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Frequently Asked Questions1. Where can I find green building training or sustainable development jobs? 3. What are the rules around greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting in my building? 4. How do I know a building product is green? 5. How do I go about installing a composting toilet in my project? 6. Are waterfree urinals allowed in private buildings? 1. Where can I find green building training or sustainable development jobs?If you are looking to break into these fields, exploring targeted volunteering can be a productive way to learn about a non-profit or municipal organization, as well as connect and learn new skills from like-minded people.
Portland Green Guide to Networking and Jobs by Lind, Nicholson and Triman A 98-page handbook on resources loacal to the Portland Metro region. Available from Powell's Books or from the link above.
Green Building Hotline Green Jobs Flier
Oregon Training and Resources for Green Trades Jobs Flier
There are many private companies in the region specializing in green building, (de)construction, environmental issues, renewable energy, sustainable materials, alternative transportation, engineering, planning, landscape design, etc... Jobs are posted on their websites.
Many state, county and city agencies and academic institutions have departments fostering sustainability, environmentalism, alternative transportation, solid waste and recycling, sustainable food production, economic development, energy, water conservation, green building and more. Check their job postings in your location. General job postings:
2. What is the connection between my office or home's energy consumption and my carbon footprint (emissions)?Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a by-product of consuming fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas (GHG) which numerous studies have linked to climate change. In our region many assume hydro-power is our primary energy source for generating electricity. In reality, approximately only 40% of our energy comes from hydro-power. The bulk of the remainder is generated by coal-powered plants, with small amounts from biomass, wind, geothermal (renewable sources) and natural gas. Coal power used to generate electricity creates global warming pollution, mainly from carbon dioxide. Designing smaller buildings that use less energy or generate their own, as in a solar panel installation, results in lower carbon emissions. Decreasing your energy use directly reduces your carbon emissions. Here is a simple comparison given the same amount of energy:
Per capita, Oregonians release an average of 11.81 tons of carbon dioxide annually (source: Eredux.com). How do you compare? An online calculator for assessing your overall carbon footprint (building energy use + travel + local transportation) can be found at Carboncounter.org (you'll need your utility bills to get an "exact" calculation).
The first line of defense is to reduce your consumption of energy and long-distance travel and daily transportation use. A good second option is purchasing green power generated from renewable resources, or green tags (renewable energy certificates). Thirdly, carbon offsets can be purchased to balance your carbon emissions, funding projects such as large scale tree plantings and renewable power generators.
A good rule of thumb when purchasing carbon offsets is to look for projects which would not have gotten funded by any other means. 3. What are the rules around greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting in my building?Residential
Commercial
Building Codes Division Oregon Smart Guide for Water Conservation Systems (Greywater reuse) Building Codes Division Oregon Smart Guide for Rainwater Harvesting 4. How do I know a building product is green?Over the past few years several third party certification organizations have developed to certify equipment, appliances, and building and janitorial products. While these certifications offer tools for the consumer to make informed decisions, you should still ask questions. Green washing, or making fraudulent green product claims does exist. Here are some labels to look out for (not an exhaustive list):
Wide Range of Products Flooring
Forestry products If you are concerned about toxicity or health hazards of a construction material or product, request the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from the supplier or store where it is sold. Many MSDS's are online on the product's website. Continue to ask questions about products like where, and how they are made and who made them.
A comprehensive searchable database of global ecolabels and green certification programs can be found at Ecolabelling.org. 5. How do I go about installing a composting toilet in my project?Composting toilets are allowed in the State of Oregon per the Residential Statute OR# 447.115 and Adminstrative Rules OR# 918-770-0080. The brand and model must comply with the National Sanitation Foundation's NSF/ANSI Standard #41.
DEQ requires a sewer connection or septic system to treat greywater.
Contact your local jurisdiction's plumbing inspector when you are ready to install for process details. For the City of Portland contact Ken Carlson at 503-823-7255. 6. Are waterfree urinals allowed in private buildings?
As of April 1, 2008 waterfree urinals are approved for installation in private buildings in the State of Oregon per the OR Plumbing Specialty Code, 2008 ed., section 402.3.1.
Fixtures must meet one of these standards:
Waterless urinals were developed to eliminate potable water consumption for urinal flushing and reduce the number of related plumbing fixtures installed and maintained in buildings. Waterless urinals are simple in concept: a urinal that traps or blocks odors and gasses by a means other than a traditional water trap, then allows urine to flow by gravity into the wastewater system on it's own -- without water. There is no flushing handle.
Manufacturer websites featuring case studies, research, descriptions, products, and literature:
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