Green Your Home, Saturday September 12, 2009. 10 am to noon from Build San Antonio Green

Build San Antonio Green presents "Green Your Home", Saturday September 12, 2009 from 10 am to noon at Lion's Field House, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio, 78209.

Topics will include how to improve your home's energy and water efficiency, your indoor air quality. Site preparation and green building materials will also be discussed.

The workshop to address renovations according to the Build San Antonio Green "Green Retrofit" program. This event is geared to the general public and should be of great interest to anyone who is interested in how to fix up their house in a resource efficient manner.

The cost is $25 and includes a copy of the BSAG "Green Retrofit Homeowners Recommendations". A contractor's guide with more detailed information is also available. Call BSAG for information on how to qualify to obtain it.

Please RSVP on line at http://www.buildsagreen.org/gyhreg.html or call Kris Zebrowski at 210.224.7278

LionForce affordable San Antonio home earns LEED Gold / Level 3 Build SA Green certification

LionForce spoke back in September at our monthly meeting and introduced us to their brand of affordable, green building using their version of STEP (Steel Thermal Efficient Panels) which combined polystyrene insulation with metal studs.

Their home was open and efficient making good use of space and material. In July they learned they had received LEED Gold certification which is extraordinary considering that the home is a modest one.

From LionForce's blog:

Last week, the LionForce ecoLiving home located on Trumbo Road in San Antonio, Texas, was awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievement in green homebuilding and design. LEED for Homes is a green home certification system for assuring homes are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient and healthy for occupants. LEED certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live.

Trumbo Road (T-2) is one of 3 local homes that have been certified using LEED, but the first to achieve Gold certification. The home was built by LionForce Building Systems, which is known for their ecoLiving System that empowers people to design and build LEED-rated homes. Green homes have substantially lower utility bills and may qualify for advantageous financing, lower insurance rates and government incentives. Through their commitment to green homebuilding, LionForce is helping to keep homeownership affordable.

“We use LEED parameters to direct all of our design decisions,” said Greg Edwards, LionForce Vice President of Construction. “We built the T-2 home using our integrated approach, and the LEED Gold Certification validates our belief that a customized, green home can be affordable to the average American.”

“As a LEED certified home, The LionForce ecoLiving home on Trumbo Road serves as a model of greener living for the entire community,” said Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development for the U.S. Green Building Council. “The home is at the national forefront of quality; and their example can help us all to live better by reducing our environmental footprint, cutting our utility bills, and coming home to a healthier place to live.”

Specific information about the home: The LionForce home located on Trumbo road was constructed with a unique wall panel system made from light-gauge steel and Expanded Polystyrene. The panels are factory-fabricated to precise engineering drawings to minimize site waste and shorten construction time. The LionForce wall system creates an extremely tight building envelope and significantly reduces the amount of energy consumed.

Indoor air quality standards were met by following the 70-item checklist from the Indoor Air Package – provided by Energy Star for Homes, and a rainwater catchment system is used to capture 70% of the roof runoff to be used for irrigation. The home also received an award for “Best Custom Green Home” from the City of San Antonio, and the first and only Level 3 certification from Build San Antonio Green.

"Stephen Colley Greens Your Home!" at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, Saturday July 18

On Saturday, July 18 Mitchell Lake Audubon Center presents architect Stephen Colley in a wet workshop they call "Stephen Colley Greens Your Home". Stephen will provide inspiring, often simple ways to live “green” right here in San Antonio. The workshop will focus on water and energy issues, such as efficiency and multiple usage, energy conservation, and water quality.

The workshop which runs from 10 to Noon is free but your RSVP is required to mlac@audubon.org

Stephen Colley, AIA is technical coordinator for Build San Antonio Green, a pioneer of green architecture in San Antonio, an architect in private practice and the long time leader of San Antonio Sustainable Living.

Locally manufactured SIPs from EH Systems in New Braunfels make choosing this green building option easier

EH Systems manufactures SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) conveniently nearby in New Braunfels.

SIPS have been used for decades, both as infill between framing and as load-bearing panels in structures built without other framing. In a SIP, two solid panels are separated by lighter weight insulating material, to which the panels are attached.

SIPS vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The outer skin can be made of plywood, osb, metal or concrete among other materials. Today the insulating material is usually polystyrene but a number of other materials have been used over the years. Different adhesives are used and advocated by various manufacturers. Although in general the panels are assembled on site in similar ways, each manufacturer adds their own design touches intended to make the panels easier to install, more resistant to insects, sturdier, lower in objectionable substances or more convenient to run wiring through.

When you build with SIPs the house plan is almost without exception required to be in the computer. The manufacturer uses the CAD data to machine cut the needed panels. Typically SIPs are only used for the exterior of a structure with conventional frame walls being used on the inside. The exterior of a SIPs structure is covered with conventional siding, stone, brick or stucco.

EH Systems manufactures SIPs from 4 foot wide to 9 feet wide. The panels can be up to 32 feet high. The larger panels are used for institutional customers such as schools and industrial facilities. The smaller panels are used for single family homes.

They also manufacture roof panels. Many SIPs designs feature cathedral ceilings. When combined with SIPS floor panels in the attic, a homeowner can gain relatively comfortable unconditioned storage space.

There are many home plans designed specifically for use with SIPs. But EH Systems like many manufacturers has staff and a CAD (computer aided design) system to convert plans to a SIPs layout. They offer hands on training to whole companies, superintendents and framers. An on-site builder services representative is also available to participants in their Preferred Builder program.

EH Systems is a member of Build San Antonio Green and since they manufacture locally, their products can provide valuable LEED credits.

Build San Antonio Green, Imagine Homes and other honored for green building achievement by National Association of Home Builders

San Antonio's own Build San Antonio Green was honored by the National Association of Home Builders at their National Green Building Awards ceremony May 11, 2009 in Dallas.

Specifically Build San Antonio Green and the Missoula (Mont.) Building Industry Association were honored as the local green home building programs of the year.

Local builder Imagine Homes was also honored for the second year in a row for the Affordable Home of the Year.

Below is list of other honorees:

Concept Home of the Year - CVH Inc. (Clifton View Homes), for a home in Coupeville ,Wash. Tight insulation and other energy-efficient features meant homeowners spent $76 on electricity in the first month they lived there – and that was before the builder installed photovoltaic panels on the rooftop and the monthly bill became a credit, rather than a debit, Ferrier said.

Luxury Home of the Year: Solaire Homebuilders of Bend, Ore. With beautiful interior finishes, this custom home was built with reclaimed and recycled materials and designed to be 60 percent more energy efficient than required by code.

Production Home of the Year - Celebrate by Del Webb, an active-adult community in Fredericksburg, Va., is taking green features to a larger scale and now certifying the homes in this new development to the National Green Building Standard.

Single-family Remodeling Project of the Year - Honors went to Red-B Construction for a Durham, N.C., home with striking design and extensive use of deconstruction techniques that improve resource efficiency.

Multifamily Remodeling Project of the Year - Hardwick G.C. Inc. of Orlando, Fla., turned an early 20th-century bungalow into a charming duplex that has a rainwater harvesting system, native landscaping and other water-efficient features.

Multifamily Rental Project of the Year - Tonti Properties’ 270-unit community in Frisco, Texas, is the first Energy Star-certified development in the region. The company created an on-site tree farm during contruction to enable landscapers to replant trees moved during the building process.

Condominium Project of the Year - Onion Flats LLC of Philadelphia created an 8-unit infill project in the Northern Liberties neighborhood featuring slick, modern design, solar panels, green roofs and great city views.

Townhouse Project of the Year - Asdal Builders LLC was honored for a New Jersey rental development that caters to senior citizens and focuses on sustainable, low-maintenance design and cost-effective geothermal heating.

Development of the Year - The community of Woodlands Edge in Little Rock, Ark., developed by Rocket Properties LLC has nature trails, wildlife preservation areas and an extensive education program for its residents focused on environmental stewardship of the grounds.

The city of Chicago was named Governmental Advocate of the Year for its extensive voluntary energy-efficiency improvement programs and for encouraging green roofs on high-rise buildings.

EcoBroker International won Group Advocate of the Year honors for its green building education efforts among real estate brokers.

Donna Shirey, a longtime NAHB Remodelers leader and green-building professional from Seattle, was honored as Remodeling Advocate of the Year.

Architect Michelle Kaufmann, known for her groundbreaking green and modular design, was named Individual Advocate of the Year.

John Freer, a longtime Missoula BIA leader and founder of the association’s green building council, was honored as NAHB Green Builder Advocate of the Year.

Compressed Earth Block, Lime Plaster and More Three Day Workshop in San Antonio June 11, 12 & 13

Lawrence Jetter and the AECT compressed earth block machine factory have long been a favorite field trip destination of our group. Now comes a three day workshop by Solar Adobe School and Tierra y Cal at the factory.

From adobebuilder.com:

COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCK, LIME AND MORE
June 11, 12 & 13, 2009 (Thur-Fri-Sat)
AECT Factory in San Antonio, Texas
Tierra y Cal
is pleased to invite you to participate in our
Three Day Workshop in San Antonio, Texas for Compressed Earth Block Construction, Lime Stabilization and Natural Plasters
June 11, 12, and 13, 2009
(Thu.-Fri.-Sat.) Location: AECT Factory in San Antonio, Texas

Two earth building companies and their personnel are pooling their talents to bring you this class. From Texas, Lawrence Jetter and crew of Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies bring their knowledge of pressing machinery. From San Miguel de Allende, México, Jim Hallock, Mónica Healy and Jeff Rottler of Tierra y Cal, Proyectos Sustentables, bring their knowledge of lime stabilization in combination with compressed earth block construction. Students who persevere through all of the sessions to dinner on Saturday will receive a Certificate of Completion. Class cost includes an Earth Block Construction manual.
Lawrence Jetter of AECT with one of his machines

Schedule
Thursday, June 11, 2009
8:00am - 8:15am - In the Classroom - Coffee and Introductions

8:15am - 11:45am - How to Build a Compressed Earth Block (CEB) Building - Foundation through Bond Beam. The partners of Tierra y Cal present the step-by-step sequence using the manual you will have received.

11:45am - 1:00pm - Lunch break

1:00pm - 4:45pm - Soil selection and block manufacturing with Lawrence Jetter and lime stabilization with Tierra y Cal. You will have the opportunity to press and test some blocks (bring 5 gallons of your dirt if you wish), and help to operate a pressing machine.

Friday, June 12 , 2009

San Miguel8:00am - 11:45am - Hands-on construction of a small Compressed Earth Block building. The class will learn to build a wall to the speed lead and string and construct an arch using blocks pressed on the site. We’ll place door and window bucks and set in an electrical circuit with a few plug boxes as we build the wall.

11:45am- 1:15pm - Lunch Break

1:15pm - 4:45pm - Construction continues

Saturday, June 13 , 2009

8:00am - 11:45am - We are again at AECT’s facility with a focus on lime and clay plasters.

11:45am- 1:15pm - Lunch Break

1:15pm - 3:00pm - Plaster continues

3:00pm - 4:45pm - Q and A

7:00pm - ?? - Meet for Dinner, Certificates of Completion handed out.

Class limit: 35 students
Cost: $295.00 for one person, $275.00/person for two or more registering together and providing one payment. A discount of $20.00/person will be given for early registration, prior to May 15. Refunds (minus $30.00 administration fee) will be given for cancellations prior to June 1.

This class will be conducted in English only.

The class will close when filled. Please register early to preserve your place. The first payments to clear will be registered and the attendee notified.

To register: Contact Monica Healy for the easy instructions at monicahealy@tierraycal.com

See green materials in used in Build San Antonio Green's office online

When the office space of Build San Antonio Green was built out they went to extraordinary lengths to use a variety of green and sustainable materials for interior walls and flooring.

The BGSA website has a clever interactive drawing of their space showing the green and sustainable material used.

Among the wall materials used are sips, various forms of insulated concrete forms, autoclaved aerated concrete and compressed earth block.

The compressed earth block was only used for a few courses of a wall though, because the weight of a full earth block wall is quite a bit too heavy for a foundation that has not been engineered for it.

Among the flooring used are: sisal mats, bamboo, cork, wool carpet, recycled content carpet, sealed concrete and linoleum.

An Ordinance 200 G -0 3 -1 2 -0 1 7 9 Approving And Adopting The Recommendations Of The Mayor's Sustainable Building Task Force

The ordinance based on the Mayor's Sustainable Building Task Force was passed by the city council on March 12. A pdf of the Ordinance (200 G -0 3 -1 2 -0 1 7 9) is on line but sometimes it is useful to have a document in html format. Naturally it is very long. But you can follow the read more link below to the full text in html.

This text was copied from the pdf and put into Word using character recognition, so there may be some missing or garbled text in this version. If you need to be certain about the wording of the ordinance be sure to rely on the city's pdf which is signed by Mayor Hardberger and the city attorney.

On the city's pdf, quite a few sections are underlined. That underlining is not here. I'm not sure of the meaning of it. But until someone tells me otherwise I'll guess that those sections were revised between the draft and final stages.

AN ORDINANCE 200 g -0 3 -1 2 -0 1 7 9
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR'S SUSTAINABLE BUILDING TASK FORCE, PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CODE TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR SEVERANCE.
* * * * *
WHEREAS, during the 2009 State of the City Address, Mayor Phil Hardberger announced his "Mission Verde" effort to begin building a 21 8t Century energy infrastructure for the City of San Antonio; and
WHEREAS, as a component of the "Mission Verde" plan, the Mayor established a Sustainable Building Task Force, consisting of representatives from key stakeholder groups whose mission was "to develop building strategies that enhance San Antonio's capacity to experience a resilient and environmentally sensitive future, emphasizing and focused on energy and water conservation"; and



WHEREAS, the City of San Antonio supports the adoption and implementation of energy provisions that result in energy savings of 15% or greater than the currently adopted code in 2008 (International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2000 with 2001 supplement and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 1999), the goal of 30% energy savings in 2012 over the currently adopted code in 2008 (IECC 2000 with 2001 supplement and ASHRAE 90.1 1999), the goal of net-zero carbon by 2030 with the intent to provide flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve the effective use of energy and to reduce greenhouse gas and ozone precursor emissions in San Antonio and which is not intended to abridge safety, health, or environmental requirements contained in other applicable codes or Ordinances; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO:
SECTION 1. The San Antonio City Council approves and adopts the recommendations of the Mayor's Sustainable Building Task Force as provided for in this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall regulate the design and construction of new buildings, building additions, or level 3 alterations as defined in the International Existing Building Code 2006 for the effective use of energy and will take effect on January 1, 2010. This Ordinance shall be publicly reviewed before March 1, 2012. After that date, it shall be reviewed, and amended as needed, every three years at a minimum. The Director, Planning and Development Services Department, shall be permitted to approve specific computer software (including at least one free, publicly-available source), worksheets, compliance manuals, and other similar materials that meet the intent of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. Chapter 6, Article XV. International Energy Conservation Code, section 6·658 is amended by adding a Preamble and new sections (b) and (c), and to reflect the following changes underline indicating new.
ARTICLE XV. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
PREAMBLE: The City of San Antonio supports the adoption and implementation of energy provisions that result in energy savings of 15% or greater than the currently adopted code in 2008 (IECC 2000 with 2001 supplement and ASHRAE 90.1 1999), the goal of 30% energy savings in 2012 over the currently adopted code in 2008 (IECC 2000 with 2001 sURplement and ASHRAE 90.1 1999), the goal of net-zero carbon by 2030 with the intent to provide flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve the effective use of energy and to reduce greenhouse gas and ozone precursor emissions in San Antonio and which is not intended to abridge safety, health, or environmental requirements contained in other awlicable codes or Ordinances.
The City of San Antonio approves the goals of the following recommendations of the Sustainable Building Task Force:
That the Planning and Development Services Department. Office of Public Utilities within Finance, and the Office of Environmental Policy coordinate with CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to evaluate a new construction residential and commercial financial incentive program to include the provision of specific rebates or other incentives, with an ultimate goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and be designed to reward improved performance in a scaled fashion, within the current limitations of all applicable laws and regulations.
2. That the City of San Antonio create a marketing and education awareness campaign which is a unified comprehensive community-wide outreach effort supporting an advanced sustainable buildings initiative.
That CPS Energy and SAWS provide existing rebate and incentive information to the City of San Antonio to coordinate and promote incentives to provide one-stop information.
That the Planning and Development Services DeRartment, with assistance from the Office of Environmental Policy, provide information on sustainable building practices and incentives to encourage residential and commercial developers to exceed minimum code requirements and serve as a clearinghouse for green building information from a wide and ever-increasing variety of sources.
That the City of San Antonio Office of Environmental Policy coordinate education awareness with other agencies or organizations that include workshops. trainings, and seminars which will provide sustainable building practices for residential and commercial buildings that exceed minimum code requirements.
That the City of San Antonio evaluate the feasibility of offering a property tax exemption for new homes and tax abatement or phase-in for new commercial buildings that achieve high energy performance levels, including participation in a third party verified green rating system addressing residential and commercial building. Such considerations may include a minimum HERS score for residential buildings.
7. That the City of San Antonio evaluate the feasibility of offering an additional amount of property tax abatement or phase-in for new homes and commercial buildings that utilize on-site renewable energy.
8 That the City of San Antonio Office of Environmental Policy promote an annual San Antonio Green Leadership awards program to recognize all new residential and commercial builders, architects, and others that significantly exceed the minimum code and to post those names on the City's website and through additional public media outlets.
9. That CPS Energy and SAWS evaluate incentives and rebates to support energy and water conservation for programs that exceeds code and include such programs in a unified city-wide promotion.

10. That the City of San Antonio evaluate the feasibility of funding for incentives through the Planning and Development Services Department. which could include fast-track permitting and reimbursement of fees, within the limitations of the current enterprise organization structure.
11. That energy incentives be provided to achieve 30% or greater savings above the currently adopted energy code; and
12. That a Stakeholder Sustainable Building Committee (SSBC) be formed which consists of representatives of architectural, engineering, construction, development, green building and building code professionals. Among other duties, the SSBC would monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force on Sustainable Buildings and meet as needed but not less often than every three years to review COSA sustainability energy policies and goals. The SSBC would measure periodic progress and recommend the establishment or modification of interim goals to attain agreed long-term goals. Interim and long-term goals would be evaluated and recommended for amendment as required on the basis of sustainable environmental and community benefits, return on investment and practical impact on the regulated community. In 2012 the interim goal would target 30% above the current code in effect in 2008 (IECC 2000 with 2001 supplement and ASHRAE 90.1 1999); incentives will increase proportionately to achieve greater savings. Finally, should the energy needs/uses of existing buildings be examined in the future, the SSBC would be charged with the responsibility to present recommendations to City Council.
Sec. 6-658. Adoption of the International Energy Conservation Code.
(a) The 2000 International Energy Conservation Code with 2001 supplement is hereby adopted as the energy conservation code for the city. The 2000 International Energy Conservation Code with 2001 Supplement is incorporated herein as fully as if set out at length and three (3) copies ofboth have been and are now filed in the office of the city clerk for permanent record and inspection pursuant to section 17 of the City Charter. From the date on which the article shall take effect, the provisions thereof are controlling within the limits of the city .
(b) Beginning January 1. 2010, energy usage in one-and two-family and multi-family dwellings, 3 stories or less, must achieve an efficiency rate of 15% above the current City of San Antonio energy code that was in effect in 2008 (IECC 2000 with 2001 supplement and ASHRAE 90.1 1999) by complying with any of the following options:
1. IECC 2009 (as approved and/or amended by the City of San Antonio and/or Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL». This meets the 15% standard referenced above.
2. Energy Star Certification Compliance. This meets the 15% standard referenced above.
3. Software or energy modeling tools or prescriptive building packages approved by the City of San Antonio Building Official and/or ESL. A demonstrated passing score satisfies the 15% standard referenced above.
4. Approved compliance methods as adopted by the State of Texas and/or Energy Systems Lab (ESL). A demonstrated passing score satisfies the 15% standard referenced above.
5. Build San Antonio Green, USGBC LEED-H, or other third-party certification program that meets or exceeds the energy requirements as approved by the Code Official shall be considered 10 compliance. This meets the 15% standard referenced above.
(c) Beginning January 1, 2010, buildings not covered in (b) above must achieve an efficiency rate of 15% above the current City of San Antonio energy code that was in effect in 2008 (IECC 2000 with 2001 supplement and ASHRAE 90.1 1999) by complying with any of the following options:
L COMcheck or other software as approved by Planning and Development Services based on existing codes (ASHRAE 90.1 1999 & IECC 2000 with 2001 supplements) showing 15% or above the passing score.
2. COMcheck based on ASHRAE 90.1 2007. A passing score satisfies the 15% standard referenced above.
3..COMcheck based on IECC 2009 (when IECC 2009 is available and approved by ESL). A passing score satisfies the 15% standard referenced
4. ASHRAE 90.1 2007 energy modeling analysis approved methods. This meets the 15% standard referenced above.
5. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. This meets the 15% standard referenced above.
6. Software or energy modeling methods or prescriptive building packages as adopted by the City of San Antonio Building Official and/or ESL. A demonstrated passing score satisfies the 15% standard referenced above.
7. Approved compliance methods that meet the new energy requirements herein as adopted by the State of Texas. A demonstrated Qassing score satisfies the 15% standard referenced above.
8. USGBC LEED or other third-party certification program that meets or exceeds the energy requirements as approved by the Code Official shall be considered in compliance.
9. Performance rating calculations and documentation shall be in accordance with the International Building Code, "Performance Rating Method", and shall be submitted with each application for a building permit. Documentation, including calculations, shall be prepared by a registered design professionaL
SECTION 4. Chapter 6, Article III. Building Code, is amended to reflect the following changes, underline indicating new:
Sec. 6-37. Local Amendments to the IBC
*************
SECTION 1502 DEFINITIONS
1502.1 General. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes ofthis chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
Energy Star Certified Roof: Applicable to 2:12 sloped roofs or less. A roof that is Energy Star certified. Energy Star is a joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department ofEnergy.
**********
SECTION 1506 MATERIALS
1506.1 Scope. The requirements set forth in this section shall apply to the application ofroof~ covering materials specified herein. Roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with this chapter and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Installation of roof coverings shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 1507. Beginning January 1, 2010, Energy Star Certified roofs shall be required on all new buildings with a roof slope of 2: 12 or less.
Exception: Buildings with a use classification of Group R-2, R-3, or R-4 and 3 stories or
SECTION 5. Chapter 6, Article V. Mechanical Code, is amended to reflect the following change, underline indicating new:
Sec. 6-67. Amendments
*************
107.2.1 New, Altered, extended or repaired systems. New mechanical systems and parts of existing systems, which have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and defects. Beginning January 1, 2010, all ducts in unconditioned spaces of all new Group R-3 Residential occupancies shall be duct tested prior to covering or concealment as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and defects.
SECTION 6. Chapter 6, Article XIII. International Residential Code is amended to reflect the following change, underline indicating new:
Sec. 6-631. Local Amendments to the IRe
*************
SECTION RI09 INSPECTIONS AND TESTING
RI09,1 Types ofinspections and tests. For onsite construction, from time to time the building official, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make or cause to be made any necessary inspections and tests and shall approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code.
RI09.1.2 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systcms inspections and tests. Rough inspections of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to framing inspection.
Exception: Back-filling of ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section M21 05.1 prior to inspection shall be permitted.
Beginning January 1, 2010, for all one-and two-family dwellings, all ducts in unconditioned spaces shall be duct tested prior to covering or concealment to disclose leaks and defects. Tests shall be made by an independent certified RESNET energy rater or an alternate approved by the building official using objective, verifiable testing criteria and results provided to the building official. Apparatus, material and labor reguired for testing a mechanical system shall be furnished by the independent certified RESNET energy rater or building official approved alternate. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the building official for inspection and testing.

SECTION 7. Chapter 24, Article II. Plumbing Code, ofthe City Code of San Antonio, Texas, is amended to reflect the following changes, underline indicating new:
Sec. 24-12. Amendments
**********
402.8 Certain Plumbing Fixtures. When installing gravity flush toilets, bathroom aerators, showerheads, urinals in new buildings on or after January 1, 2010, unless specifically stated otherwise, the fixtures will meet or exceed the following performance standards; and where the Environmental Protection Agency has accepted that specific plumbing fixtures by make and model, meet or exceed the WaterSense standards, such fixtures installed will be from the most current listing available at the time of installation:
a. Gravity flush toilets shall have a maximum average water use of no more than
1.28 gallons per flush.
b. Faucet aerators for bathrooms shall have a maximum water flow of 1.5 gallons per minute.
c. Showerheads shall have a maximum water flow of 2.0 gallons ner minute. All associated valves must be appropriate to the flows.
d. Urinals in commercial buildings shall have a maximum water use of 0.5 gallons per flush.
**********
609.11 Hot Water Lines. Buildings with a use classification of Group R-2, R-3, or R~4, as defined in the International Building Code and that are 3 stories or less without a dedicated hot-water return line with runs exceeding 20 feet between the heating element and the end use fixture shall be insulated with R4 sleeve insulation or with materials approved by the Planning and Development Services Department (such as 5/8" foam). A dedicated return loop with an on-demand system is an acceptable alternative. Insulation will not be required to be continuous through studs.
SECTION 8. The following sections of Chapter 34, Water and Sewers, of the City Code of San Antonio, Texas, is amended to reflect the following changes, underline indicating new and strikeout deleted:
Sec. 34-271. Definitions.
********** Large property means a tract of land or several tracts of land managed as a group such as commonly found in neighborhood common areas or medians and street setbacks commonly found associated with commercial development regardless of the number of meters or individual parcel sizes associated with the property [owned by a geftet'a1 etls1:omer] that equals or exceeds five (5) acres in size and has an irrigation system covering all or a portion of the property.
Large property means a tract of land or several tracts of land managed as a group such as commonly found in neighborhood common areas or medians and street setbacks commonly found associated with commercial development regardless of the number of meters or individual parcel sizes associated with the property [oWfled by a general 6Hstomer] that equals or exceeds five (5) acres in size and has an irrigation system covering all or a portion ofthe property.
Large use property means any property that uses 1 million gallons of water or more for irrigation purposes in a single calendar year.
************
Sec. 34-273. Activities to be regulated on or after January 1, 2006. is amended by the following changes to sections (1) and (2) and the addition of new sections (8), (9), and (10), as follows:
*************
(1) Minimum irrigation area and flow direction. Newly installed irrigation systems using pop-up spray or rotor technology shall not be used in landscaped areas which have both:
a. Dimensions less than five (5) feet in length and/or width; and,
b. Impervious pedestrian or vehicular traffic surfaces along two (2) or more perimeters.
Where pop-up sprays and rotor heads are allowed in newly installed irrigation systems, they:
a. Must direct flow away from any adjacent impervious surface; and
b. Shall not be placed within four (4) inches from an impervious surface.
c. Irrigation systems newly installed in one-and two-family dwellings may not cover more than 10,000 square feet of landscape with spray or rotor irrigation heads. The use of drip irrigation or micro-sprays may be used to expand the coverage size upon approval of the landscape plan by SAWS.
(2) Annual irrigation system analysis for athletic fields, golf courses, large use and large properties.
a. An annual irrigation system analysis shall be required for all athletic fields, golf courses~ large use and large properties and shall be submitted in writing to the San Antonio Water System Conservation Department on or before May 1 st of each year [, begiooiRg OR May 1, 2006]. Golf courses, athletic fields, and large properties that meet the definition of large use and large use properties regardless of size including residential properties must have a licensed irrigator signoff on the annual irrigation system analysis. Golf courses, either than those utilizing recycled water for irrigation in accordance with an agreement with SAWS, shall comply with residential irrigation requirements on areas other than tee boxes, fairways and greens.
*************
(8) Certain Plumbing Fixtures.
When installing gravity flush toilets, bathroom aerators, showerheads, urinals in new buildings on or after January 1, 2010, unless specifically stated otherwise, the fixtures wi11 meet or exceed the following performance standards; and where the Environmental Protection Agency has accepted that specific plumbing fixtures by make and model, meet or exceed the WaterSense standards, such fixtures installed will be from the most current listing available at the time of installation:
d. Urinals in commercial buildings shall have a maximum water use of 0.5 gallons per flush.
(9) Coin Operated Washing Machines.
All newly installed coin-operated washing machines including, but not limited to those that might be found in laundry-mats, apartment houses, dorms or other communal use situations shall be selected from Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) that meet or exceed the most current Tier 2 water and energy standards as detennined by the CEE.
(10) Hot Water Lines.
Buildings with a use classification of Group R-2, R-3, or R-4, as defined in the International Building Code and that are 3 stories or less without a dedicated hot-water return line with runs exceeding 20 feet between the heating element and the end use fixture shall be insulated with R4 sleeve insulation or with materials approved by the Planning and Development Services Department (such as 5/8" foam). A dedicated return loop with an on-demand system is an acceptable alternative. Insulation will not be required to be continuous through studs.
*************
Sec. 34-275. Landscaping regulations generally applicable on and after January 1,2006. is amended by the addition of a new section (6) as follows:
************
(6) Irrigation system use, setting and schedule recommendations.
All irrigators installing irrigation systems permitted by the City of San Antonio shall provide to the irrigation system owner a recommended seasonal irrigation schedule and instructions on how to use the irrigation system and set the controller. Seasonal schedules provided will be approved by the SAWS Conservation Director or designee. The schedule will be affixed to the irrigation controller or an adjacent wall.
************
SECTION 9. The City Council finds that the amendments to Chapter 34 of the San Antonio Municipal Code as described above are in the nature of tariff revisions to terms and conditions of water delivery service by the San Antonio Water System. Further, the City Council finds that the amendments are in the public interest; and are fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory.
SECTION 10. To the extent there is a conflict with another Ordinance or provision of the City Code, this Ordinance shall supersede.
SECTION 11. All other provisions of the City Code of San Antonio, Texas shall remain in full force and effect unless expressly amended by this Ordinance.
SECTION 12. Should any Article, Section, Part, Paragraph, Sentence, Phrase, Clause, or Word of this Ordinance, for any reason be held illegal, inoperative, or invalid, or if any exception to or limitation upon any general provision herein contained be held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective, the remainder shall, nevertheless, stand effective and valid as if it had been enacted and ordained without the portion held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective.
SECTION 13. The City Clerk is directed to publish notice of this Ordinance in accordance with Section 17 ofthe Charter ofthe City of San Antonio.
SECTION 14. The publishers of the City Code of San Antonio, Texas, are authorized to amend said Code to reflect the changes adopted herein and to correct typographical errors and to format and number paragraphs to conform to the existing code.
SECTION 15. This Ordinance shall take effect on January 1 st, 2010.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 12th day of March 2009 #~
Phil Hardberger
MAYOR

Check out "Green Remodeling", the latest TPR Build San Antonio Green podcast with Stephen Colley AIA

The latest in Texas Public Radio's series of web only programs in partnership with Build San Antonio Green features architect Stephen Colley AIA, LEED AP discussing remodeling for energy efficiency, the cost of "green" renovation versus "standard" renovation, energy audits and solar energy systems.

The Build San Antonio Green TPR podcast may be downloaded in MP3 or Windows Media Player format or you may listen to the shows through your browser.