Sustainability Archives - Page 6 of 10

HIGH PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY IS OUT

There has been waterfree and there has been low flow urinals, but there has never been anything like our high volume, power washing Hybrid technology. Today we officially launch the revolutionary Hybrid Technology to the US new construction market through exclusive partner, Sloan Valve Company, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

By taking the best attributes of waterfree technology and combining them with the best of flushing technology, we have created the most hygienic, water saving, high performance urinal available. Our revolutionary, patented technology functions waterfree in daily use and introduces a full gallon (4 liter) flush through your housing and pipe system every 72 hours, rather than trickling small volume of water with each use. This timed power-washing provides a large supplemental flow of water which helps to effectively clean out sediment build up from your housing and pipes out and ensure continued optimal system flow. Truly bringing you the world’s best flushing technology.

One other exciting aspect of the Hybrid technology is that it provides maximum U.S Green Building Council LEED points with consistent and quantifiable water savings for sustainability professionals or for those looking to respond to drought conditions.

CALIFORNIA WATER BOARD UPDATE

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced two new rebate programs to help Californians replace inefficient toilets and tear out water-guzzling lawns, further conserving water during the state’s historic drought.

The “turf and toilet” rebate program is financed by the Proposition 1 water bond approved by voters in 2014. The program will help carry out Governor Brown’s April 1 Executive Order on drought to further reduce water use in homes by replacing more than 10 million square-feet of lawn and upgrading more than 60,000 water-wasting toilets.

DWR will oversee the two rebate programs, which provide a $100 consumer rebate to replace one old toilet per household and up to $2 per square foot for lawn replacement. Californians can visit www.SaveOurWaterRebates.com to apply for the rebates.

With $24 million in Proposition 1 funding, the turf replacement program will rebate $2 per square foot of turf replaced, up to $2,000 per household through state or local turf replacement programs. Consumers are eligible to replace turf that is living or dead at the time of the rebate application. (Bare earth areas with no sign of turf are not eligible for a rebate.)

The $6 million toilet rebate program, also funded through Proposition 1, will help Californians replace approximately 60,000 old, inefficient toilets by offering a $100 customer rebate per household to replace with a high-efficiency toilet.

California has been dealing with the effects of drought for four years. To learn about all the actions the state has taken to manage our water system and cope with the impacts of the drought, visit Drought.CA.Gov. Every Californian should take steps to conserve water; find out how at SaveOurWater.com.

Glad to see things moving in the right direction for water saving! We are all in this together. Have a great weekend.

Original article publish on the California Water Board newsletter.

4 GLASSES OF MILK

Random thoughts cross our minds throughout a regular work day and so we started the #FalconWaterFacts section of our blog. The fact that we try to quantify what we’re eating into gallons of water leaves plenty of room for odd correlations – such as milk and inflatable swimming pools.

143 gallons of water is enough to fill a small inflatable kiddie pool, however the larger you go, the more water you need – up to 5,000 gallons of water if it’s the inflatable pool designed to fit an entire family. Incredible! With the heat going up into the triple digits, we all need a cool off now and then, whether its consumption or leisure let’s be mindful with our water choices! Maybe if you are around our Nation’s capital, maybe opt for the National Building Museum’s version of a beach? Click here.

LEED PROJECT: SONGDO IBD

The Songdo International Business District (IBD) in South Korea is proving to be one of the most ambitious green developments anywhere in the world. According to the USGBC, “Korea was reached another green building milestone and now totals 19.5 million square feet of LEED-certified space” all in this major business district. With a number of energy efficient buildings being constructed within the 13 million square foot area, it is setting a precedent on what can be achieved in Asia.

Among these buildings is the first exhibition center on the continent to be granted LEED certification, as well as a school, residential tower and hotel, which have all been granted the prestigious award. Rick Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer and founding chair of the US Green Building Council, said: “With the recent certification of its ninth LEED project, Songdo IBD is making its vision of high-performance, energy-efficient, healthy green buildings a reality. These include energy and water efficiency, a sustainable site and building materials brought from local and recycled sources.

We commend Songdo for its extraordinary, inspirational accomplishments. Way to go!

WE LOVE THIS APP: USGBC

The USBGC has a new mobile and iPad app and it is nothing short of amazing!

The new app enables you to read articles on your mobile device and iPad through a well designed, and easy-to-use interface. With it you’ll have access to the latest news and articles published on usgbc.org. You are also able to sign in to your usgbc.org account, in case you have one, and search within your personal library for a specific article you’re looking for, or search within a publication for a specific topic. Additionally, the app allows you to highlight passages, bookmark locations, and easily read in low light with “night” mode.

USGBC just made our green building reading a whole lot better! Download the app here.

SPOTLIGHT: TAIWAN GREEN COLLAR ASSOCIATION

Green Collar Association was founded to combine industry, government and academic resources to develop professionals focused in the ‘green industry’. By creating an educational platform for these professionals, Taiwan’s Green Collar Association facilitates job placements and stimulates growth and development of green industries in the country.

With Taiwan’s persistent water shortage problem, the retrofit and installation of water efficient devices such as waterless urinals, has become a vital change.

Thank you, Green Collar Association for letting us help you save water and provide a clean and safe environment for your employees and students alike.

CALIFORNIA WATER USE EXCEEDS 25% MANDATE FOR JUNE

Despite being the hottest June on record, California’s urban water suppliers reduced water use by 27.3 percent, a savings of 59.4 billion gallons, as compared to the same time in 2013. June conservation efforts put the State on track to achieve the 1.2 million acre-feet savings goal by February 2016, as called for by the Governor in his April 1 Executive Order. Water suppliers have made significant Investments in their education and outreach programs to communicate the need to conserve to their customers. June’s enforcement statistics highlight the growing awareness of how water is used locally as a result of these programs. Water suppliers reported that their compliance and enforcement programs saw an almost two-fold increase in the number of complaints of water waste which resulted in a big jump in reported penalties.

Go California!

For more information on the June 2015 statewide conservation report (including individual supplier data), conservation compliance information and other supporting documents are available on the State Water Board website at http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/conservation_portal/conservation_reporting.shtml

Original article published by the State Water Board of California.

WHAT WE’RE READING: LET MY PEOPLE GO SURFING

In his long-awaited memoir, Yvon Chouinard – legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc. – shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. In Let My Poeple go Surfing, Chouinard tells the story of how the success of his company has forced him to invent a whole and balanced way of doing business. He takes a longer term view focused on real sustainability and in doing so he does away with conventional business paradigms where the goal is growth at any cost.

Patagonia, a fellow B Corp, is an example for the rest of the world with a dedication to the highest level of quality and the lowest amount of side-effects, environmentally and socially. The principles that drive Chouinard’s company are really his own. He focuses on quality, durability and doing more with less. He is a committed environmentalist and believes businesses should be responsible for the damage they do to the Earth.

Our favorite quote: How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.

Have a great weekend!

5 GROWING TRENDS IN WATER CONSERVATION

Facing growing challenges with freshwater availability due to drought and other factors, people throughout the world are focusing on new ideas for conserving water resources. Here are five trends that will play a significant factor in the future of water conservation in California and other regions.

Water Recycling

According to the 2012 United Nations World Water Development Report, 80 percent of the world’s wastewater is not collected or treated. However, recent severe freshwater shortages in some areas is driving governments to develop water recycling programs that produces water that is clean enough to drink.

Desalination
Although it is expensive and energy intensive, governments from San Diego to Dubai are investing billions of dollars in ocean water desalination. The introduction of membrane-based desalination has increased the affordability and decreased the energy requirements. As of 2013, Dubai was sourcing over 98% of its potable water supply from desalination.

Water Fines
California made headlines in 2014 when they started imposing expensive fines to people caught wasting water. Offenses like allowing landscape watering to flow into streets and hosing driveways were subject to fines. As water resources become more stressed due to the drought, more local governments are starting to impose fines to discourage water waste.

Efficient Irrigation Techniques
With farm irrigation amounting to about 70% of global freshwater use there is a lot of opportunity for farm water conservation. Irrigation systems that accurately measure usage with water flow meters can minimize overwatering which accounts for a significant amount of water waste in farm and golf courses alike.

Efficient Technology for Home and Business Conservation
New tools for saving water are constantly being introduced for consumers and businesses alike. There are High Efficiency Toilets, Waterfree Urinals and shower heads available to help owners and managers decrease water consumption and save money on water bills.

USBGC’S TOP 10 LEED LIST IS OUT

2015 is shaping up to be a crucial year for the sustainability movement, and that includes the Green Building industry. There are LEED projects in more than 150 countries and territories, representing every continent except for Antarctica. You can find LEED certified buildings in highly industrialized nations as well as in newly developing ones.

Emerging economics giants like China, India and Brazil are all ranked in the top five of this year’s list. It’s great to see such a growth of LEED overseas, despite many considering it too focused on American standards.This shows the U.S. Green Building Council’s commitment to expand and integrate other nations into the process.