Page 61 - Green Builder July-August 2018 Issue

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CODE ARENA

The Latest Rules, Regulations and Codes Impacting Sustainable Construction CREDIT: AQUA MECHANICALFLICKR

Moving forward. By placing flow requirements on faucets, showerheads, urinals and sprinklers, Vermont’s new water efficiency standards go where
outdated federal standards won’t.
undertakes a landscaping project that requires the use of ožsite soil
and that is located within 10 miles of any Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency-permitted compost facility shall request a separate
bid for compost-amended soil as part of that project. The State agency
shall consider whether compost-amended soil shall be used based
CREDIT: NATIONAL RURAL KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGEFLICKR equal to or less than the cost of using other new ožsite soil.” 6
upon the costs, and shall incorporate compost-amended soil into
a landscaping project if the cost of using compost-amended soil is

By the end of 2019, the Department of Transportation is asked to
conduct two pilot demonstration projects using compost-amended
soil. Within one year of substantial completion of both projects, the
Department shall report to the General Assembly stating the costs,

The hope is that this will kickstart a market for compost and
composting. One positive sign is that HB 4790 had 58 co-sponsors,
No quick refusal. The compost market in Illinois could become a big deal and advantages and disadvantages of using compost-amended soil.
as a result of legislation requiring consideration of locally produced, with both sides of the aisle represented. It also passed both chambers
amended soil in place of dirt imported from elsewhere. without a single “No” vote.
ILLINOIS VERMONT
A number of bills were sent to Gov. Bruce Rauner in late June for House Bill 410, approved by Gov. Phil Scott in late May, calls for energy
signing just before the state’s legislative session ended. Some of the or water e›ciency standards on a wide array of products. The state
notables include: was unhappy with the lack of progress on updating federal e›ciency
SB 2773: This Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly standards, so it has decided to take matters into its own hands. While
(PACE)-related bill empowers a local government to sell any and the legislation applies to a number of commercial products (like
all assessment contracts. This opens up PACE nancing to more fryers and steam cookers), it also requires e›ciency from residential
funders. It also allows more than one program administrator, in products like faucets, ventilating fans and showerheads. Here is the
addition to the local government. This equates to increased options breakdown of various products cited in the bill:
and competition, which will hopefully keep costs down. Commercial dishwashers, fryers and steam cookers; water
While it is not unique to see “water-use improvement” as part of coolers: Energy Star v2.0
a PACE program, the fact that it’s retained in the bill is a forward- Lavatory faucets and replacement aerators: 1.5 gpm at 60 psi
thinking measure for a Midwestern state. Whether anyone uses PACE Kitchen faucets and replacement aerators: 1.8 gpm at 60 psi
nancing for water e›ciency remains to be seen. (temporary 2.2 gpm allowed)
HB 4790: This bill is more symbolic in nature than anything, but Public lavatory faucets and replacement aerators: 0.5 gpm at 60 psi
it’s still a step in the right direction. It enables “any State agency that continued on page 60

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