Audit Scrutinizes DOC Program to Weatherize Low-Income Homes

A performance audit was released yesterday by State Auditor Brian Sonntag that evaluated the State Department of Commerce ( DOC) home-weatherization program. The goal of the audit was to evaluate the DOC’s process for making sure funds were spent appropriately at the local level.

The DOC run program received a major funding increase in 2009 through the federal economic stimulus act. The results of the audit were good and bad. 

The Good

• The projects - meant to reduce energy use in needy families' homes through new insulation, furnaces, energy-efficient windows etc. - ramped up in 2010, with contractors weatherizing more than 8,049 Washington housing units. The average in 2005-2008 had been about 3,300.
• Local agencies like Pierce County Community Services and the Metropolitan Development Council of Tacoma contract for the improvements, with oversight from the DOC.
• There were 329 housing units weatherized through the Tacoma nonprofit last year, more than triple any of the previous five years. Another 742 homes were weatherized by Pierce County.

The Bad

• The DOC did plenty of inspections but officials didn't consistently follow up to make sure agencies fixed problems.
• A September re-check that involved 47 homes where local agencies said problems were corrected, and found incomplete or shoddy work in nine of them.
• During one inspection a local agency was allowed to pick the project that state officials would inspect. The DOC said this instance was an anomaly because the employee of the agency refused to cooperate with DOC officials. The agency later fired the employee.

If you would like to see the entire audit please click here to download the PDF. 

Public Meeting on Climate Change

Public meeting to gather input on the development of the state’s integrated climate change response strategy will be held:

December 10th, 2009
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wenatchee Public Library
310 Douglas St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801

In 2009, the Washington legislature passed Senate Bill 5560 directing the Department of Ecology to partner with the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Transportation “to develop an integrated climate change response strategy to better enable state and local agencies, public and private businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals to prepare for, address, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.” The strategy is due to the Legislature in December of 2011.

The agencies are requesting initial feedback from the public. These meetings will be used to provide an overview of the strategy framework, provide background on the need for such a strategy for Washington State. Check the DOE website for more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/adaptation.htm.

NGA Endorses 2030 Goals

The AIA has received press coverage from the New York Times regarding its 2030 goals. What garnered the attention of the paper was an endorsement by the National Governors Association (NGA) as part of their resolution on energy efficiency.

Washington State was at the forefront of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the passage of Senate Bill 5854 during the 2009 Legislative Session. Governor Gregoire announced shortly after signing the bill that she would be taking the new legislation to NGA meeting so that other states could effectively mirror it.

With NGA’s resolution a new push for every state to implement a carbon neutral construction code will begin. You can read the NY Times article here.

AIA Members Testify in Support of Adding IECC to SB 5854

On March 18, John Cochran, AIA, and John Neff, AIA, both testified in support of SB 5854 and instituting the IECC, the International Environmental Council Code. Along with the two AIA members, Craig Stevenson of the International Code Council testified in support of the bill and adoption of the IECC code.

Using this standards instead of the WSEC, Washington State Energy Code will cuts costs which is expensive for the state to develop; it will decrease complications for architects, engineers and contractors to comply; and reduce they difficulty building officials encounter when trying to enforce the code.

The adopted of the IECC also comes with many benefits such as: free training, accessible resources online and for free, and streamlining Washington's energy code with the rest of the nation so that firms who practice in multiple states will have an easier time building "to code".

You can view the hearing (below) from TVW's webcasting program.

AIA Washington Council Testifies in Support of Reducing Emissions

Buildings are the greatest source of emissions and energy consumption in America. They consume between one third and one half of the energy expended in the United States. Buildings use two-thirds of all electricity and produce approximately one-third of carbon dioxide emissions. These numbers are only expected to rise.

To order to reduce building pollution the AIA Washington Council is supporting 2SHB 1747 and 2SSB 5854 which will implement the recommendations of the Governor’s Climate Action Team and significantly improve energy efficiency in Washington buildings.

The bills have faced some opposition from those who are concerned that increasing the energy effectiveness in buildings will also increase the cost of housing. You can see AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, address these concerns and others during the hearing for 2SSB 5854 below.

Director Bowman also testified on 2SHB 1747 Friday, which you can see at TVW by clicking here

AIA WA Member Testifies in Support of Efficiency First Legislation

AIAWA members Marc Jenefsky, of JensenFey, testified in support if SB 5854 which aims to reduce climate pollution in the built environment.

Jenefsky testified about how this bill and its goals are good for creating quality jobs and the environment. Jenefsky also detailed how the goals of the bill are achievable, affordable and desirable. See his testimony below. For the entire hearing on this bill visit TVW here.

Hearing Held on Sustainability

One of the first issues taken up by the new legislature is sustainable design. Today, the Senate Environment Water & Energy Committee held a hearing on how the state’s public universities are implementing sustainable design on their campuses.

The hearing provided important information on what practices are in place now. This information provides a background for lawmakers prior to the introduction of new sustainable design legislation.

The AIAWA is working with a coalition of organizations to draft and introduce legislation promoting more sustainable design and construction practices for public and private sector buildings.

Representatives from these universities testified: University of Washington, Western Washington University, Evergreen State College, Central Washington University and Washington State University.

Sustainability Champion Awarded Architects Highest Honor

Norman Strong, FAIA, the managing partner of The MillerHull Partnership, was awarded the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Northwest & Pacific Region (NW&P) 2008 Medal of Honor, on October 10 at the NW&P Conference in Honolulu, HI. This prestigious award is conferred annually on a region architect who has consistently demonstrated excellence or service to the profession.

A list of Strong’s volunteerism would fill pages but for him it comes naturally from devotion to the profession. “I have always liked to build things, even in grade school. After I graduated from WSU and found MillerHull I remember saying ‘they are paying me to do what I love’,” states Strong, a Northwest native who earned his Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from Washington State University. “Now, every day is unique,” he continues, “both with opportunities and challenges.” Strong has faced the challenges of being an architect, especially regarding sustainability, with a vision and dedication that made him the ideal recipient for this award.

His vision was evident while Strong served as chair of the Sustainability Discussion Group (SDiG) last year, when the group introduced revolutionary ideas about energy reduction. The SDiG focus is on the 2030 Challenge, which is to get all buildings to carbon neutrality by the year 2030. “This is not an easy task,” states Strong, “so we produced the 50to50 series of articles on 50 ways to reach a 50% energy reduction. The SDiG also proposed, and it was accepted, that 4 of our 18 mandatory learning units be focused on energy and carbon reducing design.” The SDiG and Strong’s efforts impacted all levels of the AIA and created a model for others to emulate that even the highest offices in the United State government noticed.

“The AIA was called in by the US House of Representatives to understand how they could redefine their workplace and offices,” says Strong about the creation of the Sustainable Design Assistance Team (SDAT) for the US Capitol. Strong chaired the SDAT which proposed ways to increase public access, improve the worklife of staff, and as an outcome reduce consumption of energy in old, historic buildings. “Bottom line,” states Strong, “the culture of Capitol Hill will need to change to impact each of these elements, but we were able to give them tangible and achievable goals.”

Strong’s commitment to sustainable design isn’t just a recent passion; it’s the hallmark of his career. Strong has been with Seattle based firm The MillerHull Partnership, a nationally recognized 60-person firm, since 1979 when there were only three employees. He was “drawn to the firm” he states, “because of their remarkable innovation and focus on unique solutions to sustainable design, or whatever we called it back then,” he laughs. Strong says the firm continues to have sustainability as an emphasis, a focus that was relevant in 1979, is today, and will be in the future. “I am extremely optimistic about the future of architects and our role in addressing the huge issues of climate change,” says Strong. “Together, with our clients and our builders, we can and will make a difference; and show a way to live more responsibly in the communities where we live and work.” With vision and dedication like this it is clear why architects chose to honor Strong with their most prestigious award.

Media Focuses on Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is gaining attention in Washington. An article in the Seattle PI today, July 21, 2008, details what the state has been doing with regard to rainwater collection. The article also prompted an hour of debate on KIRO (710 a.m.) radio’s Dori Monson program. You can download and listen to a copy of the show here, click on the 1:00 pm-2:00 pm slot.

The Council continues to work with a broad group of stakeholders and attend meetings on this issue as part of our overall efforts to promote sustainable development in Washington. We encourage the use of reclaimed water and see potential for captured rainwater to expand the availability of usable water in our state.

Architects Make a Trip to the Doctor Less Painful

The new Group Health Bellevue Medical Center, opening July first, is a testament to how architects improve the quality of our lives with their work. The Seattle Times had this to say:

“Some buildings in Bellevue are taller …but few are more prominent. The building will be seen by thousands of people daily passing on the freeway; but what they won't see is how the structure functions inside. ‘It's like a symphony, where the doctors are, where the patients are,’ said Dr. Robert Sandblom, the new center's medical director.

Designers of the new building focused heavily on giving patients a positive experience. The first space patients will encounter, a vast lobby, has both a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling south-facing windows. Architects planned the south facing orientation because the natural light from the windows and the welcoming ambience of the hearth are soothing.

Architects of the new medical center stayed away from elements that could cause a patient stress and designed a building to take patients minds off their pain. There are no arrows on the floors, no color-coded pathways, no bewildering floor plans. Building surfaces are based on natural Northwest materials; destinations are planned to be instinctively accessible. Waiting areas are intentionally small, with the idea that there won't be much waiting.

Further concern for patients shows up in several places like:

• A third-floor south-facing physical-therapy room which has the best views of Mount Rainier — for patients, not for staff members.
• A precisely oriented computer workstation in each of the 136 patient-care rooms, fitted so the screen can be viewed by both doctor and patient.
• The seven operating rooms with no wires underfoot; booms suspended from the ceiling hold an array of materials — lights, computer monitors, equipment trays — all instantly reachable.

To read the full article about the new medical center click here:

Group Health to open state-of-the-art facility in Bellevue.

Director's Message - Rainwater Harvesting Rules

Yesterday, I participated in the first stakeholder's workshop with the Department of Ecology (Ecology) regarding the development of new regulations for rainwater capturing. Ecology is genuinely interested in facilitating a resolution but in the end not much was resolved.

Results Depend on Answers
The Council needs some good examples of rainwater harvesting as a conversation measure on projects. The beneficial use of harvesting rainwater is not being discussed as much as it should be. In addition, answers from engineers and hydrologists would be invaluable. Comments from the tribes and environmental organizations went unanswered today. This workshop gave voice to many objections. It is difficult to nail down exactly what the resistance is, but it appears to be a fear that rainwater/stormwater harvesting removes such water from the ecosystem. We need knowledgeable sources to develop a response.

The Discussion
Tribal interest groups promoted a strict and limiting regulatory approach, but the remainder of the participants found some consensus. There was general agreement about allowing property owners with existing legal access to water to utilize rainwater harvesting. However, there is still debate about rainwater capturing without an existing water right or where rainwater is the sole source of water for a location. While even the tribes appeared to agree that roof-top capturing is acceptable, there remained disagreement about capturing from other surfaces.

Support from Environmental Groups is Oddly Missing
Negotiations with the environmental community will take some effort. An attendee who was affiliated with, though not an official representative of, the Washington Environmental Council (WEC) had negative comments on most proposals that authorized rainwater capturing. His statements were congruent with WEC testimony against rainwater capturing last session. However, that position would appear to be inconsistent with efforts to promote sustainable construction. It could be that representatives of the WEC who are interested in sustainable construction are unaware how impactful this issue is.

Codes need to be Addressed
During the discussion it was noted that the Uniform Plumbing Code currently is prohibitive of recycling grey water. However it was stated that changes are in the works that would treat grey water and rainwater as the same for purposes of plumbing. Interestingly, the International Plumbing Code was noted as being more progressive in the way it deals with these issues. If legislation is pursued in 2009, inclusion of a codes section may be needed.

Next Meetings
The next stakeholder meeting is July 1 and the final meeting is July 11. Open house meetings are scheduled June 17, 18 and 19. The open house sessions are an important place for architects, engineers and hydrologists to speak up. I encourage your participation at these meetings.

Stan L. Bowman, Hon. AIA/WA,
Executive Director for the AIA Washington Council and the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region

Senate Passes Climate Change Legislation

The Senate passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6580 addressing climate change issues within the context of the state’s Growth Management Act. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Trade, Economic and Community Development (CTED) to “develop and provide advisory climate change response methodologies, computer modeling programs, and estimates to and cities that include a range of methodologies and estimates.”

ESSB 6580 also establishes a pilot program for three counties and six cities to begin implementing climate change related elements in their land use and transportation plans.

Finally, the bill creates a new advisory committee to work with CTED in overseeing implementation of the bill and developing the next steps. The committee will evaluate the Growth Management Act and try to determine what changes should be made to reduce climate change impacts.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Water Capturing Bill Has Hearing

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on HB 2584 to alter laws related to rainwater capturing. The bill would exempt catchment systems of up to 5,000 gallons from water permitting and water right permitting. For larger systems, the Department of Ecology would develop rules for where and how such systems could be implemented.

The AIA/WA testified in support of the bill, but also cited several concerns with the bill.

We agree that rainwater and stormwater capturing should be exempt from water right permitting and most systems should be exempt from regulation by the Department of Ecology (DOE). In general, water catchments systems positively contribute to the environment and water quality and should be encouraged.

However, the exemption threshold is too low to be effective for even the most basic residential catchment systems. There are concerns that Ecology move swiftly to complete rulemaking to authorize new, larger systems. It would be better to provide a blanket exemption for systems in statute and then require DOE to develop rules on reporting requirements.

Also, the bill has a provision that would apply the new rules retroactively to systems already in place. Existing systems should be grandfathered into the law so property owners don’t face the prospect of having expensive retrofits or even having to remove the catchment system.

You can watch the hearing or download the audio MP3 file from www.tvw.org.

House Passes Reclaimed Water Bill

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6117, to promote the use of reclaimed water, passed the House late this evening. According to the bill report this bill:

• Requires the state to expand both direct financial support and financial incentives for capital investments in water reuse and reclaimed water.
• Creates one taskforce and two sub-taskforces to evaluate and make recommendations on various issues relating to the use of reclaimed water.
• Concludes that a reclaimed water project that reduces the quantity of sewage effluent that is discharged directly into marine waters does not impair any existing water rights.
• Requires state agencies and state facilities to use reclaimed water for nonpotable water uses, where feasible.
• Requires the Department of General Administration to develop a proposal for a comprehensive, campus-wide plan for the use of nonpotable water for irrigation and related outdoor uses.

The AIA/WA has been supporting this bill as part of its overall efforts to promote more sustainable development in our state. The use of reclaimed water has the potential to expand the availability of usable water in our state, but current law has many obstacles to actually using it. The bill was amended in the House, so it now goes back to the Senate for concurrence.

Legislature Bans PDBEs

The Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1024 to ban polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PDBEs) in most products sold in Washington State after January 1, 2008. PDBEs are class of flame retardants used in a plethora of products. Governor Gregoire is expected to sign the bill.

Washington is one of the first states to adopt a comprehensive ban on PDBEs. There are some certain exemptions. One exemption is for a type of PDBE called “deca” in mattresses, residential upholstered furniture and electronic equipment. Products made from recycled materials containing deca are also exempt. Another exemption is new carpet cushion made from recycled foam containing less than one-tenth of 1 percent “penta” (another specific PDBE).

Architects will need to be cognizant if PDBEs are in materials they are specifying on projects and if those materials are exempt from the ban, especially if ordering materials from out-of-state suppliers and manufacturers.

Senate Passes Environmental Bills

The State Senate took up and passed several environmental bills today.

The highest profile bill was Substitute SB 6001 addressing global warming. The bill establishes state goals for reducing greenhouse gases and promotes the use of cleaner energy.

Also passing today was Second Substitute SB 6117 promoting the use of reclaimed water. Reclaimed water is part of the AIA/WA’s water conservation focus.

Engrossed Substitute SB 5372 establishes the Puget Sound Partnership as a new state agency focused on cleaning up Puget Sound. The bill sets a goal of attaining a healthy Puget Sound by 2020. While there are many bills dealing with water quality, ESSB 5372 sets the overall regulatory framework to coordinate efforts.

The Energy Freedom Program was enacted in 2006 to promote the development of renewable energy resources in the farming industry. These efforts include the conversion of farm waste into energy. SB 5383 expands the program to include wind power projects owned by community action agencies in the state.

SB 5421 adopts The Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA). Environmental covenants control future use of contaminated land to ensure it that it is appropriately developed. The UECA ensures that environmental covenants remain legally valid over the long term. Adoption of the UECA is an important step in the future redevelopment of brownfields and other contaminated sites.