California Introduces Statewide Green Building Standards Code

Continuing California’s efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment, on Jan. 12, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) unanimously adopted the mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) requiring all new buildings in the state to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible, according to a press release on the CBSC’s Web site. The CBSC say the new code is the first of its kind in the United States.

Taking effect on January 1, 2011, these comprehensive regulations will achieve major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use to create what the agency calls “A Greener California.”

“With this first-in-the nation mandatory green building standards code, California continues to pave the way in energy efficiency and environmental protection,” says Schwarzenegger. “Today’s action lays the foundation for the move to greener buildings constructed with environmentally advanced building practices that decrease waste, reduce energy use and conserve resources.”

CALGREEN will require that every new building constructed in California reduce water consumption by 20 percent, divert 50 percent of construction waste from landfills and install low pollutant-emitting materials. It also requires separate water meters for nonresidential buildings’ indoor and outdoor water use, with a requirement for moisture-sensing irrigation systems for larger landscape projects and mandatory inspections of energy systems (e.g., heat furnace, air conditioner and mechanical equipment) for nonresidential buildings over 10,000 square feet to ensure that all are working at their maximum capacity and according to their design efficiencies, according to the CSBC.

The California Air Resources Board estimates that the mandatory provisions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ equivalent) by 3 million metric tons equivalent in 2020.

Upon passing state building inspection, California’s property owners will have the ability to label their facilities as CALGREEN compliant without using additional third-party certification programs. 

In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger directed the California Building Standards Commission (BSC) to work with specified state agencies on the adoption of green building standards for residential, commercial and public building construction for the 2010 code adoption process.

Click here to learn more about CALGREEN.