AND THE BEAT GOES ON!

My last blog message was titled: “IT JUST NEVER STOPS!” That title and discussion segues perfectly into this blog message and title. I’ve just learned that, besides the 2008 California Energy Code provisions that were just recently mandated, the State has just adopted the first green building standards code in the Nation, which is referred to as the CALGREEN Code. If all goes as the powers to be plan it to, we here in the foothills will be building under those regulations starting January 1, 2011. These two ‘new’ building guidelines really change the way things are to be done from what was in the past. It also marks the start of many more stringent requirements to come involving energy savings, building material pollution and water use/consumption, at least that is my guess. The reason I bring these issues up does not mean that I disagree with them or what the regulations are meant to accomplish. In fact, I can see the value of their being instituted. But what I am concerned about is that you probably don’t know about them, and, won’t be prepared to have to comply with them.

What makes the new Energy Code requirements seem onerous to some is that semi-straight forward and simple furnace and/or A/C unit replacements, although not inexpensive to have done in the first place, will cost considerably more now to do because the entire system must now be tested and verified by a third party. For instance, when changing out a furnace unit, all of the duct system must be tested, and if it is found to leak or be damaged, the system has to be properly repaired or completely replaced. This can add a considerable amount to the cost of the furnace replacement job that no one could have foreseen. Similarly, when a roof covering is in need of replacement, the roof and materials used must conform to the new “Cool Roof” provisions. The cost to do so won’t be less than it used to be that is for sure. All of these provisions are centered on the need of energy savings.

The CalGreen Code is meant to ‘redesign’, reorganize and ‘rethink’ the way construction projects are performed, the type of products used and how the construction waste is disposed of. In the ‘Codes’ own words:
“The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact, or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:
1. Planning and design.
2. Energy efficiency.
3. Water efficiency and conservation.
4. Material conservation and resource efficiency.
5. Environmental quality.”
Wow! That’s a tall order! Especially when you read some of the requirements in the CalGreen Code. Contractors and developers caught up in the “Well, that’s the way we always did it.” mindset are in for a rude awaking not to mention a steep learning curve.

I think, however, that John and Jane Q. Public are the ones that are really going to be ones affected by this code. Yes, the code requirements are meant to help protect them to a certain degree, but in the end it will be them paying the extra costs to comply with these new code regulations. Do we need the new code regulations….well, yes, but can you and I afford to pay for them? I don’t have an answer for that one. All I can say is that you need to be prepared for this if you plan on building a home or are planning a big remodel project. To learn more, go to: www.bsc.ca.gov and look for the “California Green Building Standards Code”.