EnvironmentalCommittee
2009 2008 2007 2006 Asthma Task Force Environmental Committee Minutes
February 6, 2008
Present: Craig Dinsdale, Karen Cohn, Joe Walseth, Stephanie Manfre, Vincent Fabris, Sean Pritchard, Helen Zverina, Gloria Thornton, Mary Higgins
- Guest Presenter: Craig Dinsdale , RENU (Whole Home Performance Testing)
- Karen had whole home performance test of her own home using RENU. Building performance looks at building as a whole system. Testing occurs before and post building fixes (if remediation is done). They ask homeowner about their concerns and health issues.
- Testing looks at individual homeowner concerns, is any sick, allergies, asthma, etc. Direction comes from clients. Mainly residential- difficult to do in large multi unit building. Can’t check heating system if it isn’t forced air system. Need to have access to entire building
- Homes become pressurized, look for air leaks- then depressurized and inspected with infrared camera- to look at moisture leaks, thermal performance of walls; pressurize duct system, heating systems. Most duct systems leak an average of 30%- Depending on leakage room either becomes pressurized or depressurized. On new system looks for 6% leakage. Asbestos found often on existing ducts. Big things they look for is moisture. Relatively humidity of 50% in home causes large problems.
- ATF interested in incentive policy for SF property owners. CBPCA ( California Building Performance Contractors Assn.)coordinates training for home performance testing through PGE
- Cost of repairs greatly varies- every home is different. Testing looks for source of problem. Difficult to do public housing projects- need to have communication with building owner.
- Green Building Practices are starting to be adopted. San Rafael is adopting green building practices as part of the building permit process. SF is in process. Building inspectors do not look at whether or not buildings are built “healthy”. They do not look at whether or not systems are “sealed”. New code at CA level may require new furnace installation be sealed.
- HERS tester- 3rd party independent testing and certification. Tests furnace, building envelope, insulation. Title 24 (state energy efficiency) may require HERS testing. Will be public record if this testing happens.
- Craig encourages ATF contact “Build it Green”. Sustainable Spaces another company in SF has been in communication with Build it Green about incorporating testing into their program.
- Policy angle- would it be beneficial to start with new development or single family homes. Could “build it green” program be mandated as part of building permit process?
- How would you find a contractor- listed under indoor air quality? Home performance testing?
- Legislative Proposals- Karen waiting to hear from City Attorney
- Removed smoking in multi-unit housing, Tobacco Free Coalition is researching and will report results.
- SFHA- Mohammed Nuru (DPW) has been assigned to get the vacant units repaired and opened by end of March. 4 million being spent pre HOPE-SF. HOPESF to use existing practices for new construction and renovation.
- Mechanical Ventilation- Fans needed for ventilation, but very powerful fans can throw house out of balance. ATF wants to require bathrooms have window that open AND mechanical fans
- Housing Guidance Document
- Modeled after lead guide (scare, motivate you document) with free resources
- Document that currently exists aimed towards owners that are already motivated
- Surveyed property owners interested in healthy housing guide
- Will include codes that are of relevance (housing, health)
- Free resources (4 hour class, lead class, energy audit)
- Lead guide sent to tax assessors database (rental property owners)
- Should include pictures, graphic explanations of concepts, easy to understand language
- Could be used in conjunction with “Unnatural Causes” documentary
- Helen unsure if the guidance will be useful (i.e. lead guide was b/c of new code), property owners are not currently required to know about healthy housing, DPH may not have authority to fix mold complaints. Code currently doesn’t address mold spores elsewhere in building, non-visible mold, does not require testing by an outside party, no threshold for levels. Camera would be technology that would be a step in the right direction. Code has raised awareness of mold as an issue, but hasn’t remediated issues (i.e. can’t enforce replacing sheetrock, etc.). Can only give recommendations and guidance.
- Karen will add to policy guide- health code should have remediation guidelines for mold- Most recent health literature re: mold needs to be presented to Rajiv/Health Department
- SFHA Evaluation (Stephanie send Ray summary)
- CAFA team working on summary for evaluation
- Mary can give out surveys to residents she works with in Vis Valley and Sunnydale- Stephanie will send
- ACORN may have copies of work orders- Mary will check in regarding this
