Orange County NC Website
• Install on-demand tankless water heaters <br /> • Provide circulation pump for hot water piping from conventional water heater to keep <br /> warm water in piping system <br /> • Insulate hot water piping to reduce heat loss <br /> • Install conventional water heaters as close as possible to bathrooms and kitchen <br /> • Use "Energy Star" water conserving appliances, e.g., dishwasher, washing machine <br /> • Use shut-off valve, motion sensor, or pedal activated faucet to enable intermittent on/off <br /> operation <br /> • Use ultra low flow water closets (< 1.6 gals. per flush), <br /> e.g., power assisted and dual flush <br /> • Use low volume, non spray irrigation systems such as drip, bubblers, drip emitters, <br /> soaker hose, and stream rotator spray heads <br /> • Zone irrigations systems separately for turf and bedding areas <br /> • Use weather based irrigation controllers or rain sensors <br /> • Provide rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation <br /> • Provide grey water recycling systems as permitted by code for flushing fixtures <br /> • Use waterless urinals as permitted by code. <br /> • Design landscaping using drought resistant shrubs and plants to minimize the need for <br /> irrigation. <br /> Commissioner Gordon made reference to unincorporated Orange County and asked <br /> how this will work. There is a question about use requirements for wells. Some people are <br /> drilling wells just for irrigation. Craig Benedict said that there will probably be an urban and a <br /> rural model. They would have to examine rural areas and how they can monitor for <br /> groundwater recharge. <br /> Commissioner Gordon pointed out that 30-40% of Orange County residents are on <br /> wells. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that part of the Governor's proposal is some kind of tax incentive so <br /> that people could retrofit. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that staff is looking at County buildings and funds would need to <br /> be budgeted for retrofitting. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that he does not think the County did well with the Seymour Center <br /> and the water fixtures. He wants to lead by example. <br /> Chair Jacobs made reference to page 14 and the parking lots and asked if the upfit for <br /> the old Wal-Mart could have pervious pavement and Craig Benedict said that it could be used <br /> on sidewalks. Chair Jacobs said that there is no walkway there right now and Craig Benedict <br /> said that this could be considered in the mix. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that he likes to do pervious surface projects in the eastern <br /> part of the state, but they are very difficult and expensive here. He said that there are other <br /> things to do for run-off. He said that there are also maintenance issues associated with <br /> pervious surfaces. <br /> Craig Benedict continued with the presentation and said that the Home Builder's <br /> Association has a green building program and staff is looking at the Energy Star Program. <br /> Energy Star is embedded within some of the LEED standards. The main thing with any green <br /> building program is whether it is working and if someone is verifying it. <br /> Chair Jacobs made reference to page 13, under Construction Recycling, and suggested <br /> making the first sentence comprehensible. Also, regarding septic tank maintenance, he <br /> suggested looking at homeowners' association agreements for rules that are not <br />