An exciting update about building codes related to greywater from Laura Allen of the Greywater Guerrillas. Don't know what greywater is? Learn all about it, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets and much more on the Greywater Guerrilla Web-site, www.greywaterguerrillas.com. Be sure to sign-up for their email newsletter to be kept up to date about greywater news and the workshops the Greywater Guerrillas organize around California.     "Great news for greywater!   Yesterday the Building Standards Commission voted to pass the new California greywater code (Chapter 16 in the CA Plumbing Code).   This was passed as an emergency measure due to the drought and water shortages faced in the state.   The code will be…

Today, July 22nd of 2009, Tresor Properties held a ground breaking ceremony for their 990 & 992 Ocean Front Homes in Laguna Beach, CA. There was a healthy turnout in the middle of hot, Thursday afternoon. Most attendants jockeying for shade underneath the solar PV integrated canopy. Led by Jeff Fischbeck of Tresor Properties, the ground breaking ceremony lasted approximately one hour with speakers like Laguna Beach Mayor Kelly Boyd, Executive Director of the Orange County Chapter of the United States Green Building Council Lisa Kramer and Darren Moore of Planet Green's TV show "Alter Eco".     It's exciting to see high-end, custom home builders like Tresor Properties embrace green building programs like USGBC's LEED for Homes.…

Green certifications of all forms are quickly becoming the most desired amongst the California workforce, but they’re often very pricey and may take up more of your time then you’re able to commit. Please enjoy my own personal reviews before you take the financial plunge yourself.  

• California Green Building Professional (CGBP)
• Cost: $400/450 (members/non-members)
• Additional Association Membership: $ Annual?
• Course Length: 2 Days, 8 hours per day.

Build it Green's Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP) course is hands down the best bang for your buck! The organization is extraordinarily well organized and the 2 day professional course is packed with usable information that can be a nice refresher for those already well…

Evan Little, now 26, grew up in Mission Viejo, Calif. He was studying drafting and computer-aided design at a junior college in Mission Viejo, with the idea of becoming an architect, when he decided he was more interested in the marketing side of sustainable home development. In 2007, he got his real estate license and set-up as an 'eco-broker'. See full article...

SOLAR TODAY
By Seth Masia

If you're involved in the green scene around Orange County, there's a good chance you've had the pleasure of meeting Chris Prelitz, seen him speak or at least heard his name thrown around. He's one of Orange County's most prized possessions when it comes to moving our community in a more sustainable direction. Sticking it out in Orange County where the average resident is overcome by the desire to look like a million dollar TV princess with the knowledge that someone like Chris has, isn't easy and I'm grateful when the Chris' of Orange County don't migrate North towards greener pastures.

On April 15th of 2009, Chris released a new book titled, Green Made Easy: The Everyday Guide for Transitioning to a Green Lifestyle. Like an encyclopedia for

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Green certifications of all forms are quickly becoming the most desired amongst the California workforce, but they're often very pricey and may take up more of your time then you're able to commit. Please enjoy my own personal reviews before you take the financial plunge yourself.  

• Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Core Rater Course
• Cost: $600
• Additional Association Membership: $130 Annual?
• Course Length: 3 Days - 8:30am-5pm

About CHEERS®: The California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System (CHEERS®) is the first official non-profit organization of its kind in California. Designed to educate and certify a workforce capable of testing buildings and providing an independent voice to be sure our buildings are being built…