Recently in Remodeling for Water Savings Category

Fresh water is a critical resource.  We all use water...and we all can save water.

Some areas are more affected by fresh water shortages than others -- those in arid communities (like southern California) and those whose local water infrastructure is crumbling or inadequate. The issue is bigger than those immediate needs, however.  Climate change is affecting our fresh water distribution patterns...and quantities.  We all can help...starting with conservation.

Replace your toilet with a new low-flow model and cut your water use in half. The toilet is the single largest user of water in the home, accounting for up to 28 percent of water use. Replacing an old toilet with a new model will instantly save water and money -- up to $50 a year. For shopping advice, read "5 Tips for Choosing a Low-Flow Toilet."

Advantages of the Roof Garden

• Reduces urban heat island effects
• Storm water run-off management
• Adds valuable/useable space providing economic benefits
• Energy efficiency year-round
• Air and water purification

Centuries old, the roof garden concept is both functional and aesthetically-appealing. The green roof -- or roof garden technology improves the structure's energy efficiency while adding plant life in populated areas to support health and well being of people and wildlife while also helping clean the air.

The focus on improving the quality of life in higher density urban environments has made  issues such as cooling the city and air quality more pertinent than ever. Roof Gardens meet the objectives of many of the mandates to improve the air quality of cities by mitigating the effects of heat islands caused by ever increasing development.

Carlisle's Roof Garden System

Carlisle's Roof Garden System provides waterproofing options along with a range of membranes such as the 60-mil thick EPDM and the TPO which are ideal for the shallow gardens with standard 10-15 year warranties.

Roof gardens 4" to 8" in depth are classified as a Medium Assembly requiring 75-mil thick EPDM or 72-mil thick TPO membranes for 10-15 year warranties.

For the Intensive Roof Gardens (deep), the membrane options include Carlisle's  90-mil thick EPDM and 80-mil thick TPO.

Carlisle's Roof Garden Systems

Shallow Assembly	Medium Assembly	Deep Assembly
2" to 4" soil depth avg. wt. 12 ppsf general sedium plants.	4" to 8 " soil depth min. wt. 15 ppsf sedium and smaller flowers.	Greater than 8" soil depth min. wt. 25 ppsf shrubbery and small trees

Carlisle SynTec
carlisle-syntec.com

Watch for more emphasis on energy efficiency, retrofits and weatherization under the Obama administration.  Obama's weatherization plan is part of a comprehensive energy plan that will create green jobs and rebuild the US infrastructure of roads and bridges, schools, and housing for energy efficiency. Weatherization of schools, homes and offices will reduce oil usage for heating and cooling.  Obama's emphasis on youth jobs and green jobs will contribute to economic recovery.  The Obama weatherization plan will not only reduce energy use, but improve the health and productivity of children and workers who benefit from better indoor air quality, natural light and less toxic emissions from petrochemical energy sources. 

You've probably noticed the side-loading clothes washers and wondered if they really save energy and water!

Yes, and YES!

Horizontal axis clothes washers cut power by 30% or washing and reduces water use by requiring less in the tub for each load.

You can also reduce dryer energy by 10 to 20% by using the new appliances designed for energy efficiency.  Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that you're getting models with the best energy efficiency.

If you have Solar PV cells or a Solar Thermal system...run your wash in the afternoons with solar hot water and solar power!

You can also save energy by hanging your clothes to dry.  Indoors.  Outdoors....take your choice...they are both zero energy options!

Energy Star Dishwashers
If you're the kind of cook who absolutely refuses to wash your dishes in the sink -- which is far more energy and water efficient than an appliance -- be sure to select the highest efficiency model using Energy Star rating.  Look for the Energy Guide label.

Where you place your dishwasher and clothes washer can also save you money.  By keeping the (Insulated pipes, of course!) plumbing lines to the waer heater SHORT, you save temperature cooling.  And consider designing your water heater close to both kitchen and bathrooms for greatest building and energy economy!

Designing your energy and water infrastructure for efficiency is step one in energy savings.  Nothing can make up for large houses, long distance plumbing, or inefficient applieances.  And you can end up paying many times the initial cost of the construction in your rising energy bills!  Think ahead to save for years to come.

Sunshine is hot...water needs to be heated....whalah...combine them! 

Solar Water Heating System

Solar water heating can use an Integrated Collector Storage system to preheat water.  And solar water heaters are now eligible for some nice incentives in some states such as California.

Integrated Collection Storage systems (ICS) are best where there is no freeze danger. 

You will get better performance from open look, active systems with a 40 square foot cllector and DC solar powered pump (for simple operation)

You can use a tankless gas backup for 77% efficiency.

What to watch for...beware of hot water recirculation systems without occupancy control.  On demand systems can increase energy use by 3X.  Ask your local utility company for their input on the best system configurations.

An important tool in the effort to build greener buildings and live greener lives is the selection of products that were made using environmentally friendly processes and are used in environmentally friendly ways.

They are energy or water efficient; they use healthy, non-toxic materials; they are made from recycled or renewable sources; they make current products you use more efficient or more durable; and they are recyclable or biodegradable, among many other things.

The directories below will help you sort through the claims and find the products that best meet your needs.

• ENERGY STAR: Products in more than 50 categories are eligible for the ENERGY STAR. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Good To Be Green: Good To Be Green is a directory of green building products, sustainable building materials and green building service providers. Products must: be made out of recycled materials; ensure a low environmental impact during the construction, operation and/or demolition of the building; conserve natural resources like energy, wood and water; and improve air quality.
• Green2Green: Green2Green.org features comprehensive information regarding green building products, materials and practices. The site offers side-by-side comparisons of products using a variety of environmental, technical and economic criteria.
• Green Building Pages: Green Building Pages is an online sustainable design and decision-making tool for building industry professionals and environmentally and socially responsible consumers.
• The Green Guide: National Geographic's Green Guide offers staff-written reviews of a host of products, ranging from appliances, home furnishings and home improvement products to personal care and pet supplies.
• GreenSpec Directory: The online GreenSpec® Directory lists product descriptions for over 2,100 environmentally preferable products. Products are chosen to be listed by BuildingGreen editors. They do not charge for listings or sell ads.
• Low Impact Living: Find environmentally friendly products and services in dozens of categories.
• Oikos: Oikos is a World Wide Web site devoted to serving professionals whose work promotes sustainable design and construction.
• PlugGREEN: PlugGREEN.com allows green businesses to create their own business profile, allowing them to network directly with other green businesses and green-minded consumers. In addition, PlugGREEN.com provides an organized and efficient way for consumers to find local green businesses and products in their area.

SOURCE: USGBC

True smart water management technology is the most effective way to achieve LEED certification (by USGBC)  for outdoor water conservation.

Although a wide range of irrigation technologies are marketed as being smart, genuine smart water management systems are differentiated by:

• No people involvement, because all irrigation activity is determined and executed by the system
• Low maintenance costs, unlike systems based on sensors and temperature gauges
• Ideal for both new construction and retrofitting, since they don't require the implantation of sensors, gauges or other in-ground equipment.

Beyond providing a straightforward path to LEED certification for outdoor areas, smart water management technology delivers a full complement of business and environmental benefits.

• Water savings for cost reduction
• Water savings for environmental impact
• Reduced risk by not damaging or creating slippery surfaces on hardscapes.
• Healthier landscape plants with scientifically scheduled watering to protect living assets

According to WeatherTRAK, landscape irrigation systems based on this technology are 30 percent more efficient than traditional low-tech watering systems, speeding payback and eliminating infrastructure investments.

In California, AB 2717 and AB 1881 mandate that new construction include a weather based smart controller by 2012 and that cities/municipalities adopt smart irrigation by 2010.  Other Southeastern states heavily impacted by recent droughts and water shortages are following California's legislative approach.

How Your House Works:
A visual guide to understanding and maintaining your home, by Charlie Wing

Before my parents allowed me to drive, they suggested I learn how to change a tire and check the oil. And learn to read the dashboard widgets!

The same might apply to a house.  The head(s) of every apartment and house might need to know the basics.  How the plumbing can be shut off in case of a flooded room.  How the thermostat works.  How the bathroom stool works.

And in the throes of learning how to take care of these minor emergencies, it just might happen that you learn how to make minor repairs that will save you many "retail" level repair bills, and give you the satisfaction of truly being the king or queen of your domain.

This book is a good start in the right direction.  It gives clear  visual diagrams to help you see beyond the obvious skins of modern magic.

Dual flush toilets have become standards in Europe and other countries concerned about their water supply.  Unfortunately, water conservation is undervalued in the US.  But that is changing, especially where drought is forcing water outages and increasing rates.  Gerber provides high efficiency toilets, sinks and certified water efficient solutions. 

Gerber offers vitreous china pedestal and drop-in lavatories designed to complement their toilets, bringing together classic looks and powerful technology. The advanced HP2 and XP3 high-performance flushing systems will virtually eliminate the aggravation and cost of warranty callbacks from second-class toilets that clog or require a “double flush.”

Abigail™ faucets, and Viper™ toilets with Gerber's HP2 flushing system, which delivers performance that’s more than double the industry standard! Gerber provides you with the style and quality you need to give homebuyers who are stepping up from their first home the sense that they’ve truly arrived.

Gerber offers water-saving, sensor-operated electronic faucets designed to prevent waste by automatically shutting off water flow. Deckmount choices include gooseneck or crescent spouts, as well as, models
equipped with an in-deck mixer, which permits user control of water temperature.

Ultra Flush® 1.1 gpf toilet models are available to deliver the ultimate in high-efficiency water conservation.
They can flush 1,000 grams of bulk waste while using 30% less water than standard 1.6 gpf toilets. In addition to Ultra Flush 1.1 gpf units, Ultra Dual- Flush™ models are also available, with a dual-action lever that permits 1.6 gpf or high-efficiency 1.1 gpf operation.

Ultra Dual-Flush™ provides professional performance while conserving natural resources. It flushes up to 1,250 grams of bulk waste per 1.6 gallon flush or 1,000 grams per 1.1 gallon flush.  1.1 gallon flush uses 30% les water over conventional 1.6 gallon toilets.  The Pressure-Assist system uses pressure from the incoming supply line to foce 1.6 gallons of work out of 1.1 gallons of water. It installs like standard gravity toilest -- no special connections are required.

Gerber products are sold exclusively to the plumbing professional.

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures corporate offices are located in Woodridge, Illinois.  Gerber has manufacturing facilities in Kokomo, IN, Laredo, TX, Montreal, Canada. Shenzhen, China and Weifang, China.

Gerber

The old fashioned bathroom stool can use up to 3 gallons of water per flush. New toilets use considerably less and the new "dual flush toilet" lets you save the most. The flush button for "light flush" uses lss than a gallon of water, and the heavier flush (for solids) uses about 1.5 gallons. These amounts vary by product and by certification by trusted programs such as EPA's Watersense standard.

Designed in Australia, where water conservation is extremely important, the HET dual flush water-saving toilet uses, at most, 1.6 gallons per flush. “Dual flush” means that this toilet has two different types of flushing. One for liquids (or #1), which is only .8 gallon of water, and one for solids ( like #2, c’mon let’s be grownups about this!), which is only 1.6 gallons of water. At its biggest flush, this water still uses less than the standard new toilets, which use 1.8 gallons of water per flush. That’s up to 50-75% savings!

Remodeling doesn't always mean ripping out walls -- if you think green, you can rip out utility costs!