The
division has approved two
new statewide alternate methods that allow homeowners
to harvest rainwater and reuse wastewater. The first method
involves reusing certain wastewater in homes when the owner
installs water conservation systems. The water conservation
systems treat water drained from bathtubs, showers, bathroom
sinks, washing machines, and laundry tubs, and then stores
the water for use in flushing toilets. The second method gives
both homes and commercial buildings the ability to collect
rainwater from roofs to be used for gardens, flushing toilets,
washing clothes, and in heating and air conditioning units.
BCD has also been working toward more energy-efficient buildings
through upgrading the energy code provisions (chapter 11)
of the 2008
Oregon Residential Specialty Code. The upgrades, which
took effect April 1, 2008, require certain components be put
in a building, including new upgrades to building insulation
and an increase in the thermal efficiency rating for windows.
Also, there is a new feature in which builders choose at least
one of nine energy efficiency options to include in the structure.
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