CBC · California Building Code

How does CalGreen address energy efficiency scope and purpose?

CalGreen explicitly includes energy efficiency in its purpose and applies to new construction statewide; it defers mandatory technical standards to the California Energy Commission while providing mandatory CalGreen measures and voluntary (tiered) higher‑performance options plus commissioning/documentation requirements to encourage and verify energy efficiency.

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires

CalGreen’s stated purpose includes improving public health, safety and welfare by encouraging sustainable construction practices — explicitly listing energy efficiency as one of the core categories the code is intended to advance. The California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) locates energy efficiency goals within the code’s purpose and then connects those goals to both mandatory and voluntary measures and to the State’s energy standards process. See § 101.2 for the purpose language and § 101.3 for scope and application. § 101.2 § 101.3


Requirements in detail

1) Purpose and high‑level approach

  • CalGreen frames energy efficiency as one of five primary sustainability categories the Code exists to advance; energy efficiency is therefore an intended outcome of the design and construction concepts the Code promotes (purpose). § 101.2
  • The Code distinguishes between: (a) the mandatory California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) requirements adopted and administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC), and (b) additional CalGreen mandatory measures and voluntary (tiered) measures intended to encourage exemplary performance beyond the baseline. See Division/Sections throughout Chapters 4–6 and Appendices A4/A5/A6. § 5.201.1 A4.201.1 A5.201.1

2) Scope and who it applies to

  • CalGreen applies to planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of newly constructed buildings state‑wide unless otherwise indicated. That scope frames where energy efficiency measures are required or encouraged. § 101.3
  • For mandatory energy efficiency standards, the Code defers to the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)—the Energy Commission continues to adopt the mandatory energy measures. § 5.201.1

3) Mandatory vs voluntary (tiered) measures

  • CalGreen contains mandatory energy‑related measures in Chapters 4 (residential) and 5 (nonresidential) plus voluntary/optional higher‑performance measures in appendices (A4, A5, A6) that jurisdictions may adopt to require higher performance or to allow projects to pursue voluntary tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2). A5.201.1 A4.201.1

4) Performance vs prescriptive paths (examples)

  • Voluntary performance approaches (example: voluntary Tier performance for health facilities, Savings By Design modeling) are explicitly described in CalGreen appendices (e.g., A6 performance measures). A6.203.2
  • Prescriptive measures are also provided (e.g., ENERGY STAR appliance requirements, lighting, controls, pipe insulation, duct sealing), and commissioning and documentation requirements are used to ensure design intent is met. A6.204.1 A6.204.4

5) Commissioning and documentation

  • CalGreen requires commissioning processes and documentation (Owner’s Project Requirements, Basis of Design, commissioning plan) as part of the prescriptive/voluntary compliance approaches and for certain building sizes/types to verify energy‑related systems perform to owner/design expectations. See commissioning requirements and OPR/BOD guidance. A6.204.4 5.410.2.x guidance and templates are provided in the code text for compliance forms and OPR/BOD.

Decision‑relevant table

Decision factor Typical values / choices What it means for compliance Code Reference
Applicability Newly constructed buildings (state‑wide) CalGreen energy purpose and measures apply to new construction unless otherwise indicated § 101.3
Mandatory energy baseline Title 24, Part 6 (CEC) CalGreen defers mandatory technical energy standards to the Energy Code adopted by the CEC § 5.201.1
Voluntary tiers Tier 1 / Tier 2 (local adoption possible) Optional higher‑performance packages (electives/prerequisites) that local jurisdictions may adopt A5.601.2 / A5.601.2.3
Performance path examples Savings By Design modeling; LSC margins Performance modeling for exemplary results (appendices define methods and margins) A6.203.2; A4.203.1.1 and Table A4.203.1.1
Prescriptive examples ENERGY STAR equipment; lighting controls; insulation Minimum prescriptive measures to reduce energy use and ensure equipment efficiency A6.204.1; A6.209.*
Commissioning / Documentation OPR, BOD, Commissioning reports Verifies installed systems meet design/owner requirements and operate efficiently A6.204.4; commissioning templates guidance § 5.410.2.*

Exceptions & special cases

  • Voluntary appendices are not mandatory unless a local jurisdiction adopts them as mandatory and follows the California Energy Commission filing/acceptance process described in the Code (local adoption process requirements appear in the appendices and cross‑referenced rules). A5.201.1 A4.201.1
  • CalGreen explicitly defers “mandatory energy efficiency standards” to the Energy Commission; do not substitute CalGreen voluntary measures for the energy code baseline unless the required findings/filings are completed. § 5.201.1
  • Certain health care and other state‑regulated facility voluntary standards appear in Appendix A6 and include specialized performance/prescriptive and commissioning requirements for those occupancies. A6.203.2; A6.204.4

Common mistakes

  • Treating CalGreen appendices as automatically mandatory — many measures in A4/A5/A6 are voluntary unless a local ordinance adopts them; the code repeatedly states the voluntary nature and the filing requirements for local adoption. A4.201.1; A5.201.1
  • Confusing CalGreen mandatory measures (Chapters 4–5) with Title 24 Part 6 requirements — mandatory technical energy standards are set by the CEC and enforced through the Energy Code compliance process. § 5.201.1
  • Omitting required documentation: for projects where commissioning/OPR/BOD is required (templates and guidance exist), failure to produce those documents can lead to noncompliance findings. A6.204.4; commissioning guidance § 5.410.2.*
  • Assuming voluntary Tier measures automatically satisfy other green‑building certification programs — the Code notes it is not intended to substitute for a green‑building certification. § 101.3

Worked example

Scenario: A homeowner is designing a newly constructed low‑rise single‑family home in Climate Zone 6 and wants to know what CalGreen’s energy purpose means in practice.

  1. Purpose & scope: Because CalGreen’s purpose includes energy efficiency, the project must meet the State energy baseline (Title 24, Part 6) and the applicable CalGreen residential mandatory measures. § 101.2; § 101.3
  2. Voluntary performance margin (example from Appendix A4): If the owner and designer use the CalGreen residential voluntary performance path (LSC margin approach), Table A4.203.1.1 lists recommended LSC compliance margins for Climate Zone 6 as 0.24 (this margin is applied in the compliance software LSC calculation). Use certified compliance software as specified in Title 24, Part 6. A4.203.1.1 and Table A4.203.1.1 (CZ 6 = 0.24)
  3. Practical effect: The design team runs the home's Proposed Design through approved compliance software; the software computes the Long‑Term System Cost (LSC) and reduces the baseline LSC requirement by the margin (0.24) required for the voluntary approach. Meeting that adjusted target demonstrates higher‑than‑baseline energy performance. A4.203.1.1
  4. Documentation: If the project selects voluntary performance or commissioning measures, the owner should document OPR and BOD and complete commissioning tasks per the Code’s guidance to verify system performance. A6.204.4; commissioning templates guidance § 5.410.2.*

Related provisions

  • § 101.2 — Code purpose (lists energy efficiency as a core category) § 101.2
  • § 101.3 — Scope; applicability of the Code to new construction § 101.3
  • § 5.201.1 — Division 5.2 general: the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) remains the source of mandatory energy standards § 5.201.1
  • A4.201.1 / A4.203.1.1 — Residential voluntary energy performance scope and LSC margins (Table A4.203.1.1) A4.201.1; A4.203.1.1
  • A5.201.1 / A5.203.1 — Nonresidential voluntary performance approach and adoption process A5.201.1; A5.203.1
  • A6.203.2 / A6.204.4 — Voluntary standards for health facilities: performance intent and commissioning requirements A6.203.2; A6.204.4
  • § 5.410.2.* — Commissioning forms/templates and Owner’s Project Requirements / Basis of Design guidance (compliance and verification) § 5.410.2.*

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 101.1 High relevance — show source text

    1 ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 101—GENERAL

    101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Green Building Standards Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” It is intended that it shall also be known as the CALGreen Code. The California Green Building Stan- dards Code is Part 11 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code.

    101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:

    1. Planning and design.
    2. Energy efficiency.
    3. Water efficiency and conservation.
    4. Material conservation and resource efficiency.
    5. Environmental quality.

    101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this code, throughout the State of California.

    It is not the intent that this code substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building

    program.

    101.3.1 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Provisions of this code shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 103 through 106, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by statute.

    1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California law, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.

    2. Energy efficiency standards regulated by the California Energy Commission.

    3. All residential buildings constructed throughout the State of California, including but not limited to, hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 104 for additional scoping provisions.

    4. Public elementary and secondary schools, and community college buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 105 for additional scoping provisions.

    5. Qualified historical buildings and structures and their associated sites regulated by the State Historical Building Safety Board within the Division of the State Architect.

    6. General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facilities, clinics licensed by the Department of Public Health and correctional treatment centers regulated by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. See Section 106 for additional scoping provisions.

    7. Graywater systems regulated by the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

    8. Green building standards for occupancies where no state agency has authority or expertise, adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. See Section 103 for additional scoping provisions.

  • CBC § 1-1 High relevance — show source text

    agency|BSC|BSC-
    CG|SFM|1|2|1/AC|AC|SS|1|1R|2|3|4|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|5| |Adopt entire CA chapter||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopt entire chapter as
    amended (amended
    sections listed below)||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopt only those sections
    that are listed below||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |Chapter/Section||||||||||||||||||||||| |101||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |102||X||X||||X|X||X||X|||||||||| |103||X||||||||||||||||||||| |104||||X||||||||||||||||||| |105||||||||X||||||||||||||| |106|||||||||X||X||X||||||||||

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    1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    1 ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 101—GENERAL

    101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Green Building Standards Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.” It is intended that it shall also be known as the CALGreen Code. The California Green Building Stan- dards Code is Part 11 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code.

    101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:

    1. Planning and design.
    2. Energy efficiency.
    3. Water efficiency and conservation.
    4. Material conservation and resource efficiency.
    5. Environmental quality.

    101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this code, throughout the State of California.

    It is not the intent that this code substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building

    program.

    101.3.1 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Provisions of this code shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 103 through 106, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by statute. 1.

  • CBC § 203.2 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

    A6.203.2 Energy performance. It is the intent of this code to encourage green buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

    A6.203.2.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen [Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By](http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf) Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf.

    A6.203.2.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.

    SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

    A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances. All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.

    A6.204.4 Commissioning. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building’s energy related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construction documents.

    The owner and designer shall designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and oversee the completion of the commissioning process activities. The owner shall document the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The design team shall develop the Basis of Design (BOD). The CxA shall review these documents for clarity and completeness. The owner and design team shall be responsible for updates to their respective documents, develop and incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction documents and develop and implement a commissioning plan. The CxA shall verify the installation and performance of the systems to be commissioned, verify that training and operation and maintenance documentation have been provided to the owner’s operations staff and complete a commissioning report.

    Commissioning process activities shall be completed for the following energy-related systems, at a minimum:

    1. Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical and passive) and associated controls.
    2. Lighting and daylighting controls.
    3. Domestic hot water systems.
    4. Renewable energy systems (wind, solar, etc.).
    5. Building envelope systems.

    A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The expectations and requirements of the building shall be documented by the owner and the designer before the design phase of the project begins. This shall be reviewed by the CxA. At a minimum, this documentation shall include the following:

    1. Environmental and sustainability goals.
    2. Energy efficiency goals.
    3. Indoor environmental quality requirements.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A6.1-3

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    APPENDIX A6.1VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]

    1. Equipment and systems expectations.
    2. Building occupant and O&M personnel expectations.
  • CBC § 409.4 High relevance — show source text

    Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
    solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
    3.
    Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|

    A5.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by local government as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating addi

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-41

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    tional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions and alterations. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.

    A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1

    A5.601.2.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

    A5.601.2.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

    A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.1.

    A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:

    1. From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for high-efficiency vehicles for a minimum of 35 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.1 w/ footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.2. [1]

    d. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 2. From Division A5.2 comply with ONE of the following:

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

    2. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. From Division A5.3,

    a. Comply with the 12-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.1. b. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.4,
  • CBC § 8-14 Medium relevance — show source text

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    COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

    Selection of “trained,” qualified personnel is required by this code. In order to meet this requirement, the commissioning provider should be evaluated via the methods discussed above. In addition, various organizations have training and certification programs that may be a source for identification of qualified commissioning providers.

    For information about enforcement and compliance of each commissioning element see Sections 5.410.2.1 through 5.410.2.6.

    For compliance forms and templates see Part 2 following this standard.

    Reference: 1 Owner’s Project Requirements

    CALGreen Section 5.410.2.1, Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR).

    1.1 Intent:

    The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) documents the functional requirements of a project and expectations of the building use and operation as it relates to systems being commissioned. The document describes the physical and functional building characteristics desired by the owner and establishes performance and acceptance criteria. The OPR is most effective when developed during predesign and used to develop the Basis of Design (BOD) during the design process. The level of detail and complexity of the OPR will vary according to building use, type and systems.

    1.2 Compliance Method:

    Compliance is demonstrated by the owner or owner’s representative developing and/or approving the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) document and can be defined as follows:

    1. Environmental and Sustainability Goals—Establish environmental project goals and objectives exceeding the code for the project’s sustainability, which may include: a. CALGreen voluntary measures or Tiers sought, or other specific green building rating system or program credits and/or level of certification sought b. Specific environmental or sustainability goals such as water efficiency, water reuse, CO 2 monitoring, xeriscaping, etc.
    2. Building Sustainable Goals—Establish goals and targets affecting energy efficiency, which may include: a. Measures affecting building sustainability desired by owner i. Building orientation and siting ii. Daylighting iii. Facade, envelope and fenestration

    iv. Roof

    v. Natural ventilation

    vi. Onsite renewable power generation and net-zero energy use vii. Landscaping and shading 3. Indoor Environmental Quality Requirements—For each program space describe indoor environmental requirements including intended use and anticipated schedule, and the following: a. Temperature and humidity

    b. Acoustics

    c. Air quality, ventilation and filtration d. Desired adjustability of system controls

    e. Accommodations for after-hours use

    f. Other owner requirements including natural ventilation, operable windows, daylight, views, etc. 4. Project Program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after-hours operation—Describe primary purpose, program and use of proposed project include the following: a. Building size, number of stories, construction type, occupancy type and number b. Building program areas including intended use and anticipated occupancy schedules c. Future expandability and flexibility of spaces d. Quality and/or durability of materials and building lifespan desired e. Budget or operational constraints f. Applicable codes 5. Equipment and Systems Expectations—Describe the following for each system commissioned: a. Level of quality, reliability, equipment type, automation, flexibility, maintenance and complexity desired b. Specific efficiency targets, desired technologies or preferred manufacturers for building systems, acoustics and vibration c. Degree of system integration, automation and functionality for controls 6.

  • CBC § 409.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
    3.
    Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|1.
    Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring.
    2.
    Solar water-heating system requirement for newly constructed restaurants as per A5.203.1.1.2.
    Exceptions:
    a. Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
    b. Buildings where greater than 75 percent of the total roof area has annual solar access that is less than 70 percent. Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
    solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
    3.
    Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|1.
    Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring.
    2.
    Solar water-heating system requirement for newly constructed restaurants as per A5.203.1.1.2.
    Exceptions:
    a. Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
    b. Buildings where greater than 75 percent of the total roof area has annual solar access that is less than 70 percent. Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
    solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
    3.
    Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|

    A5.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by local government as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating addi

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    tional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions and alterations. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.

    A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1

    A5.601.2.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

    A5.601.2.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

  • CBC § 110.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    The size category is the full-load net refrigeration cooling mode capacity, which is the capacity of the evaporator available for cooling of the thermal load external to the chill-
    ing package.
    b. For air source heat pumps, compliance with both the 47°F and 17°F heating source outdoor air temperature (OAT) rating efficiency is required for heating.
    c. Heating full-load rating conditions are at standard rating conditions defined in AHRI 550/590 (I-P), Table 4, which includes the impact of defrost for air source heating ratings.
    d. For units that operate in both cooling and heating, compliance with both the cooling and heating efficiency is required.
    e. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat recover COPHR is
    only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I-P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot-Water 1 or Hot-Water 2. Compliance with the cooling-only perfor-
    mance is required as defined in Notes b and c of Table 110.2-I.
    f. For liquid source heat recovery chilling packages that have capabilities for heat rejection to a heat recovery condenser and a tower condenser, the COPHR applies to operation
    at full load with 100 percent heat recovery (no tower rejection). Units that only have capabilities for partial heat recovery shall meet the requirements of Table 110.2-D, Water
    Chilling Packages—Minimum Efficiency Requirements.
    g. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat recover COPHR is
    only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I-P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot-Water 1 or Hot-Water 2. Compliance with the cooling-only perfor-
    mance is required as defined in Notes b and c of Table 110.2-I.
    h. Water-to-water heat pumps with a capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2-B, Heat Pumps—Minimum Efficiency Requirements.
    i. Source leaving liquid temperature.
    1. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate used for the heating rating for a reverse cycle air-to-water heat pump shall be the flow rate determined during the full-load cool-
    ing rating.
    2. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate for the simultaneous cooling and heating and heat recovery liquid cooled chilling packages rating shall be the liquid flow rates
    from the cooling operation full-load rating.
    3. For heating-only fluid-to-fluid chiller packages, the evaporator flow rate obtained with an entering liquid temperature of 54°F and a leaving liquid temperature of 44°F
    shall be used.
    j. NA means the requirements are not applicable.|a. The size category is the full-load net refrigeration cooling mode capacity, which is the capacity of the evaporator available for cooling of the thermal load external to the chill-
    ing package.
    b. For air source heat pumps, compliance with both the 47°F and 17°F heating source outdoor air temperature (OAT) rating efficiency is required for heating.
    c. Heating full-load rating conditions are at standard rating conditions defined in AHRI 550/590 (I-P), Table 4, which includes the impact of defrost for air source heating ratings.
    d. For units that operate in both cooling and heating, compliance with both the cooling and heating efficiency is required.
    e.

  • CBC § 1-1 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A6.1-1

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    APPENDIX A6.1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]

    DIVISION A6.1 – SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN

    SECTION A6.106—SITE DEVELOPMENT

    A6.106.9 Building orientation. Locate and orient the building as follows:

    1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and south.
    2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust, sand, snow and leaves, with building orientation and landscape features. Note: For information on sun angles and shading, visit: http://www2.aud.ucla.edu/energy-design-tools/.

    Calculations may be made using the Solar-2 tool.

    DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    SECTION A6.202—DEFINITIONS

    A6.202.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.

    ENERGY STAR. A joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products and practices.

    SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

    A6.203.2 Energy performance. It is the intent of this code to encourage green buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

    A6.203.2.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen [Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By](http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf) Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf.

    A6.203.2.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.

    SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

    A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances. All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.

    A6.204.4 Commissioning. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building’s energy related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construction documents.

    The owner and designer shall designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and oversee the completion of the commissioning process activities. The owner shall document the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).

  • CBC § 207.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    **
    A6.207.1.1 Efficiency.
    A6.207.1.2 Controls for heat pumps with supplementary electric resistance heaters.
    A6.207.1.3 Thermostats.
    A6.207.1.4 Gas-and oil-fired furnace standby loss controls.||



    |



    || |A6.207.2 Space conditioning systems.
    A6.207.2.1 Supply air temperature reset controls.
    A6.207.2.2 Electric resistance heating.
    A6.207.2.3 Heat rejection systems.
    A6.207.2.4 Hydronic system measures.
    A6.207.2.5 Air distribution system duct leakage sealing.
    A6.207.2.6 Variable air volume control for single zone systems.||





    |





    || |A6.207.3 Service water-heating systems and equipment.
    A6.207.3.1 Certification by manufacturers.
    A6.207.3.2 Efficiency.
    A6.207.3.3 Installation.||


    |


    || |A6.207.4 Natural gas central furnaces, cooking equipment and pool and spa heaters.
    Pilot lights prohibited.||||| |A6.207.5 Controls for space-conditioning systems.
    A6.207.5.1 Thermostatic controls for each zone.
    A6.207.5.2 Criteria for zonal thermostatic controls.
    A6.207.5.3 Heat pump controls.
    A6.207.5.4 Dampers for air supply and exhaust equipment.
    A6.207.5.5 Automatic demand shed controls.||




    |




    || |A6.207.6 Pipe insulation.||||| |SECTION A6.209 Lighting||||| |A6.209.1 Lighting control devices, ballasts and luminaires.
    A6.209.1.1 All devices: Instructions and calibration.
    A6.209.1.2 Indicator lights.
    **A6.209.1.3 Automatic time switch control devices.

  • CBC § 106.9 Medium relevance — show source text
    FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen
    VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen
    VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen
    VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen
    Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2
    DIVISION A6.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
    SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development
    **A6.106.9 Building orientation.**Locate and orient the building as follows:
    1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and
    south.
    2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope
    caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust.
    DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
    SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures
    A6.203.1 Energy performance. [OSHPD 1]
    **A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
    “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
    A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
    By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.
    SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures
    **A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.**All equipment and appliances provided
    by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment
    or appliance.
    A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
    Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
    construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
    a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
    the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
    systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
    updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
    **A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.
  • CBC § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    SECTION A5.201—GENERAL

    A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required findings of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106, prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modifications along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency

    SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS

    A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    ENERGY BUDGET.

    GEOTHERMAL.

    LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).

    PROCESS.

    RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.

    SOLAR ACCESS.

    SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.

    SECTION A5.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

    A5.203.1 Energy efficiency. Nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings that include lighting and/or mechanical systems shall comply with Sections A5.203.1.1 and A5.203.1.2. Newly constructed buildings and additions are included in the scope of these sections. Buildings permitted without lighting or mechanical systems shall comply with Section A5.203.1.1 but are not required to comply with Section A5.203.1.2.

    A5.203.1.1 Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites. To comply with Tier 1, ONE of the following efficiency measures is required for all applicable components of the building project. To comply with Tier 2, TWO of the following efficiency measures are required.

    A5.203.1.1.1 Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting requirements are described below.

    A5.203.1.1.1.1 Newly installed outdoor lighting power shall be no greater than 90 percent of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power, and general hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7(b)1 shall have a color temperature no higher than 3000K. The Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculation is specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7, Requirements for Outdoor Lighting.

    Exception to Section A5.203.1.1.1.1:

  • CBC § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    Adopting agency BSC BSC-
    CG
    SFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting agency BSC BSC-
    CG
    SFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt entire CA chapter
    Adopt entire chapter as
    amended (amended
    sections listed below)
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    X
    Chapter/Section
    Appendix A5.2 X

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-11

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    SECTION A5.201—GENERAL

    A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required findings of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106, prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modifications along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency

    SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS

    A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    ENERGY BUDGET.

    GEOTHERMAL.

Frequently asked questions

Who sets the mandatory technical energy standards — CalGreen or the Energy Commission?

Mandatory technical energy standards are set and updated by the California Energy Commission (Title 24, Part 6); CalGreen defers to that process for mandatory energy requirements. § 5.201.1

Are the CalGreen appendices mandatory?

No — many measures in Appendices A4, A5, A6 are voluntary and only become mandatory if a local jurisdiction adopts them through the required CEC filing and local ordinance processes. A4.201.1; A5.201.1

Do I need an OPR and commissioning for energy compliance?

For projects that select specified commissioning or voluntary performance approaches (and for some larger projects), CalGreen requires OPR, BOD and commissioning steps to document and verify system performance. See the commissioning and documentation requirements. A6.204.4; § 5.410.2.*

If I meet CalGreen voluntary Tier 1, do I automatically meet a third‑party green rating program?

Not necessarily — CalGreen states it is not intended to substitute for third‑party green building certifications; meeting CalGreen voluntary tiers can help, but certification programs have separate requirements. § 101.3

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