[GSBN] Straw Bale Construction in the IGCC

[David Eisenberg]

Thank you Derek! And thanks to Joy and Maurice and CASBA and especially
Martin, and Mark, and Tony, and many others. It takes a lot of work by a lot
of people to create positive change. How fortunate to be among a community
of extraordinary, caring people engaged in such work.

In gratitude,

David

On Sun, Sep 25, 2011 at 6:53 AM, Derek Roff <derek at unm.edu> wrote:

> I'm very glad that CASBA is making this initiative to support code work by
> Martin, David, and Mark.  I'd like to underline the decades of work done by
> David Eisenberg, and his partner, Tony Novelli, in working with various code
> groups, to increase the acceptance within building codes for strawbale and
> sustainable building generally.  I hope that GSBN members will donate for
> this current initiative, and please consider making a regular monthly,
> quarterly, or yearly donation to support David's foundational work, through
> his DCAT organization (Development Center for Appropriate Technology
> http://www.dcat.net/).  That's what I do.
>
> Derelict
> (Derek Roff)
>
> On Sep 24, 2011, at 3:19 PM, Joy Bennett wrote:
>
> You may be aware of an effort being spearheaded by CASBA member and
> architect Martin Hammer to include a straw bale section in the International
> Green Construction Code (IGCC).  The IGCC is a new model code being
> developed by the International Code Council (ICC).  The ICC publishes the
> commonly used series of "I-Codes", including the International Building Code
> (IBC), which is the basis for virtually every building code in the U.S.
>
> The IGCC will go through the final hearing process November 4-6 in Phoenix,
> Arizona, and will be published in 2012.  Although it covers non-residential
> buildings only, it promises to attract broad attention and is expected to be
> adopted by many jurisdictions within and outside the U.S..
>
> Having a straw bale section in the International Green Construction Code
> would be a high water mark for straw bale codes in the U.S., and would be a
> significant step towards inclusion in the IBC, and application to all
> occupancies including residential.  Even before then, as part of the IGCC,
> it would likely become the default straw bale building code in many
> jurisdictions.
>
> We need your help in continuing this effort that stands to benefit not only
> California and CASBA members, but the North American and international straw
> bale building community as a whole.
>
> "Strawbale Construction" is currently an appendix in the most recent draft
> of the IGCC,  which is attached to this appeal.  You can learn more about
> the IGCC development process at
> http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/default.aspx
>
> There was stiff opposition to the straw bale construction section at the
> hearings in Dallas in May 2011.  Martin Hammer was the only person defending
> it against what are mostly well-paid lobbyists for various industries or
> private companies.  Similar opposition is expected at the upcoming Final
> Action hearing, although adjustments to the code and additional supporting
> documentation were recently presented to address opponents' concerns.  In
> addition to Martin Hammer, David Eisenberg and civil engineering professor
> Mark Aschheim will attend the Phoenix hearings to testify on behalf of the
> straw bale appendix.
>
> Over the years CASBA has supported this important effort by paying expenses
> associated with the code's development.  Occasionally they are substantial,
> such as paying for airfare and hotel accommodations for Martin to attend the
> Dallas hearings in May.  CASBA is requesting the support of our sister straw
> bale organizations to help shoulder these expenses, as well as expenses
> expected for attending the Final Action hearing in Phoenix.  Those expenses
> are expected to be less than the Dallas expenses, because of proximity, and
> lodging is expected to be provided by David Eisenberg.  Nevertheless there
> are costs, and CASBA wishes to support, with your help, Martin, David, and
> Mark so they do not need to shoulder the expenses themselves.  It is the
> least we can do for these champions of straw bale codes who have given so
> much of their time over the years towards this important cause.
>
> We anticipate that expenses for the Dallas meeting will be between
> $(US)1000 and $(US)1500. These are difficult financial times for most
> individuals and organizations. However, we hope you can support these
> individuals and this effort that we expect to benefit us all.
>
> Any donations for this effort can be sent to
>
> CASBA
> POB 1293
> Angela Camp, Ca
> 95222
>
> Your help is appreciated.
>
> Maurice and Joy Bennett
> Co-Directors
> California Straw Building Association (CASBA)
> Angels Camp, CA
>
>
>
>
>
> You must be the change you want to see in the world. Gandhi
> <IGCC_AppendixE-StrawbaleConstruction9.16.11.doc>
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>
>
> Derek Roff
> derek at unm.edu
>
>
>
>
> =
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