the valve to be used in urinals that flush on a timed basis, without overflowing.HPKV_BlogPost_pic1.JPG
  4. CUES YOU WHEN TO REPLACE Our patented Key-Ring® dissolves with use, providing a visual signal that helps you know when your cartridge needs to be changed- making maintenance easier.Key valve Still 01_0184.png
  5. SMALLER ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT  Our HPKV technology has reduced its environmental footprint resulting in a significant CO2 footprint reduction .

 

 

 

2016

Another year has come to an end. Another holiday season to be thankful for, and so much to be proud about. Before I start a mushy post on how appreciative we at Falcon are for having so many amazing readers and followers, I’m going to pause and go back to a very important topic. I don’t want to recap what our company has done last year, but WHY we did it in the first place.

A few months ago, I came across a TED talk by Simon Sinek, author of the book Start with the Why. During his time on stage, Sinek repeats the same sentence over and over again: “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Falcon is continually evolving to meet our customer needs in a method that is Best for the World- that drives our technology strategies and why we do what we do.  More importantly though is our team which has inspired me to go through why it is that we come to work every day and take the time to write this blog for you to read.

Hidden behind the seemingly mundane plumbing industry, there are people- our people- with great and unique personalities, interests and joys. People who work because they are passionate, because they live in a world and work in a company that does more than just develop a product. People at Falcon share a need to give back to the community which we live in and we want to work for a company that has a purpose that uses company products and profits for something good. To make the world a better place to, not only do business in, but to live in. To breathe in. Bathe in. And of course to pee in. We want our company to embody positive change and we are so proud we get the chance to work towards that every day.

This blog is always evolving, as is our company. Change comes often and to do better we are focused on making decisions based on WHY we do what we do. This year we hope to put more faces to our blog posts, so you get the chance to know the great people behind our brand. As the main contributor, I hope you have enjoyed the content thus far and will even more in the future.

Cheers to a great 2016!

MARIANA HODGES

FALCON’S TOP 10 ARTICLES IN 2015

2015 was a big year for Falcon, our partners, and for water conservation, as well. To close up the year we put together a list of our 10 most popular articles for 2015…

 

I hope you have enjoyed our year of content and will continue to come back for more on January 5th. We will be posting every Tuesday and Thursday in 2016, so don’t forget to check in. This blog is an ever growing platform, therefore don’t hesitate in sending me a message with any suggestions or just to chat.

Have a safe and happy holiday and we will see you next year.

Cheers!

MARIANA HODGES

City of LA Water Audit Reveals High ROI & Efficiency of Waterfree Urinal Rebates

LA water audit reveals cost-ineffectiveness of turf rebates, but high potential water and financial savings for urinal and toilet rebate spending.

Auditors estimated that rebates for water-efficiency devices, including waterfree urinals, are saving the most water, 1.3 billion gallons of water saved, and have the highest return on investment.

LOS ANGELES, CA- A recent water conservation audit conducted by the City of Los Angeles suggests an urgent need for the city government to rethink its current conservation measures and rebate spending. According to the audit, the city’s turf rebate program has failed to achieve the same degree of cost-effectiveness and returns as other contending residential and commercial rebates despite heavy investment and the latest surge in demand for turf replacement.

In the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) spent roughly $12.6 million to fund its SoCal WaterSmart Rebate (SCWR) program. Among the various available rebates, waterless urinal rebates exhibited one of the highest returns in the commercial sector, at 2,665 gallons saved per dollar spent. Returns for turf rebates, on the other hand, have been lackluster, showcasing an average savings of only 287 gallons for each dollar spent.

Altogether, the SCWR program saved the city more than 946 million gallons of water between 2013-2014, with rebates for water-efficient devices constituting roughly 92% of that savings and those for the turf removal program comprising the remaining 8%. The LADWP reported that a total of 114,251 water-saving devices were installed as part of the program, with high-efficiency toilets constituting the largest category of disbursed water devices.

Such promising water savings potential from waterless urinals and high-efficiency toilets indicate that the $18 million the city spent on turf rebates in 2014-2015 could have been better allocated to funding and expanding more proven, cost-effective rebate programs. With the city’s announcement that it will be increasing its upcoming spending budget for water conservation programs to $59 million, now is the time to start pushing the city to take greater initiatives for cutting wasteful rebate spending. The city must better prioritize its various water savings efforts if it wish to maintain a successful water conservation plan in the long-term.

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.

WHAT WE’RE READING: LET THERE BE WATER

After Seth Siegel interviewed our CEO, Simon A. Davis for his podcast Let There Be Water, we included his book on our to-read list. Siegel stubbled upon our waterfree urinals while attending the Aspen Ideas Festival and made a mental note of finding more about the technology later on (more on that story here) Later on, he was introduced to Simon Davis and the conversation about water savings expanded to the podcast.

In The book Let There Be Water, however, Siegel approaches the hugely important topic of efficient water management through the lens of Israeli policy. You see news media in the United States publicizing the recent major droughts in Texas and California, but the problem regarding the lack of water is global. Around the world, the overwhelming majority of people do not have a dependable supply of clean and safe drinking water – and Siegel does a great job at globalizing the issue.

The author tells the tale of Israel’s approach to water conservation and supply from all angles: geopolitical, scientific – and environmental. It is a must read if you are interested in expanding your knowledge on water management. Or if you’re a water loving and always fascinated by the inner works of the world’s water supplies, like us.

MARIANA HODGES