california

States and municipalities from coast to coast have stopped using crumb rubber as an infill for artificial lawns, even though the debate continues over the health risk posed by the used-tire granules.

The debate over the safety of crumb rubber is being waged among environmental groups, concerned-parent organizations, the rubber industry and some members of the synthetic grass industry. Although an increasing number of more environmentally conscious alternatives are now on the market, crumb-rubber granules continue to be the leading synthetic infill for fake grass installations.

Early studies of crumb rubber detected potentially toxic substances including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi- volatile organic compounds, phthalates, latex allergens, carbon disulfide, aluminum, arsenic, nickel, cobalt, zinc, selenium, cadmium, iron, manganese, and lead, according to an in-depth article in the Journal of the Society of Environmental Journalists.

In some cases, the calculated risk has been greater than the threshold often used by one agency or another, the journal reported. But in other cases, the conclusion has been that crumb rubber was no more hazardous than the ambient air in the areas where the synthetic grass had been installed.

New York City early last year ordered as a precautionary measure that crumb rubber infill no longer be used on artificial lawns in its parks and school yards. It has not ordered the removal of any fake grass installations because of the concern, however.

The Connecticut-based based advocacy group Environment and Human Health, Inc. has argued that the tire crumbs, which are two to three inches thick and can account for up to 90 percent of the weight of an installed fake grass surface, expose users to the same chemicals to which rubber workers are expose. But the EHHI also acknowledged that the actual risks to artificial turf field users remain largely unknown. Nonetheless, EHHI recommended a moratorium on use of crumb rubber infill until additional studies were done. The group argued that existing evidence shows a “technical possibility” exists that the tire crumbs could cause health effects such as irritation of the respiratory system, eyes, skin and mucous membranes, systemic effects on the liver and kidneys, neurotoxic responses, allergic reactions, cancers, and developmental damage.

On the other hand, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released results late last year of a very limited field study of artificial turf playing fields and playgrounds installed with recycled-tire crumb rubber. The “scoping study” from three sites in Raleigh, N.C., Athens, Ga., Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Washington, D.C. area found that the concentrations of materials that made up tire crumb were “below levels considered harmful,” the EPA said. But the agency also said the study was only a first step, was limited in scope and that it will use the results to determine possible next steps to address safety questions of crumb infill.

Industry groups generally say that the crumb-tire surface is safe to use, and that there is no evidence indicating that users face significant risk.The Synthetic Turf Council, the industry’s leading trade association, said in a June, 2009, statement that a follow-up report by the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation supported the trade group’s claims of crumb rubber’s safety.

The better-safe-than-sorry position taken by New York City and other jurisdictions is meanwhile the stance that some artificial grass companies have taken.

“We’d rather err on the side of being responsible when it comes to public health,” said Greg Goehner, president of NewGrass, a leading manufacturer of synthetic grass.

NewGrass is among the synthetic lawn companies that encourage their distributors to opt for an environmentally friendly infill alternative that’s basically a form of silica and sand. There are in fact several alternatives to rubber infill for synthetic grass. Most are completely void of any kind of rubber granules. A few examples include infill materials made from:

• A combination of natural plant fibers and cork

• Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), also known as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), a stabilizing and shock-absorbent material that has been developed specifically for synthetic turf.

• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), a cross-linked rubber compound, also referred to as “virgin material.” These infills are made of pure EPDM rubber and fillers whose composition varies (not used-tire rubber).

• Granules made from polyolefin, a thermoplastic polymer produced from a single monomer and which is environmentally friendly in its composition and completely recyclable. Some makers use a combination of post-consumer recycled resilient granules and sub-angular sand.

“In addition to the jury still being out on crumb rubber infill,” NewGrass's Goehner said, “we believe artificial grass is an eco-friendly and environmentally sound alternative to turf grass for many reasons, from saving water to not needing fertilizers. Getting rid of used-tire granules in our installations is part of acting on that belief.”

As the trend toward Building Green gains momentum, California – with its eye on harmful carbon dioxide emissions as well as recurring drought conditions and other environmental woes – remains ahead of the curve in encouraging businesses and individuals to reduce overall energy usage, which is a common measurement of green building.

The state’s Green Building Regulations that go into effect on July 1 require a gradual 15% reduction in overall energy use, the equivalent of achieving the LEED® silver rating for new construction for the entire state. Construction and landscaping alternatives that are as varied as Energy Star-certified home appliances, elevators that move only when passengers are present, and artificial grass for water-saving landscaping are all part of the building green movement in California.

Before California adopted its Green Building Regulations, the standard for green and sustainable buildings in California and nationwide was and still is set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization.

The California Sustainability Alliance says the state’s Green Building Regulations are the most aggressive energy and environmental goals in the nation. “The good news,” the Alliance says, “is that many different types of resources and support are now available to help us achieve these ambitious goals.”

Developers have gradually taken advantage of those “resources and support” to erect more green projects

The first systematic study of the green building market in California – by the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego as reported by the online edition of the San Diego Tribune – found that a growing number of developers are putting up buildings meeting stringent environmental standards, and that tenants have been willing to pay top dollar to rent space in them.

A study for the American Solar Energy Society determined that under an “aggressive deployment forecast scenario” more than 40 million Americans could be working in renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE and EE) industries nationwide, and that those industries could be generating $4.53 trillion in annual revenues.

Back in California, the trend is well under way and can be seen in very specific, grass-roots initiatives. Water restrictions enacted in much of Southern California within the past several months, as well as programs such as the rebates for artificial turf and other water-saving measures offered through agencies including the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), have spurred interest in green building solutions by homeowners and developers.

For example, demand for rebates from the Metropolitan Water District has been so high since the program began, that on April 1, the program initiated a rebate reservation system. The district is a cooperative of water agencies serving 19 million people in six counties throughout Southern California. Rebates offered through the district start at $0.30 per square foot. Different water agencies offer different rebates.

“It’s really gotten people to consider alternatives to traditional landscaping,” said Larry Reno, district manager of NewGrass Landscape & Design. “That’s great that it’s raised awareness of artificial turf.”

California school construction is going green, and it recently got a look at how today’s best artificial turfs can help school districts meet eco-goals and also have safe, green and environmentally friendly landscaping year-round.

That’s no small chore; the Los Angeles Unified School District alone expects to build a school a month on average over the next two years.

NewGrass® synthetic grass (www.newgrass.com) was among exhibitors at the recent Green California Schools Summit and Exposition in Anaheim, Calif.

The event brought together school officials and contractors responsible for implementing green building initiatives with businesses that have the products and services they need to get the job done.

Participating exhibitors ranged from traditional and recognized companies, such as Trane, the air-conditioning and heating company, to companies with newer paths to a green building, such as NewGrass, represented by NewGrass Landscape & Design (www.newgrasslandscape.com).

“We got a great response from the visitors and from the other exhibitors,” said Larry Reno, California District Manager for NewGrass Landscape & Design.

“People liked it. They liked that we are lead-safe and don’t use crumb rubber infill. They’d heard about these issues and were wondering about them.”

“In addition to the green initiative and the environmental issues of new construction, they are looking at anything that’s going to save them money in the long run,” Reno said. “NewGrass® is a natural for meeting that challenge wherever they need grass.”

And the money is there for that work. When California voters passed Proposition 1D, they allocated $100 million dollars to help fund the design and construction of energy efficient, healthy school facilities for the California public school system.

“We expect to be a part of the solution of helping California build healthy, sustainable schools,” Reno said.

On July 17, 2008, California became the first state in the nation to incorporate green building standards into its building codes. The codes, developed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), will be phased in over the next three years.

The standards address the following key issues:

• Energy Efficiency (to be phased in beginning July 2009): The HCD standards require compliance with the California Energy Commission’s Residential Energy Efficiency Standards, which will increase the stringency of existing statewide energy standards by 20 percent. The new standards will make new California homes approximately 50 percent more energy-efficient than homes built to national energy standards.

• Air Quality, Moisture Control & Resource Conservation (to be phased in beginning January 2011): There are 16 features in this category that will become mandatory at the same time as the new 2010 edition of the California Building Code takes effect. Among these features are requirements for low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) adhesives, paints and coatings; high-efficiency air conditioning filters to better filter out dust and particulates; and always-on exhaust fans to ensure better fresh air circulation in the home.

• Water Conservation (to be phased in beginning July 2011): The HCD standards require a 20 percent reduction in overall water use within all new homes . While this new water-conserving building code will allow a variety of compliance options, it is anticipated that compliance with this requirement will commonly be met via installation of new super-low flow toilets and showerheads.

Los Angeles and San Francisco have adopted even stricter rules, and the state regulations won't trump these higher standards (this had been a major sticking point in the legislation).

We applaud California for passing this law and hope that other states will follow California's lead.

The 'Sonoma House' is a gorgeous, barn-style, 1200sqft granny home with a modern interior that is healthier, more energy efficient, and better for the environement! Additional environmental products featured with the home are: reclaimed local wood installed for floors, PV solar system, rainwater catchment system, built in recycling system, ICF foundation forms, smart vents, cool metal roof (as seen in example photo), lime plaster, and more! In 2002, Nichoel Farris founded American Home Sales, a local prefab home design company specializing in factory built custom homes and cottages. Because of the lack of affordable green building options available to the average family, she worked with the EPA's Energy Star New Homes program to design and develop the first Green Manufactured Model Home. The Sonoma House will be open daily for tour at the Spring Auburn Home Show. May 16- - May 18 For more info or to tour the other Green Model Homes on display: American Home Sales 530.885.4555. Custom Home Design Services and Full Construction Available Serving California and some neighboring states.

My husband has been a contractor in California for over 20 years and has built many homes, both ours, and for others. Since he was born and raised in Germany, he has a lot of experience as to how build more efficiently as well as eco friendly. There's a lot of resources on this site and I'm going to take time to research all of it, as we'll be building our first Green Home this year. Hopefully, completely off grid, sewer and water. Any tips and even warnings would be helpful!

Thanks,
JoAnn

Still dreaming of a solar powered house but think you can't afford it? Even with State and Federal assistance, installing a full solar system on your house can run you upwards of $10,000, depending on your location.

A new collection of companies are taking a lesson from the auto industry and are renting solar panels to consumers. Based out of San Francisco, Sun Run is one of the key companies in this new solar trend.

But just how does it work? Sun Run's solution is the first all-inclusive residential solar electricity package, offered for less than your current electric bill. You will lock in a below-market rate for the electricity the panels generate on your roof, and you can relax knowing that Sun Run will optimize, monitor, and maintain the system they install at no extra cost.

Such a sustainable and affordable option was one we couldn't resist investigating. Sun Run President Nat Kreamer was nice enough to take some time to chat with Building Green TV about his unique company and everything they offer for customers. Keep reading for details about Sun Run's beginnings, actual customer savings, expansion plans, and solar misconceptions. This is one interview you won't want to miss!

Italian food has firmly staked its claim as one of the world's most popular cuisines. A treat for the eyes, nose, and taste buds, it's easy to see why the kings and queens of pasta live such happy and healthy lives.

The sights and smells of the Italian countryside serve as inspiration for California based Nomine's line of soy candles. Pronounced "noh-mi-neh", Nomine "simply means 'name' in Latin and was chosen to celebrate the power of the meaning behind names."

Started by Nancy Covello as part of her dedication to alternative health therapies and a vegetarian lifestyle, all of Nomine's burning beauties are made from only soybean wax and essential oils - 100% free of petroleum ingredients found in "traditional" paraffin candles.

Our wax burns longer, cooler, and clearer than paraffin candle waxes, with little to NO carbon build-up. Soy wax does not produce black soot, which can leave residue on furnishings and walls. The wax is made predominantly from domestically grown crops supporting U.S. farmers and the economy.

Available in both jars and as tea lights, there are four scents in the Nomine collection, each representing one of the four seasons. You can buy each candle individually from the Nomine website, or as set of all four seasons (shown above, includes a box of matches). Each of the candles in the "Botanical Jar Collection" feature a beautifully applied image on their glass jars, adding both pleasant smells and sights to your own eco-abode.

Efficient, attractive design is at the heart of modern culture. The basis of all Swedish creations is that it has to be both beautiful to look at and useful in a straightforward way. Embracing the advantages of intelligent design is helping to move the green lifestyle even more mainstream than it was in the 1960s.

But where do we go to buy all of these products with smart design and sustainable features combined? One of my personal favorites is the Branch online store, based right here in San Francisco.

As a social activity, shopping gets us out into the various neighborhoods in our city, allowing us to connect with other people along the way. As a cultural excursion, it gives us a chance to discover what’s new and interesting in the world. At the same time, there’s an element to shopping that we find quite troubling. We buy things that appeal to us—we love a product’s styling, for example—though we may have little idea of where a product comes from. Instead of asking people to stop shopping (which is, of course, pretty darn impractical), what if we changed the paradigm of shopping itself?

Everything from larger items; like furniture and lighting; to home and lifestyle accessories; such as pillows, plates, and dog toys; are available in this easy-to-navigate web store. Well-known eco-brands like Amenity, Bambu, Ting and K Studio are featured. Looking for something special? Check out the smaller, local collections such as Perch!, Esque and Dwelling. Ready to outfit your sustainable abode? Then Branch is your one-stop-shop for modern interiors.

Remember when you were a kid and nothing could cool you down on a hot summer day like a frozen popsicle? One California company is taking that same concept and applying it to residential and commercial energy systems: ice-based air conditioning.

California/Colorado-based Ice Energy has been developing and marketing this technology since 2003. Most recently, they teamed up with California public ulitity company PG&E as part of their new "Shift & Save" program.

In collaboration with vendor technologies such as Ice Energy's Ice Bear hybrid air conditioning system, the "Shift and Save" program provides incentives that cut air conditioning peak electrical demand on light commercial and institutional buildings.

The ice-based air conditioner uses cheaper nighttime electricity to make ice and then uses that ice for daytime cooling needs. The units cooling looks almost identical to a standard AC unit. The systems lowers peak daytime demand significantly, shifting the energy load up to 95%.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find much information on just how much a system like this costs to install in an average home, but it is a technology very much worth looking into for eco-minded homeowners. 

Do you use any alternative methods to say cool on hot days? Personally, here in San Francisco, I just turn on a few fans and open all the windows, but in many locations, that would not be nearly enough. 

[via ENN]