In Historic Move, California Building Standards Commission Green Visionaries Approve New  Graywater Standard –
July 31st, 2009

A collision of world views was in full evidence at the California Building Standards Commission hearing yesterday on HCDs proposed new graywater standards.

Highly qualified stakeholders spoke passionately for and against the adoption of the new standards as the hearing roller-coastered dramatically to it’s conclusion.

The commissioners are to be congratulated for their leadership. It is always more work to set up a new system than to fit into an existing one.

It would be a lot easier to stand aside as legal buildings continue waste resources and pollute the environment. However, in the face of deeply entrenched, powerful opposition, the commission is rising to the challenge of revising all of California’s building codes to allow/ require better building systems…besides its emergency approval of the new graywater standards yesterday, the BSC is also revising California’s Green Building Standards to include many new mandatory and voluntary measures to reduce negative impacts and increase positive impacts of California buildings.

Dawn of a new era: “On August 4th, 2009, California can legally install simple laundry and single fixture systems without a permit. For the first time, licensed professionals can legally help with the 1.7 million existing graywater systems in the state. ” –Art Ludwig, graywater researcher and educator.

For more information visit: www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/press

New Farmers Market at Harding Elementary School,  Westside! 

8 markets, 6 days a week Open year-round, rain or shine

Sat:  8:30am-12:30pm DT: Santa Barbara and Cota Streets
Sun: 10am-2:00pm Goleta:  Storke and Hollister
Tues: 4:00-7:30pm summer 500 & 600 blocks State Street
Wed: 2:30-6:30pm Harding Elementary School  1625 Robbins
Thurs: 3:00-6:00pm Goleta - 5700 Block of Calle Real
Thurs:  3:00-6:30pm Carpinteria - 800 block of Linden Ave.
Fri:     8:00-11:15am Montecito - 1100 block of Coast Village Road

We are pleased to announce the launch of our newest local farmers market, which will be located every Wednesday from 3:00pm-dusk at Harding Elementary School.  An exceptional array of fresh local produce, flowers, plants, nuts, sprouts, eggs, whole chickens, pies, breads, and much more!  The seasons very best peaches, berries, citrus, tomatoes, green beans, corn, apples, peppers and melons will all be available!

Let Home Food Forest™ start an organic edible garden right outside your door! Better Food Grown At Home.   

A Home Food Forest is more than just a vegetable garden–it is a complete, organic ecosystem. Wilson Environmental Landscape Design can help you build this ecosystem with their full understanding of the components which will make your new venture a success. They give you a jump start on gardening. You get the fruits of the labor. 

www.homefoodforest.com

DeAnn Bauer and Elizabeth Wagner both attended the two day course at the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors put on by the National Association of Realtors to obtain their GREEN Designations.

They are now the first two GREEN Designation and EcoBrokers in Santa Barbara.  While this GREEN program is the only program that is officially recognized by N.A.R. both agents feel that this is a introductory course in “green” principals, a first step in the process that they have already made their professional real estate niche.

So now the Green Team is officially EcoBroker and GREEN certified!

We have an amazing house for sale in the foothills of Santa Barbara, The San Marcos Trout Club. Since it is a Built Green® Certified home and 71.6% over title 24 energy code, there are many green elements. We created a “Green Menu” of all the systems and selling points and I ahve included it here to educate.

7 San Marcos Trout Club

Grading – site plan was developed using minimal grading and bio-swales to re-introduce surface water back into the water table and prevent erosion.

Foundation and slabs – utilized 45% Fly-ash in concrete - reduces concrete production, increases PSI strength of slabs and fittings, recycles fly-ash that reduces industrial waste.

Colored Concrete Slabs – used Solomon Bros water based integrated concrete color “Terra Cotta” to create a finished floor - cut-in a rug pattern in the floor that is grouted and has had an environmentally sealer applied to buff out the floor and eliminates need for carpet or other coverings – also besides having a custom finish look the slab will help to keep the downstairs cool in the summer.

SIPS - R/Control Exterior Walls and Roof Panels –pre-engineered wall panels with recyclable foam core and OSB Plywood skins on two sides - 6inch walls and 8 inch ceiling panels offer far superior R-value than standard insulation - panels come pre-drilled for most electrical wiring applications -eliminates the use of conventional stick framed walls and goes up in ¼ the time saving on labor costs.

Certainteed Landmark 30 yr Roofing –although asphalt shingles have a long way to go to become very green - Certainteed recycles its waste product back into new product and also into road base material used in other paving industries.

Certainteed Cement Fiber Siding –fire rated, insect and rot-resistant - replaces wood siding - used both lap and shingle products on this project– pre-finished colors eliminates the need for exterior paint except for trim.

Certainteed Composit Exterior Trim –1×4 and 1×6 material are fire rated, insect and rot-resistant and uses recycled material in place of all wood trim.

Low VOC Paints –Sherman Williams low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) paints were used for healthier indoor air quality and non-toxic waste.

Dual Glazed Windows –Milgard pre-finished metal windows with craftsman feature and dual glazing used to meet title 24 energy codes.

Composite Decking –recycled and reused from a neighbor’s deck.

Interior Framed Walls –utilized 2ft on center studs reducing material and labor.

Blue Wood Lumber treatment –non-toxic wood coating that prevents wood-rot, termites, mildew and mold.

95% High efficiency furnace –low energy use with dampers on ducting to control and balance heat flow from downstairs to upstairs.

Photo Voltaic Solar Roof Panel system – (PV) this house has solar electric and a reverse metering system set up with the utility company. Pre-wiring and stub outs are also in place for adding a battery back up system for up to 6 dedicated house circuits to convert the house off the grid upon a power outage. The battery pack will take up very little space in the garage - this upgrade will be offered to the new owner at cost.

On Demand Water Heating System –Rinnai Tankless water heating systems are wall mounted and require no floor space vs 16 sq ft for conventional water heaters, tankless have endless supply of water and save energy.

Solar Hot Water Panels – have been stubbed out at the roof for future panels to be added as a pre-warming system to compliment the on-demand water heater. The piping is already in and an upgrade to add the panel can be done at any time - the theory is that the panels pre-heat the water before it goes to the on-demand water heater -extending the life of the heater and using less energy to heat the water. This upgrade will be offered to the buyer at cost.

Lighting fixtures and bulbs –compact fluorescents used in ceiling and wall fixtures - fluorescent under and over-cabinet locations and dormer window wells. Dimmers used on many fixtures with preset functions to control energy use - exterior lights tied to motion and photo cells.

Natural Day Lighting –the house, window and door locations have been oriented to maximize solar access for the winter sun to warm the house. The roof eves are deep by design to shade the house from summer sun.

Natural fiber carpet –used in only the 2 master walk-in closets - all other rooms receive no carpet or natural fiber area rugs can be used over the bamboo floors.

Ventilation with natural air flow by design –doors and windows have screens and are positioned to create a wind tunnel allowing continuous air flow from the first floor - up the stairs to the second floor and out the dormer windows and deck sliding doors to naturally cool the house.

Bamboo Flooring –carbonized dark colored Bamboo used - it is a sustainable grass used in place of and as durable as wood flooring. Used throughout the upper floor and stairs reducing the need for any carpet except by choice in the two master bedroom walk-in closets.

Rain Water Harvesting System –Captures beneficial rainwater, safely and cleanly stores it (closed system = no mosquitoes or vermin), and is used to water fruit trees when needed. System is from Loomis Tanks in Arroyo Grande and Rainwater Harvesting from Australia. The downspouts are configured to capture approx 1000 sq ft of roof run off which produces approx 600 gallons in a 1 inch rain and stored in a 1000 gallon tank to supply landscape water in the dry season.

Vela Colored Drywall with custom wax finish –
by using a special pigment for the textured top coat of drywall and applying a colored natural wax finish the wall achieves a colored plaster finish with no need for paint except for the trim.

Landscape –drought tolerant low water using native plants - 7 fifteen gallon oaks were specially propagated to be indigenous to region were used to replace trees removed by the house footprint. The trees were purchased a year in advance to be ready for this project. Site tree pruning was chipped and re-used as a native mulch and ground cover. This reduced the need for importing materials to the site.

Hardscape –Existing site rock used to create terraces, entry walls, pathways, site drainage control and natural setting. Top soil stock piled and reused for planting. Trellis designed to screen the house from the road and for shading and privacy and support for planted vines.

Cobble Driveway –tumbled rustic pavers with colors selected to compliment the natural setting in the same manner as the house colors do. The pavers were graded to minimized sheet flow of water run of down the driveway and retain water onsite to recharge the water table.

Aquel Water Treatment System –selected to take the hardness out of the well water and for its specially patented features that allow the drinking water to retain healthy minerals and nutrients while removing pathogens.

This incredible home was built by Campanelli Construction. They have over 30 years of award winning experience in commercial and residential construction and remodeling, from small jobs to multi-million dollar projects. The company provides construction management and design-build services to many of its clients and always encourages the use of green and sustainable building techniques.

This home is for sale, please visit www.7SanMarcosTroutClub for more information.

The San Marcos Trout Club was originally homesteaded in the 1880’s and in 1924, a private retreat half way up to San Marcos pass was established. 30 home sites were sold on 120 acres and two large catch basins were stocked with trout to provide excellent fishing to locals who made the long trip up the hill for a weekend away. After WWII, the Trout Club became a popular spot offering a community feel, rustic log homes many with remarkable views of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands from the 1,250-foot altitude perch.

This rural enclave is cherished and protected by the fortunate few that live there. Beautiful ocean and Island views, magnificent oaks, trails and fauna surround the 37 households in this coveted community. Community open space is used for a picnic gathering and children’s play area, private swimming holes in the creek and a shared water system. The school bus picks up and drops off at the top of the driveway for the neighborhood kids going to the top rated Mountain View elementary school.

A photovoltaic (PV) solar array will provide you with your electric power. Quality energy efficient appliances, insulated windows and walls and natural day lighting can be found throughout the home. A rainwater catchment system will take care of your water needs for your drought tolerant landscaping and for several fruit trees.

The San Marcos Trout Club is a unique community, minutes from town yet worlds apart. Imagine your brand new, Built Green, three bedroom two bathroom Craftsman home complete with the latest energy saving features, quality sustainable materials and comfortable floor plan. Enjoy ocean and city views from most rooms in the house and while reading the paper or dining on the spacious front deck. Home sweet home at 7 San Marcos Trout Club. www.7SanMarcosTroutClub.com for more information.

Snapshot & Benefits:
Because low- or no-VOC “volatile organic compound” paints have a lower odor and less impact on air quality than higher VOC-content paints, they are excellent for use in buildings where it is desirable to maintain good indoor air quality, such as hospitals, schools, homes and workplaces.

Recent EPA studies estimate indoor air quality to be 3 to 5 times more toxic than outdoor air largely caused by toxic emissions of paints and finishes. Paint manufacturers realized the need to develop paint that contains lower VOC yet maintain high levels of performance and durability ultimately causing less of an impact on air quality then the higher VOC paints.

The use of low-VOC paint reduces toxins that cause allergy and chemical sensitivities, reduces contaminant concentrations in landfill, groundwater and the ozone, provides easy cleanup with soap and water and produces lower odor. With increased legislation and support from environmentally conscious organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Seal plus advances in paint technology the paint industry has come a long way in developing an array of environmentally responsible products with higher performance levels. New paints have become more durable, cost-effective and less harmful to humans and the environment.

Estimated Cost Savings
Low- and no-VOC paints typically cost about the same as a manufacturer’s premium line of paints (around $30 per gallon) however, it is important to remember that high-performance paint typically will cost more in the beginning but in the long run “could be the difference between painting once and painting 4 to 5 times in 20 years.”

Consider paying the extra cost of buying a high-performance, low-VOC paint as you may not have to apply more than one coat to the surface area greatly reducing your time and overall expense.

“Choosing non-toxic, low-VOC paints in office buildings, schools and hospitals has helped maintain normal productivity within these environments which would be entirely impractical for the occupants to vacate even for short periods of time during a painting project.”  

Issues
Because of the way low VOC paints are labeled, how they are used, and how they are marketed it can be difficult for the consumer to determine whether a paint is truly a low VOC paint or not. For example, some paints are labeled “low-odor or something else as apposed to low VOC.” Some low VOC paint brands market themselves as Green Seal certified while others who meet certain LEED standards do not have to adhere to the Green Seal requirements. Consumers are often confused as to what standards to follow when it comes to lower VOC paint.

Regional Issues
According to the EPA no national standards have been set for VOCs in non industrial settings. Past efforts have been made by organizations such as the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), to adopt a national low-VOC level in all paint products. California state requirements that mandate low VOC levels has become the model for the national legislation and has been adopted by many states across several regions.

Installation (Getting It Done)
“There’s never been a better time to buy environmentally responsible products,” says Mark Petruzzi, Vice President of Green Seal. “It’s a lot easier to be green now. If you’ve tried green in the past, give it a fresh look. It can lead to happier and more productive workers and occupants.”  

For persons who are particularly sensitive, or have strong concerns about air quality, most major manufacturers now offer special no-VOC paints that are odorless and completely “VOC-free.”

Consumers can take additional precautions to lower the VOC levels in their homes and their overall exposure to harmful compounds.

Local Places To Purchase:

Livingreen on Helena Street, Delux Paint on Montecito Street, Home Depot has Fresh Aire as well.

More Information On This Topic:

facilitiesnet: Low-VOC Paints Are More Than Just ‘Green’

eartheasy: Non-Toxic Paints

California EPA Air Resources Board: Consumer Products Program

U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality: Organic Gases (VOCs)

“That Ain’t Right”: TV Show

Who knew that when I got married last September…that the taxi driver I hired would put me on television! Well, it’s a true story and I was on his TV show a few weeks ago…stay tuned for clips to be posted onto my website. When making the thousands of decisions that go into planning a wedding, one of the main ones we decided on was to make our day of celebration as green as possible. One of the elements was my transportation on the big day. A Lucky Cab hybrid Prius was my chariot to the ceremony and Richard was the driver. After the ceremony he drove me and my new husband and our wedding party to the reception. Who knew that 7 months later he would call and ask me to be on his TV show…the TV show had nothing to do with getting married. In fact the focus of the show was sustainability and me being the 1^st EcoBrokerr® in Santa Barbara. I asked my business partner, DeAnn to be on the show with me and we sat with Richard and his co-host for an hour and chatted it up about green topics. It was an interesting evening to say the least…stay tuned for clips…we took live calls from viewers and please keep in mind that there was no editing…it was all live! Our first TV appearance ad the Green Team in Santa Barbara and all thanks to my wedding driver, Richard…when in need of a taxi…call Lucky and request a Hybrid!

MOST OF US WOULD LIKE to do something nice for our planet. And if environmentally responsible
construction also helps “build green” in our bank accounts, well then …everyone wins. Several local designers, real estate agents, and contractors have taken the lead on eco-building and are proving that it
can be both stylish and economical. Elizabeth Wagner, Santa Barbara’s first licensed EcoBroker, specializes in educating buyers and sellers in energy-efficiency, green home certification
programs, and sustainable design. “According to research conducted on a national level,” she explains, “a home’s value increases by about $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills.” Since eco-building can cut monthly expenditures by 50 percent or more, your initial investment will pay for itself in a hurry.
In addition, environmentally friendly and/or recycled building materials can actually save money. “A few years ago, green building came at a price,” explains Karen Feeney, green resources manager for Allen Associates, one of Santa Barbara’s top green builders. “That’s not the case anymore since green materials are often comparable or even less expensive than their traditional counterparts.” Whether starting fresh or remodeling your home, today’s economical, eco-friendly options prove that you can build responsibly without sacrificing style or breaking the bank.

“Getting energy from the sun is obviously nothing new,” says Ellen Strickland, owner of Santa Barbara’s Livingreen and an industry pioneer. “The exciting thing is that we are now designing solar heating systems that are affordable, efficient, and aesthetically complementary to our home designs.” Today’s solar panels can take the shape of unobtrusive screens or rooftop shingles, generating more than enough power to run a typical household—from water heaters and floor warmers, to computers, microwaves, refrigerators, and more. Excess electricity can even be sold to power companies during peak periods. How’s that for payback?

Heat loss isn’t the problem here that it is in other parts of the country, but insulation and energyefficient
doors and windows have a dramatic effect on your home’s daily energy expenditure. Even small cracks
or loose seals can amount to a large loss of heat. Energy efficient doors and windows make your home more comfortable, while protecting your furniture from sun damage and reducing utility costs. Look for those certified by the Energy Star rating system. When shopping around for eco-friendly insulation, check
out options such as UltraTouch denim, made from 85 percent post-recycled content and cotton. The material is cut into cubes that are fitted into the wall structure to keep your home as cozy as your favorite pair of jeans. Cellulose insulation, made from recycled newspaper, offers another natural solution.
Anyone who has suffered from post-painting headaches will appreciate the natural paints and low- to zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) products available today. These much healthier options replace
petroleum-based solvents with water, decreasing the amount of toxic emissions over time. Derived from raw ingredients such as water, plant dyes, and clay, natural paints are the best of the bunch and are available in an array of colors. “When you include the safe synthetic paints that we also offer, the spectrum is remarkable,” says Jane Shelton of Livingreen. “We can match any color you’d like and the
cost is comparable to that of regular paint.”
Incorporating recycled and salvaged materials into your home spares our landfills while adding a oneof-
a-kind decorative touch. “More and more communities have salvage yards—whether it’s through The Reuse People, Urban Scavengers, or even a municipal program,” cites Karen Feeney. In Santa Barbara, you can find building materials and lightly used furnishings at Habitat for Humanity’s new retail center.
Feeney also recommends searching Craigslist or other online community bulletin boards for salvage opportunities. “With the reuse of materials like wood flooring, cabinets, doors, and fixtures, you get products made decades ago—with higher quality craftsmanship and vintage style. Plus, you’re adding a
unique story to your home.”
Bamboo flooring has opened worlds of possibilities for sustainable building. As BuildingGreen, Inc. puts it: “It’s hard to argue with a wood-substitute that matures in three years, regenerates without need for replanting, and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides.” The fast-growing grass, as sturdy as hardwood, presents easy installation and a stylish finish. Other popular floor choices include recycled-content flooring, resilient natural cork, and Marmoleum, made of linseed oil, wood flour, and pine rosins. Salvaged hardwood or stone offers a beautiful old-world style. Or for something softer underfoot, choose chemical-free wool carpeting that naturally repels both water and stains. Making your home earth friendly is a positive step toward sustainability, long-term savings, and increased property values. Thanks to Santa Barbara’s growing number of eco-experts, along with more attractive, more affordable materials, we can build green and beautiful. Best of all, sustainable building leads
to financial sustainability for you and your family. Looks like being green just got a little easier.

KIM CARMEL, Destination Wine Country