The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently took measures aimed at saving the drought-stricken state billions of gallons of water.
The CEC approved new standards on toilets, urinals, and faucets that are sold in California. The new standards will be the most water-efficient in the country. Once the current stock of products is turned over, the CEC says the measure will save more than 100 billion gallons of water annually.
California is the first state to adopt standards that are more efficient than those set by EPA's WaterSense program. Next year, all urinals sold in California will use only 1 pint of water or less for each flush (the old standard was 1.0 gallons per flush, WaterSense is 0.5 gpf) and bathroom faucets will use no more than 1.2 gallons of water per minute (the old standard was 2.2 gpm, WaterSense is 1.5 gpm).
These standards go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016. The new standards do not require homes and businesses to replace plumbing fixtures. The CEC is working on a rebate program to make the purchase of more efficient appliances more affordable.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2019
Canada’s Zero Carbon Building Standard reports first 10 certifications
Projects include new and existing offices, schools, and warehouses.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2019
New research examines flood mitigation policies in the U.S.
Thirteen states or cities have adopted effective measures; some restricting development in vulnerable areas.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
USGBC unveils vision for LEED Positive
Roadmap will lay foundation for a future LEED that is regenerative.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Report shows reducing embodied carbon can save money and help mitigate climate change
Embodied carbon now accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Dubai, London and New York are 2019’s ‘Construction Mega Cities’
From 2007 to 2025, GlobalData expects the cities’ combined gross domestic product (GDP) to increase by more than US$8 trillion to US$20.4 trillion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
New GBCI certification recognizes expertise in sustainability
Provides third-party verification of competency to ‘making the world more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.’
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
New tool allows users to learn how to reduce embodied carbon
Calculator delivers first digitized EPDs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
Trade group challenges St. Petersburg, Fla., ordinance on construction contract mandates
Legality of requirement to hire apprentices, disadvantaged workers at issue.
Building Owners | Dec 2, 2019
What building owners and AEC teams need to know about New York’s Climate Mobilization Act
On April 18, 2019, the New York City Council passed the Climate Mobilization Act, a suite of laws aimed to meet the city’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2019
Updated ASHRAE standards focused on ventilation design, air quality in residential applications
Standard 62.1 and 62.2 updates provide new tables of ventilation rates per unit area.
