Get in Compliance with the New Green Building Code

Get in Compliance with the New Green Building Code

Frank Jaramillo Project Manager Klaus Herring Managing Partner/Owner ARCS (Alpha Restoration & Construction Services, LLC) 6820 Cerrillos Road #8 Santa Fe 505.473.2057 Klaus.H@ARCS247.com www.ARCS247.com

I

t’s spring, which for many of us means time for a renovation or remodeling project. Before you leap into your newest plans, did you know Santa Fe has a new green building remodeling code for any remodel project 400 sq. ft. and greater?

Last year, the city planners created a new green building code, and it has been in effect since August of 2014. The new code applies to all new single-family units, attached and detached (including guest houses) and is designed to reduce the carbon footprint of newly constructed or remodeled businesses and homes in Santa Fe. The new code consists of a point system with 40 points being the minimum needed for an occupancy license. A comprehensive list and user guide is available online for referencing acceptable guidelines for new construction and remodels. Contractors are held accountable for meeting or

exceeding this 40 point minimum by becoming more conscientious of green building and what is good for the environment. This new system adds short term costs but the long term gain is obvious: more energy efficient homes and better construction. The results are longer lasting buildings and less waste, which saves the homeowner money for years to come. Recycling and repurposing of materials is of immeasurable value to the homeowner and environment.

In order to be in compliance with the new green code, a home energy rating system (HERS) index is prepared for the residence. Then, a HERS rater has to verify the new building or remodel guidelines have been followed and the minimum points attained before an occupancy certificate can be issued.

All appliances must have green energy points assigned to them, like heating and air units, plumbing lines, hot water heaters and any new fixtures.

OPPOSITE Klaus, Susan, Luis and Frank discussing next part of project THIS PAGE TOP Frank with Daniel and Luis of L & D Electric CENTER Frank and Susan reviewing interior plans BOTTOM Frank measuring ground to floor joist Photos by Linda Carfagno

This new green code is intended to be flexible and respond to evolving technologies and construction methods.

Not only do green fixtures keep you within the rules of the code when it comes to remodeling or renovating, they also give you peace of mind knowing you are contributing to an energy-saving solution. Additionally, the New Mexico sustainable building tax credit is available for buildings that qualify. One qualifying factor is that a residential building must be certified under the 2012 ANSI Green Building Standards.

While the new green building code currently applies only to residential projects, a green building code for commercial properties is being drafted for consideration for adoption by the city of Santa Fe. The codes are part of a much larger plan to make Santa Fe a greener city. City council adopted the Sustainable Santa Fe Plan in 2008 with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make the desert community more resilient in the face of climate change.

Based on the principles of environmental stewardship, economic health and social justice, the new measures target everything from city operations and water conservation to transportation and zoning codes.

Here at Alpha Restoration and Construction, we can lend a hand in not only complying with the new green codes but making your project a success as well. According to Susan Tolbert, who has contracted Alpha Restoration for her remodel projects, “Alpha Restoration is a pleasure to work with. They are detail-oriented and extremely thorough. Instead of saying why they can’t do something, they ask: how are we going to make it happen? It’s been a pleasurable experience working with them.”

If a customer has a specific idea in mind, it is a contractor’s responsibility to come up with a way to make it work and to

ensure it is in accordance with the city’s building codes, especially the new green regulations. At Alpha Restoration and Construction we believe in providing solutions to our clients. Keeping up-to-date with the latest green building guidelines is one way we serve our clients’ needs. If you are planning a

remodel or renovation project this spring, give us a call.

UPDATE to our foam roof article from last issue: as of fall of 2014, State Farm, the United States’ largest insurance company, will no longer be writing new policies for homes or businesses with foam roofs. The risk is too great!