(Complete web version of info that follows) http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/press/index.htm#legalized

In Historic Move, California Building Standards Commission Green Visionaries Approve New Graywater Standard 

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 easier to stand aside as legal buildings continue to waste resources and pollute the environment.

But, in the face of deeply entrenched, powerful opposition, the commission is rising to the challenge of revising all California's 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.

This is a historic shift towards considering all factors; not just occupant safety-- but also off site and future impacts--in developing building codes that truly protect our health and welfare.

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

Art Ludwig will be holding a press conference August 4th, 2009 from 9:00 to 9:15 am, at the Santa Barbara Library Main Branch, at the start of his free, City of Santa Barbara-Sponsored workshop on Laundry to Landscape systems.

He'll tell the story of this codes process (biggest stakeholder meetings for any code promulgated by CA HCD), and discuss the significance of the Building Standards Commissions historic shift towards considering all factors; not just occupant safety, but also off site and future impacts. (BSC is currently revising California's Green Building standards, also).

Graywater Standards --Media resources

http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/press/

Graywater How To--Resources for media to pass on to viewers/ readers/ listeners

http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/press/index.htm#howto

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Oasis Design
Ecological Design publishing & consulting

Santa Barbara, CA

Fax: 805 967-3229  Phone: 967-9956

http://www.oasisdesign.net       
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