CALGreen Indoor Domestic Water Use

Measure Description

A summary of the proposed code changes for cindorr domestic water use is provided below.

Residential Lavatory Faucet Efficiency

The proposed code change would update the existing mandatory efficiency requirements for lavatory faucets in residential buildings. The existing mandatory CALGreen standard requires a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at 60 pounds per square inch (psi) and a minimum flow rate of 0.8 gpm at 20 psi. The proposed requirement is a maximum flow rate of 1.0 gpm at 60 psi for faucets installed in new buildings, and 1.2 gpm at 60 psi for faucets in additions and alterations. As documented in the CASE Report, the Utility C&S Team believes that the 1.0 gpm standard is appropriate for new construction, additions, and alterations. However, as a compromise to stakeholders that are concerned about installing 1.0 gpm faucets in existing buildings, the Utility C&S Team has proposed language that allows less efficient fixtures to be installed in additions and alterations.

Urinal Efficiency

The proposed code change would update the existing mandatory efficiency requirements for urinals in residential and nonresidential buildings. The existing mandatory CALGreen standard requires a maximum flush volume of 0.5 gallons per flush (gpf). The proposed requirement would require a maximum flush volume of 0.125 gpf, and would apply to new construction, additions, and alterations.
On April 8, 2015, the California Energy Commission (CEC) adopted revisions to the California Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20) to limit wall-mounted urinals sold or offered for sale in California after January 1, 2016 to a maximum flush volume of 0.125 gpf (CEC 2015d, CEC2015e). The requirements in CALGreen should be updated so they are consistent with newly revised Title 20 standards. The City of Los Angeles has had an ordinance in place since 2010 that requires urinals installed in both new and existing buildings to have a maximum flush volume of 0.125 gpf (City of Los Angeles 2009).

Premium Efficiency Toilets

The proposed code change would add a new voluntary requirement for premium efficiency water closets in residential buildings. The proposed voluntary standard would require an effective flush volume of 1.06 gpf, compliance with the toilet performance requirements specified in the 2013 version of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) / Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard for Ceramic Plumbing Fixtures (ASME A112.19.2-2013 / CSA B45.1-13), and a waste extraction performance rating of 600 grams or higher to ensure customer satisfaction. This requirement would apply to new construction, additions, and alterations.

Compact Hot Water Distribution Design

The proposed code change would add a new voluntary requirement that will reduce the amount of water wasted when waiting for hot water to arrive the point of use (shower, faucet, etc.). This change will also results in shorter wait times for hot water to arrive. The proposed change would provide builders with two compliance options. The first option is to meet proposed maximum pipe length requirements and have a California Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater complete a field-verification of compliance. The first option, compact hot water distribution design, is addressed in detail in this report. The second option, demand recirculation system with manual controls, was added as a compliance option in response to stakeholder comments and is not discussed in detail in the CASE Report.

Stakeholder Meeting

Several stakeholder meetings and CEC staff workshops were held regarding the CALGreen Indoor Domestic Water Use building energy efficiency topic. The list of past meetings and hearings can be found here.

Resources

1. Final CASE Report