DATE:

January 13, 2006 (Friday)

TIME:

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

LOCATION:

1660 Mission Street, Suite 2001

Note:

Public comment is welcome and will be heard during each agenda item.   Reference documents relating to agenda are available for review at the 1650 Mission Street, Suite 302.  For information, please call Code Analyst Alan Tokugawa at (415) 558-6004.

Present:
Charles Breidinger, P.E.
Zachary Nathan, AIA
Nicholas Palter

Others Present:

Excused:
 
 
 

Absent:
Arnie Lerner, AIA
Carolyn Abst , AIA
James Guthrie, S.E.

Alan Tokugawa, TSD/DBI

Laura Ingall, Dept. of the Environment

Erin Podlipnik, SF Apartment Magazine

1.0

Call to Order and Roll Call
Members: Carolynn Abst, AIA; Charles Breidinger, P.E.; James Guthrie, S.E.; Arnold Lerner, AIA; Zachary Nathan, AIA; Nicholas Palter

The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m. with three members in attendance. A quorum was not present.

2.0

Review of all Green Building Subcommittee agenda items discussed and acted upon during the past year, and identification of new topics for discussion and action over the coming year. These topics may include items regarding sustainability, green construction, recycling, reuse, energy conservation, and possible building codes revisions, proposed ordinances, and activities or programs of other agencies. Such items identified will be prioritized and scheduled for discussion and possible action at future meetings of this Subcommittee

A matrix of issues for review by the Green Building Subcommittee was reviewed and it was determined that the following items have been completed in 2005:

●    Training on revisions to the California Energy Code Title 24, Part 6

●    Transfer of DBI funds to the Department of the Environment for continuing work in green/sustainability issues

●    Use of a staff member to answer questions at exhibitions rather than just a display table of informational brochures.

●    LEED training is an ongoing activity.

●    The Construction and Demolition Ordinance is at the Building Inspection Commission and is due to be sent to the Board of Supervisors.

●    The grease trap revision has already been placed into the Plumbing Code.

●    The streamlined solar panel permitting process has been in effect for almost a year now.

●    Allowance for alternative roof rainwater drainage systems have been placed into the Building and the Plumbing Codes.

In the coming year (2006), the following are to be reviewed and acted upon:

●    The Department of the Environment is reviewing possible commercial roof insulation requirements. This is awaiting a report and analysis from an energy consultant.  Laura Ingall will follow up on the status of this item.

●    A Department of Environment consultant will likewise analyze the repealed Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinance (CECO) and make recommendations as to its disposition.

●    Several recommendations were made by the Department of Environment consultant regarding the Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO) and placed on hold by the Housing Inspection Services for the time being.

●    More LEED training will occur this year, and probably around June 2, 2006. This training will be open to anyone.

●    Employee pay incentives will be investigated as a means to get more DBI staff LEED accredited.

●    Funds will be obtained to provide a staffed informational exhibit table at the 1660 Mission lobby once a month that highlights green building programs and resources. The purpose is to provide technical assistance and support to those wishing to build green. The intent is to also to obtain feedback from DBI, Planning, and the public as to what the challenges are in San Francisco to building “green.” This will help the Department of the Environment develop their programs.

●    A residential new home and residential remodel checklist are available. The new home checklist has been updated to incorporate changes in Title 24, and remodeling checklist will also be updated this year to incorporate Title 24 as well as be more comprehensive. Tracking of home alterations will be done at the time of permit application to allow the Department of the Environment to see how green building is progressing in San Francisco.  Residential incentives are planned to be developed this year as well.

●    The Department of the Environment, DBI, Planning, and the Mayor’s Office of Greening are working together to establish a priority permitting process for LEED Gold new construction.  It was determined that LEED Platinum would be just too difficult a level to realistically achieve in San Francisco. A plaque of recognition could be presented to those buildings achieving a LEED level, but standards for rating would first have to be developed. The US Green Building Council (USGBC) would be the awarding and judging body.

●    The availability of faster permitting when using green building techniques may be better than increasing fees for priority processing. This will be investigated further this year.

●    The use of 1660 Mission Street as a demonstration building for green building products and processes will also be further investigated this year. This building would be ideal as it is a gathering place for those in the construction business, or for those planning to build.

●    Solar water heater installation may be considered for a streamlined permitting and installation procedure, similar to the photovoltaic panels.

●    “Lighting for Seniors” is an issue brought on by the low lighting level requirements of the new Title 24 Energy Code, and this would create problems for senior citizens who in general require higher levels of light in order to see adequately. Exceptions may be explored for the San Francisco codes.

●    A bulletin should be considered for installation of operable windows in commercial buildings.  This needs to be clarified as to its intent.

●    The TV show on Channel 26 is to highlight green building in San Francisco. There are other groups or individuals who are pursuing similar path, and perhaps all of these people should be brought together to discuss the possibilities of having such a program.

            For discussion and possible action in the not-too-distant future, the following items were suggested as not being of high priority:

●    Upgrading of existing mechanical equipment such as boilers to be more efficient. This would require workshops and much input from the public.

●    Recertification or recommissioning of building facilities for energy efficiency would also require workshops and much public input.

●    Waterless urinals: at the moment seems to be in conflict with Plumbing Code requirements for a backwash system.

●    Graywater systems: in San Francisco this may present a problem when releasing the water due to the proximity of structures and small lots.

●    Green Roof Systems: these may create a problem if not done properly as this would be a source of water leaks and subsequently mold and mildew in a building.  The Mayor’s Office of Greening is very interested in this concept.

In order not to lose momentum on any of those topics identified as doable, Laura Ingall will continue work on the LEED training program, employee pay incentive for LEED Accreditation, staffing of an exhibit table, Green Building checklist, and LEED Gold building processes. A copy of the Green Building Checklist will be provided for review and comment at the next meeting. Cal Broomhead will be asked to give a status report of various projects at the next meeting.

The Department of the Environment is starting to give green building tours monthly, the next to be given February 6.

3.0

Subcommittee Members’ and Staff’s identification of new agenda items, as well as current agenda items to be continued to another subcommittee regular meeting or special meeting. Subcommittee discussion and possible action regarding administrative issues related to building codes.

There were no additional items identified by staff.

4.0

Public Comment: Public comment will be heard on items not on this agenda but within the jurisdiction of the Code Advisory Committee.  Comment time is limited to 3 minutes per person or at the call of the Chair.

Charles Breidinger announced that the Elevator Penthouse Ordinance, which has a “green” component to it, was passed by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Alioto-Pier, DBI, Planning, and the Mayor’s Office on Disability all spoke to amend the Planning Code to increase the height of elevator penthouses for buildings up to 65 feet in height. Energy efficient traction elevators can now be use to provide access to the roof.

5.0

Adjournment.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.