Two regulatory changes coming

No time to improve upon two excellent summations of upcoming rule changes regarding LEED and lead.

In the first, Green Building Law Blog summarizes the substantial changes and reinvigorated focus on carbon footprint in LEED 2009 at: LEED 2009–A Tweak or An Overhaul? : Green Building Law Blog. One excerpt caught my eye:

The reference standard allowed up to 2.2 gpm for these faucets so a change to 0.5 gpm was significant. Trouble is the International Plumbing Code mandates 0.5 gpm for lavatory faucets in public rest rooms anyway so these savings were illusionary for many LEED buildings. With the new rating system, this [water efficiency] loop hole is closed – the International Plumbing Code is now a reference standard. In addition, there is now a 20% water reduction prerequisite. The strategies we have been using to get 3 points will now just barely allow us to meet the prerequisite.

In the second, Jeff Echols tweeted about changes to EPA Regulations on lead paint. The immediate change is a new, more comprehensive brochure entitled “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools“. By 2010, additional training and certification will be required for all lead abatement projects, and several techniques will no longer be permitted. Curtailing the aerosolization of lead particles by requiring HEPA filters with sanders is one of the techniques affected. Additional information from Remodeling Magazine or from law firm Holland and Knight.