Nation’s first mandatory state green building standards

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced last month the adoption of the mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) by the California Building Standards Commission. It takes effect on January 1, 2011, and its intent is to create major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced last month the adoption of the mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) by the California Building Standards Commission. It takes effect on January 1, 2011, and its intent is to create major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use. According to the press release:

CALGREEN will require that every new building constructed in California reduce water consumption by 20 percent, divert 50 percent of construction waste from landfills and install low pollutant-emitting materials. It also requires separate water meters for nonresidential buildings’ indoor and outdoor water use, with a requirement for moisture-sensing irrigation systems for larger landscape projects and mandatory inspections of energy systems (e.g., heat furnace, air conditioner and mechanical equipment) for nonresidential buildings over 10,000 square feet to ensure that all are working at their maximum capacity and according to their design efficiencies. The California Air Resources Board estimates that the mandatory provisions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) by 3 million metric tons equivalent in 2020.

Upon passing state building inspection, California’s property owners will have the ability to label their facilities as CALGREEN compliant without using additional costly third-party certification programs.

In addition to the mandatory regulations, CALGREEN also includes more stringent voluntary provisions to encourage local communities to take further action to green their buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and conserve our natural resources.

Jennifer Caterino from the Architect’s Newspaper writes that “For now, the code only takes new construction into consideration, ignoring existing building stock.” In her article, she describes an industry thought that it will have to address the existing buildings, “if no other reason than to comply with Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Act.” There is an expectation to see some revision in the updated code in 2013, but how drastic the changes will be is hard to speculate, based on that this new mandatory code is not much variance from the earlier voluntary one.

Preston Castle gets a visit from director of Merle Haggard documentary

According to Wednesday’s Ledger-Dispatch, the director Gandulf Hennig visited Preston Castle for a film on Merle Haggard. The now famous musician was at Preston School of Industry and even attempted an escape in 1953, when he was 16.

The article states, ‘Hennig’s film crew spent several hours in Ione. Preston Castle Foundation President Marie Nutting took them on a tour of the landmark correctional facility that had once labeled Haggard “incorrigible.”‘

Further, according to the Ledger Dispatch,  the Castle has been featured in a variety of different shoots including a Travel Channel episode of “Ghost Adventures,” (Link to their video here) UOP student film director Caroline Taylor’s “Engagement to Murder” and scenes from co-producers Porter Media Group and Imagination Theater upcoming play, “Dracula.” It has also seen many photographers on it’s first Photographer’s Day in April of last year.

Nutting is currently asking Haggard for a possible interview to seek more insight about the history and school at his time. Garavaglia Architecture, Inc, is also continuing with its efforts to assist in rehabilitating the structure.

Preston Castle

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Read more from the full article from the Ledger- Dispatch: Director arrives at Preston Castle for upcoming film on Merle Haggard.

Workshop on Partnerships to Rehabilitate Historic Buildings

Michael Garavaglia, Principal of Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., will be speaking at a workshop in Ione, CA on how public-private partnerships work in the rehabilitation of historic buildings. A panel of experts from public and private sectors will present an overview of real estate development strategies for historic buildings.

Some key areas covered and opportunities available in this workshop:

  • There is money available, even in the current economy, to finance rehabilitation projects.
  • Learn about the process, from envisioning the project through opening day, and how to avoid common mistakes.
  • Meet panelists who have used these partnerships and resources to make real projects happen.
  • Meet others in your community who share similar goals, forge new partnerships, and share your knowledge.

Make History: Public-Private Partnerships to Rehabilitate

March 10, 2010
Evalynn Bishop Hall, Howard Park
600 South Church Street
Ione, CA 91030 (Amador County)
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM

In Partnership with City of Ione and Preston Castle Foundation

For more information and registration, visit:
http://californiapreservation.org/PDFs/RE_developmentI.pdf.