HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS5 - Task Force on Green DevelopmentCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. SS 5
November 10, 2009
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Planning Department
Fern Nueno, Assistant Planner
949 - 644 -3227, fnueno @newportbeachca.gov
SUBJECT: Task Force on Green Development Report to City Council
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss the Task Force on Green Development Report to City Council with proposals
for future action and provide direction on which actions should be implemented.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
The Task Force on Green Development (Task Force) was established by Resolution
No. 2008 -21 on April 8, 2009, with a sunset date of December 31, 2009. The duties of
the Task Force are as follows:
1) Make information available to the public concerning programs and materials
available to reduce the environmental impacts of new development.
2) Research existing programs, and recommend to EQAC and the GP /LCP Committee
a Newport Beach program to encourage "green building," including items such as
energy- efficient design, and use of building materials that reduce heat generation,
conserve water, reduce runoff and improve water quality.
3) Monitor the Office of Planning and Research's development of CEQA Guidelines for
the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, and recommend City comments on
them as needed.
4) Make recommendations to the City Council for implementation of revised CEQA
guidelines for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Task Force on Green Development Report to City Council
November 10, 2009
Page 2
The Task Force has prepared a report to City Council for consideration (Attachment No.
CC 1). Proposed City- initiated actions could include methods and procedures for
maintaining and improving City infrastructure, zero waste purchasing, a leaf blower ban,
and participation in a financing program for homeowner energy efficiency
improvements. The City- initiated actions also include a recommendation to have a
person on staff responsible for following up on the actions that Council chooses to
implement. If the City Council supports these recommendations, the City Council and
staff would need to consider other priorities and City services to determine whether an
existing staff position could assume this responsibility. Recommended education and
information programs include a green directory on the City website.
Prepared by:
Fen eno
Assistant Planner
Submitted by:
David Lepo
Planning Direct (/F
Attachments: CC 1 Report to City Council
CC 2 Green Building Guidelines (excerpt)
CC 3 Green Logo
Attachment No. CC 1
Report to City Council
TASK FORCE ON GREEN DEVELOPMENT
REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
The Task Force on Green Development was established on April 8, 2008 with the mission of
providing information to the City and its residents on ways to reduce environmental impacts and
encourage green building.
WHAT THE TASK FORCE HAS DONE:
1. Researched green building programs in other communities.
2. Reviewed the various green grading systems (LEED, Build It Green, etc.).
3. Reviewed the new state law and provided suggestions to the Council as to where the City
should exceed new state building code requirements.
4. Advised the Council on the City's input to new CEQA guidelines.
5. Prepared a menu of proposals for the Council's review and action (following).
PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE ACTION
City- Initiated Actions
The City has been a leader in.water quality programs. It is also doing a number of other things to
green the City including transitioning landscaping to more drought - tolerant plantings, upgrading
irrigation with new "smart' systems, expanding the use of recycled water and refitting street
lights with low energy bulbs. The City should continue to pursue ways to improve its own
energy efficiency. Among the areas to explore:
*Streets and parking areas: Use lighter - colored asphalt and canopy trees to reduce
"heat islands "; permeable paving where appropriate; swales and other methods to guide
runoff to landscaped areas.
*Trees: Extend the period between trimming to create cooling canopies; reforest
neighborhoods where trees are approaching the end of their life span using shade trees.
*Building rating: Secure LEED or other nationally recognized rating of all new city
buildings.
*Artificial turf: Utilize where appropriate.
*Alternative transportation modes: Encourage bike sharing, water taxis, etc.
*Zero waste management: Utilize ZWM practices and purchasing.
*Energy audits: Conduct audits of city buildings.
*Traffic management: Accelerate traffic management systems throughout the city;
consider roundabouts for suitable areas.
*Air quality: Improve air quality by removing fire rings from beaches.
*Noise pollution: Consider a ban on gas - powered leaf blowers and other landscape
maintenance equipment.
*Solar power: AB 811 allows homeowners to finance energy efficiency and solar
installations through assessments which can be securitized. Explore city and county
options available through AB 811.
*Environmental coordinator: Have someone on staff responsible for follow up on those
ideas accepted by Council.
Education and Information
Many people wish to lighten their footprint on the environment, but finding the information can
be challenging. The Task Force recommends the following:
Green Building Guidelines
The Task Force has developed an extensive list of green building guidelines (Attachment
No. CC 2). The guidelines list voluntary actions that can be taken in the areas of
planning and design; energy efficiency; water efficiency; material conservation and
resource efficiency; and environmental quality for both new construction and remodels.
Each section describes the action, its application and benefits as well as referencing
appropriate state code sections. A description of the guidelines should be displayed in
the Planning and Building Departments, City Hall and library branches, and placed in
water bills, and copies should be made available to the public on the City's web site and
by DVD.
Information
* A green directory on the City's web site identified by the proposed City of Newport
Beach Green logo (Attachment No. CC 3). A click on the green icon would call up a list
of city green resources such as the Green Building Guidelines; FAQs on green issues;
water quality information; links to LEED, Build It Green, etc; and also resources for
information the City can't provide (Sierra Club web site, for example, that lists sources of
green materials).
*A green rack at the Planning and Building Departments and in the library for green
information. The racks would contain City- approved brochures from various sources
such as the gas and electric companies, AQMD, and the County of Orange, with
environmental tips and ideas.
* Continue and expand the Building Department's workshops on new codes for the
building trades.
Recognition
To encourage voluntary action, the City could institute a green recognition program. It is our
suggestion that the Environmental Quality Affairs Committee be given the task of developing a
proposal for such a program.
Task Force Members: Bruce Asper, Arlene Greer, Brion Jeannette, Kevin Kelly, Todd Schooler
Mike Toerge, Nancy Gardner.
Staff Liaison: Fern Nueno
Thanks also to Phil Bettencourt, Joe O'Toole, Bryan Stan, and Robyn Vettraino.
Attachment No. CC 2
Green Building Guidelines (excerpt)
y"
6/29/2009
Task Force on Green Development
Members
Bruce Asper
Nancy Gardner
Arlene Greer
ed
Brion Jeannette
Kevin Kelly
Todd Schabler
rM"�
Mike Toe
Mi.
Newport I i t"
C, 4. Statists
(Pq
Longitud.#(
Sunset Moo' r
330 37' 08"N
1170 55' 41 "W
6
24
79,843
14 sq. miles
10.4 sq. miles
10/28/2009
Introduction
Welcome to the City of Newport Beach Green Building Guidelines (Guidelines) for new
and existing buildings. While directed primarily at residential buildings, many of the ideas
can be effectively applied to commercial buildings as well. These Guidelines are based
off the 2008 California Green Building Standards Code (CGBSC), which sets targets for
energy efficiency, water consumption, diversion of construction waste from landfills,
improvement of indoor air quality, and the conservation of natural resources. Many
items in these Guidelines are simple, inexpensive, and easy to accomplish. Others
require a greater up -front investment - but all contribute to henitier, more energy- and
water- efficient buildings.
The guidelines are organized in the following
• Planning and Design
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency & Conservation
• Material Conservation & Resource
• Environmental Quality
At the beginning of each section, ffterenced CGRMCD Chgpfer is given with an
overview of the provisions. Subcategortes -Wfthin each seci-ii Wspecific strategies and
benefits. Near the end of these Guidelines, yoi!� lfld a li$ f local and national -level
resources for the strategies mentioned in;At i�i:'do �T. The Resources section lists
manufacturers, disiribui(s;'31 hers, and ot,t�5`r compq es and organizations that can
assist you in exec strategies.for your project.
ff.bte or national programs (LEED, Green Points,
ate by the City of Newport Beach. (DETAIL-]
offered by the City. (WHERE TO GET INTO ON
6/29/2009
Table of Contents
Title Sheet
Green Building Task Force
Newport Beach Statistics
Introduction
I. Planning and Design - based on Chapter 4 of the 2008 CGBSC
1
A.
Site Design
1
K.
Renewable Energy & Roofing ! _w
3
L.
Natural Heating & Cooling =- "`n•
4
M.
Indoor Air Quality & Finishes s
CZGBSC
4
II. Energy Efficiency - based on Chapter 5 of the 2 $
-_'
5
A.
Site t€
5
B.
y
Foundation = x, <, Ou
5
C.
Structure �3
5
D.
iP.
Exterior Finish __ -�= �•r, -'+``
6
E.
Plumbing m =
-
6
F.
Electrical - -
7
G.
Appliances
9
H.
Insulation R
I.
Windows: " ".;; - _;;<<'
yf.
10
J.
HVAC Ju;,,.-
11
K.
Renewable Energy & Rongr'MS
14
L.
No t1g & Coolin � -iEP
� z
15
a�
111. Water Efficienry'8 Con`s" ation - based on Chapter 6 of the 2008 CGBSC
sit �a 1,
17
17
A.
_
E
PlumbirS
18
G
�Ppliances±�'i�r� � ; �.
19
IV. Mat r1aPseat source Mciency -based on Chapter 7 of the
IV
2 i
ki •
CGBSC�
_, .
�`,
20
20
Site
,. ,�;
B `h, Foundatid -5
21
D.
"- Exterior Finij%
24
H.
==
b lation
26
K.
Red, ,_akt(Energy & Roofing
26
M.
Ind 7Air Quality & Finishes
26
N.
Flooring
27
V. Environmental
Quality -based on Chapter 8 of the 2008 CGBSC
30
D.
Exterior Finish
30
E.
Plumbing
30
J.
HVAC
31
M.
Indoor Air Quality & Finishes
32
N.
Flooring
35
Glossary
47
Index
52
iv 6/29/2009
I. Planning and Design - based on Chapter 4 of the 2008 CGBSC
The provisions of this chapter outline planning, design and development methods that
include environmentally responsible site selection, building design, building siting and
development to protect, restore, and enhance the environmental quality of the site and
respect the integrity of adjacent properties.
A. Site Design
1. Highly- Developed Building Envelope
Description:
Utilize passive solar concepts that develop energy conservation and savings
beyond Title 24 Standards. Orient building (s) to take advantage of eastern -
facing morning heat gain and reduce afternoon heat gain.
Application: z°'3'tar .
Applicable to all new construction, remodels, and albns.
Benefit: ;' s
Energy, sustainability, and resource protection thC'will to pressure on
natural resources and relieve our dependenc,up`on fore €sources.
LEED POINTS
2. Protect Native Soil ,
Description: 1;1
Typically, a building site is cleared of vegetatio,i�r d the topsoil is removed. After
building, sod is laid on subsoil,be inning a cycle da h water and chemical
dependency. Coordinate con%;' 'b"Qn with a land professional to protect
the soil, which is a valuable, livin resl,, ."
Application: 4c. til11,6,i19 r"
Design for minimuS%011 ilding & hard cage foot` f§�and minimal grading. Retain
native vegefat' �, appropriati 'particularly on bluffs. Delineate and limit
the constructin for restrict heady equipment that compacts soil, including
cars, to arecxliaaf will bayed or buil#ov - r. When grading is unavoidable,
identify areas faovd s a place to#ore native topsoil during construction.
Amend oil wrfh c ¢st _?RRegd topsoil after construction.
ving n-df soils aid 9 with nurturing the health of disturbed soils, can
:aptly re ° :j!' o- n uhoff; reduce fertilizer and pesticide reliance, improve
quality an "` servOlgatlon water.
Vince:
IGf&?rnia Gree uilding Standards Code §404
#Coliforriill Best Management Practices Handbook
LEED POINTS
Description:
Through careful planning and construction practices, valuable trees and plants
can be preserved in existing developments.
Application:
Complete a landscape survey to determine the feasibility of preserving or
relocating mature trees and shrubs. Fence off trees and shrubs for protection
from equipment.
6/29/2009
Benefit:
Preserving existing, mature landscape features helps prevent soil erosion,
maintains existing sources of natural cooling (e.g. shade from a mature tree),
diverts waste from landfills, and keeps the unique character of the community.
Reference:
- California Green Building Standards Code §404
- State of California Best Management Practices Handbook
LEED POINTS
4 Implement Construction Site Stormwater Practices
Description:
Stormwater runoff is part of a natural hydrologic processt.Siwever, land
development and construction activities can significq iy alieFnatural drainage
patterns and pollute stormwater runoff.
Application:
Identify all storm drains, drainage swales and eelds locate or near the
construction site, and make sure all subconttderws are awaa their locations to
,a=
prevent pollutants from entering them Traah employees not to Ro p anything
down storm drains. Protect all storm or ,inlets us' f it fabric prevent
sediments from entering the storm drdina = ystem Sring construcff activities.
Keep materials out of the rain, and prevent t `polivlion of the source. Store
hazardous waste in drums and covered bins a�-contract a company for proper
disposal. g &,
If a Water Quality Managemen(WQMPJ was t loved in conjunction with
the construction project a cop 45s U1 kept on site xoughout construction.
Ensure subcontractors and empl es ar�pre of the WQMP's requirements as
many of them are conditions of 0 provrf do fEN upancy.
Benefit: V
Properly mama -in wa� =on site save money in avoided engineering costs
downstrea�eping plutants out of';the storm drains minimizes erosion and
water pollution arsd. pro is local creek55+ ays, reservoirs, and oceans.
Code §406.2
t Practices Handbook
LEED POINTS
to allow irrigation and stormwater to soak into the soil
,r systems and filters out pollutants.
Permeable pf3ving allows water to percolate into the soil. Where appropriate,
use at walkways, patios, and driveways. Some products can be poured, like
concrete, whereas others can be pre- shaped or installed like conventional
pavers. Design infiltration basins, swales and berms to keep water on site.
Benefit:
Allowing stormwater percolation reduces the volume of polluted water that flows
into bays, rivers, or the ocean, while replenishing soil moisture and local aquifers.
Additional benefits include reduction in irrigation requirements, non - source
pollution as well as lower risk of flooding.
6/29/2009
Reference:
- California Green Building Standards Code §604
- State of California Best Management Practices Handbook
LEED POINTS
6. Design Resource- Efficient Landscapes and Gardens
Description:
Conventional landscapes have high inputs of water and chemicals and are often
over planted or planted without regard for climate and soil conditions. This results
in excess water and fuel consumption, water pollution and waste generation.
Application:
Specify plants that are appropriate for the climate and sojhri3elect slow - growing,
drought - tolerant, preferably California- native plants. Mign with perennials
instead of annuals. Proper use of deciduous & eveeg%jpy trees can reduce
energy needs. a
Compost is nature's way of recycling. Turn fruvegetable. ,yard trimmings
into a first rate soil conditioner. Use compo ,,', eplace star ht soil
conditioners.
Give plants plenty of room to mature re acing therneed for prune A old
invasive species and hedges that require' " gtant. wring. Limit t� fo the
smallest area that will meet recreational nE ycie yard tnmrrSmgs by grass -
cycling, mulching and composting.
Benefit: �''77(t
Composting saves money by I . f g garbage bill su rregses the ability f soil to
f <l sr y
hold water, improves soil health ferIt4F daces waf "e7 eeds and helps extend
the life of our landfills. Situate trees to rebuilding beating and cooling
energy.u,
Reference:' i1Ur,
- California
house
Code §406 and §604
Council
LEED POINTS
for a homeowvner fo take advantage of solar and other renewable
equipment, ftaey must be correctly installed and oriented specific to the
• Prop ' fientation When Utilizing Domestic Hot Water (DHW) or
ph(' oltoic array (PVA) panels.
• Respect Adjacent Buildings and Landscaping to Insure Solar Access
Benefit:
Equipment is utilized to its fullest potential to ensure optimal performance and
thus minimize energy consumption from public utilities as much as possible. State
and federal tax credits may also be available.
Reference:
- California Green Building Standards Code §511
LEED POINTS
2. Pre -Plumb for Solar Domestic Hot Water fDHWI System
6/29/2009
L.
Description:
Insulated (P %" copper pipes are installed from the attic to a hot water closet or
mechanical room for future solar installation. This option allows the homeowner
to install an active solar system at a later date if they desire.
Application:
Provide south - facing roof area for collectors and access for piping to a
mechanical room. Optimal exposure can still be achieved up to 150 in either
direction of due south.
Benefit:
Solar DHW systems can pay back in as little as seven years and reduce the use of
gas or electricity for water heating.
,a4
Reference: _
- California Green Building Standards Code §508 ._ w
- California Title 24 Standards x t
Description:
Running wires from the roof to the
can save costly installation of pho
Application:
Install electrical conduits, per elec
roofs to a junction box near tlie.pl
facing roofs can work if the souf
Benefit:
Photovoltaic arrays and DHW sysfi
few years. Homebu,, ers may not I
interested in the�)i?i gyhen the i
credits may also be Millbble.
- California
LEED POINTS
PVA)_J6%Oatlon :
J, service entrance /circuit ,' Baker panel
ItdlUf3pnels 1z 9 future date.
I code,V_- ,,'the south and west facing
(don't wire "l #%e anel). East and west
available or std' d d_;
It .
Ni I corita „ve to drop in price over the next
}'to afftle system today but may be
comes Q*n. State and federal tax
s e §511
LEED POINTS
Tat to accour� =1_he bitfdings location and orientation on a site from the
conc5tual design -phase allows the Design Professional to take advantage of
how the--te_ments Will affect the heat gain and loss of the proposed structure.
Studying wiiTW— terns, calculating sun angles for all four seasons, and exploring
any microclir5ates due to neighboring structures or londforms are some of the
factors that can influence the situating of a new structure.
Benefit:
Proper situating and orienting of a building can decrease the need for energy
consumption or frequent maintenance.
Reference:
- California Green Building Standards Code §504.5
- California Title 24 Standards
LEED POINTS
M. Indoor Air Quality & Finishes
<RESERVED>
6/29/2009
Attachment No. CC 3
Green Logo
Acting on their own as individuals, members of the Task Force initiated a high school art
class competition to design a "green" logo for the City for the Council's consideration