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REGULATORY RUNDOWN: State Officially Extends Emergency Regulations

As California experiences several consecutive dry days since the last sight of rain, and with hot temperatures pushing much of El Nino away from California and the Pacific Northwest, State Officials have extended and approved revisions to emergency regulations set in place for urban water use.

State-issued extensions will continue through October 2016, and now factor in new criteria that may help water districts meet revised conservation goals. Upon reviewing water supplier’s comments on the inability to reach previous conservation targets, the state has recognized and incorporated the effects of the following credits into conservation targets: hotter-than-average climate regions, population growth, and significant investments in new local drought-resilient water sources such as wastewater reuse and desalination.

These new credits will cause adjustments ranging from 2 to 8 percent and will reduce the conservation targets of many suppliers across the state of California. Depending on conditions, some water suppliers will automatically be credited while others will have to manually apply for targeted reduction revisions.

At the moment, it is unclear which cities will be approved for adjustments and how this will affect California’s overall conservation target of 25%. Nevertheless, it is important to note that before these adjustments were made, California was on target to meet the Governor’s conservation goal. This poses the question: Why make adjustments to conservation targets now? Instead, focus should be placed on specific water supplier conservation strategies. Especially when we are seeing so many examples of a disconnect amongst water suppliers and the cities they provide water to.

We, at Falcon, have seen the value of aligning these groups to create immediate water savings. There are many simple conservation strategies that work best when we work together. For example, changing out toilets, urinals, water coolers, shower heads, and faucets that do not meet current CEC State Efficiency Standards can help save the state 100 billion gallons, however, we need to combine our outreach efforts to make the public aware of the urgency, potential saving, and rebates available. If the state’s new efficiency regulations could take these strategies into account and make them common practice, we will see a positive shift in the states conservation efforts.

As we move forward, we should all look to collaborate where we can and share best practices on strategies that are cost effective and result in tremendous water savings.

We encourage you to stay tuned as we continue to report what reductions suppliers qualify for and how they vary across the State of California.

El Niño is not going to end California’s Drought

Despite recent storms hitting Northern and Southern California, California’s water level is still only about average compared to normal conditions. Although some places in Northern California, like Eureka, have seen above average rainfall, there is still a very long way to go in order to counteract the four-year drought’s effect on the Golden State.

We are seeing progress, for instance, Lake Oroville has risen more than 27 feet, finally re-submerging islands that emerged during our driest days. However Lake Oroville, which happens to be one of the state’s major reservoirs, is still vastly below the historical water level- 20% lower in fact. Lake Shasta, another important state reservoir, is still at 40% below the average water as well.

In addition to our still lower than normal water reservoirs, California has already consumed two thirds of the stored drought backup water supply. This means that an average year of precipitation is not going to come close to mitigating water lost during the drought.

Even with El Niño heading our way and hopes of replenishing water, historical evidence of weather patterns shows that drought effects are amplified after El Niño weather patterns end. The big El Niños of 1982-83 and 1997-98, which the current event has been compared to, were consistently followed by La Niña weather patterns. The effects from La Niñas, unlike El Niños, tend to amplify drying effects and reestablish drought like conditions.

Despite the unpredictability of the weather, one certainty remains clear: we still need to be mindful of our water usage, as California’s water shortage is something that may linger despite our short term rainy season.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Hybrid Urinal Awarded BuildingGreen’s 2016 Top 10 Green Building Products

For 14 years, BuildingGreen has given its Top 10 Green Building Products award to products that transform the design and construction industry by helping solve these and other significant environmental problems.

Our Hybrid Urinal, available through Sloan Valve Company, is among the BuildingGreen Approved winners this year, along with other industry leaders Tesla, Whirlpool and Honeywell. Products awarded are those that save energy and reduce carbon in completely novel ways; super-efficient, innovative heat pumps used in new applications; and lighting systems that improve performance and might just transform how we wire buildings.

Read the full article here.

WASHINGTON, DC – WE’RE HERE!

Washington, D.C. is one of the world’s most fascinating cities, and we are super excited to be here for GreenBuild. Greenbuild is the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. This year, the USGBC is taking the expo home to their Headquarters in Washington, DC. Featuring 3 days of great speakers, showcases, LEED workshops and tours of green buildings in the area, the conference offers a place for thousands in the industry to gather and renew their commitment to the green movement.

D.C, as called by the locals, is more than the place to be for politics and sustainability. It’s also a place to visit museums and monuments, experience art and culture, and take in the nation’s rich history and architecture. The Smithsonian has become an the biggest collection of learning and history featuring the National Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, Museum of American History and Museums of Asian art. One of the best parts of museum hopping in D.C. – it’s all free.

Alongside these great museums are Washington’s monuments that lay tribute to the important symbols and remembrance of those who fallen in our great wars. A place where you can spend hours on a nice autumn day while overlooking the Potomac River.

If it’s culture you’re looking for, check out a show at the Kennedy Center, or head to one of the local jazz clubs on U Street. If its history, art, shopping or eating you’re looking for, Washington, D.C. has you covered! From Georgetown to Eastern Market, everything you need is just a metro ride away.

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 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.

Los Angeles Daily News Features Falcon

Los Angeles Daily News Features Falcon plea for businesses and cities, in addition to individual residents, must take steps to help save their water during the unprecedented 4 year drought. Read the full article here.