CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
What verification is required for whole‑building life‑cycle assessment (WBLCA)?
You must include the WBLCA software’s GWP summary and a signed Worksheet WS‑7 in the construction documents, and put the full WBLCA (with maintenance and training info) in the operation & maintenance manual to give the owner at close‑out; the enforcing agency can also require inspections. (§ A5.409.2.3)
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The project must provide a summary of the GWP analysis produced by the WBLCA software together with Worksheet WS‑7, signed by the design professional of record, in the construction documents as proof of compliance. A copy of the full WBLCA (including the GWP analysis plus maintenance and training information) must be placed in the operation and maintenance manual and delivered to the owner at project close‑out. The enforcing agency may require inspections (per § 702.2 and § 703.1) during and at completion to demonstrate substantial conformance; inspections must be performed by the design professional of record or an acceptable third party. See § A5.409.2.3 for the verification language.
Provide the signed GWP summary (Worksheet WS‑7) in the construction documents and give the owner a copy of the full WBLCA and its maintenance/training info at close of construction. (§ A5.409.2.3)
Requirements in detail
Minimum verification deliverables
- GWP analysis summary produced by the WBLCA software — must be included in construction documents. § A5.409.2.3
- Worksheet WS‑7, signed by the design professional of record, included in the construction documents as documentation of compliance. § A5.409.2.3
- Full WBLCA report (software output) including the GWP analysis, and maintenance & training information — included in the operation and maintenance manual and provided to the owner at project close‑out. § A5.409.2.3
- Potential inspection reports if required by the enforcing agency (see § 702.2 and § 703.1). Inspection must be performed by the design professional of record or a third party acceptable to the enforcing agency. § A5.409.2.3
Who signs and who may inspect
- Signature: design professional of record (responsible designer) — required on Worksheet WS‑7. § A5.409.2.3
- Inspection: may be required by the enforcing agency and conducted by the design professional of record or a third party acceptable to the enforcing agency — inspections follow §§ 702.2 and 703.1. § A5.409.2.3
Software, data and consistency (context that affects verification)
- The WBLCA must be performed with software and datasets meeting the ISO/EN requirements and the same tools and datasets must be used for both the baseline and the proposed building — this affects what the signed summary and full report must demonstrate. See § A5.409.2.1 and § A5.409.2.2 for these requirements.
Notes and additional worksheets
- The enforcing entity may also request Worksheet WS‑9 or other worksheets to demonstrate compliance. (Notes to A5.409.2 indicate WS‑9 may be required.)
Quick reference table — decision‑relevant dimensions
| Decision / Deliverable | Required value / action | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| GWP analysis summary included on plans | Yes — add to construction documents | § A5.409.2.3 |
| Worksheet to be used and signed | Worksheet WS‑7, signed by design professional of record | § A5.409.2.3 |
| Full WBLCA report destination | Put full WBLCA (including maintenance & training info) in O&M manual and give to owner at close‑out | § A5.409.2.3 |
| Who may inspect | Enforcing agency may require inspection per § 702.2 and § 703.1; inspections done by design professional or acceptable third party | § A5.409.2.3 |
| Software/data consistency | Same software and datasets for baseline and proposed building; datasets compliant with ISO 14044 and ISO 21930 or EN 15804; software conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978 | § A5.409.2.1 / § A5.409.2.2 |
| Additional worksheets | Enforcing entity may request Worksheet WS‑9 to demonstrate compliance | Notes to A5.409.2 (WS‑9) |
Exceptions & special cases
- Building reuse: For projects including building reuse the Appendix tiers require the baseline to exclude reused elements or retain existing materials depending on the Tier; the verification package must still document the GWP reduction attributable to new elements. See § A5.409.2.1 and § A5.409.2.2 for the reuse exceptions (these affect what the WBLCA shows).
- Non‑appendix (mandatory) version: The mandatory (non‑appendix) code uses a similar verification requirement but references Worksheet WS‑4 rather than WS‑7 — confirm which worksheet your enforcing agency requires. Compare § 5.409.2.3 (WS‑4) and § A5.409.2.3 (WS‑7).
- Additional worksheets or forms: The enforcing agency may request WS‑9 or other documentation beyond WS‑7 to demonstrate compliance.
Common mistakes
- Submitting the WBLCA software output but omitting a signed Worksheet WS‑7 (or using the wrong worksheet for your code path). The code requires the signed worksheet in the construction documents. § A5.409.2.3
- Failing to include the full WBLCA (with maintenance and training information) in the operation and maintenance manual and failing to deliver it to the owner at close‑out. § A5.409.2.3
- Using different software or datasets for the baseline and proposed models; the code requires the same tools and datasets for both. See § A5.409.2.1 / § A5.409.2.2.
- Assuming inspections are never required — the enforcing agency may require inspections and inspection reports per § 702.2 and § 703.1. § A5.409.2.3
Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers
Scenario: You are the design professional of record for a new 60,000 ft² office building pursuing Appendix Tier 1 WBLCA compliance (Tier 1 requires a 15% reduction in GWP vs. baseline under § A5.409.2.1).
- Your baseline WBLCA (same software and datasets for baseline and proposed) calculates the baseline building GWP = 1,000,000 kg CO2e. § A5.409.2.1
- Target (15% reduction): permissible proposed building GWP = 1,000,000 × (1 − 0.15) = 850,000 kg CO2e. § A5.409.2.1
- Your proposed design WBLCA totals 820,000 kg CO2e (meets the 15% reduction). The WBLCA software generates the detailed breakdown and a GWP analysis summary. § A5.409.2.1 / § A5.409.2.3
- Submit to the permitting authority: the GWP analysis summary and Worksheet WS‑7 signed by you (design professional of record) on the construction documents. § A5.409.2.3
- At construction close‑out: include the full WBLCA report with maintenance & training guidance in the operation and maintenance manual and provide a copy to the owner. § A5.409.2.3
- If the enforcing agency requests inspection to verify material substitutions or conformance, arrange inspection by the design professional or an acceptable third party and provide inspection reports per §§ 702.2 / 703.1 as required by the agency. § A5.409.2.3
Related provisions
- § A5.409.2 — Whole building life cycle assessment (scope and Tier structure)
- § A5.409.2.1 — Tier 1 requirements (including 15% reduction and software/data consistency)
- § A5.409.2.2 — Tier 2 requirements (including 20% reduction and software/data consistency)
- § A5.409.2.3 — Verification of compliance (signed worksheet, GWP summary, WBLCA in O&M manual, inspections)
- § A5.409.3 / § A5.409.3.2 — Product GWP prescriptive path and its verification (EPDs, WS‑8) — related if using prescriptive compliance for products instead of WBLCA
- Notes: Worksheet WS‑9 may be required by the enforcing agency to demonstrate compliance (see notes to A5.409.2).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 409.2.3 High relevance — show source text
Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall not be of new construction and shall retain existing materials. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
A5.409.2.3 Verification of compliance. A summary of the GWP analysis produced by the software and Worksheet WS-7 signed by the design professional of record shall be provided in the construction documents as documentation of compliance. A copy of the whole building life cycle assessment which includes the GWP analysis produced by the software, in addition to maintenance and training information, shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual and shall be provided to the owner at the close of construction. The enforcing agency may require inspection and inspection reports in accordance with Sections 702.2 and 703.1 during and at completion of construction to demonstrate substantial conformance. Inspection shall be performed by the design professional of record or third party acceptable to the enforcing agency.
A5.409.3 Product GWP compliance—prescriptive path. Each product that is permanently installed and listed in Table A5.409.3 shall have a Type III environmental product declaration (EPD), either product-specific or factory-specific.
Exception: Concrete may be considered one product category to meet compliance with this section. A weighted average of the maximum GWP for all concrete mixes installed in the project shall be less than the weighted average maximum GWP allowed per Table A5.409.3 using Exception Equation A5.409.3.1. Calculations shall be performed with consistent units of measurement for the material quantity and the GWP value. For the purposes of this exception, industry-wide EPDs are acceptable.
Exception EQUATION A5.409.3.1
GWP n < GWP allowed
where
GWP n = Σ (GWP n )(v n ) and GWP allowed = Σ (GWP allowed )(v n )
and
n = each concrete mix installed in the project GWP n = the GWP for concrete mix n per concrete mix EPD, in kg CO 2 e/m [3]
GWP allowed = the GWP potential allowed for concrete mix n per Table 5.409.3 v n = the volume of concrete mix n installed in the project, in m [3]
APPENDIX A5-30 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
|TABLE A5.409.3—PRODUCT GWP LIMITS,
CALGreen § 5.105.2 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Combined addition(s) to existing building(s) of two times the area or more of the existing building(s) is not eligible to meet compliance with Section 5.105.2 or Section A5.105.2.
A5.409.2 Whole building life cycle assessment. Projects shall meet the minimum requirements of Section A5.409.2 for Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance.
A5.409.2.1 Tier 1. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment meeting the requirements of Section 5.409.2 and performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044, excluding operating energy, demonstrating a minimum 15-percent reduction in global warming potential (GWP) as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of all parts of the California Building Standards Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall exclude the reused elements. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
A5.409.2.2 Tier 2. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment meeting the requirements of Section 5.409.2 and performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, excluding operating energy, demonstrating a minimum 20-percent reduction in GWP as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of all parts of the California Building Standards Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall not be of new construction and shall retain existing materials. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
A5.409.2.3 Verification of compliance. A summary of the GWP analysis produced by the software and Worksheet WS-7 signed by the design professional of record shall be provided in the construction documents as documentation of compliance. A copy of the whole building life cycle assessment which includes the GWP analysis produced by the software, in addition to maintenance and training information, shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual and shall be provided to the owner at the close of construction. The enforcing agency may require inspection and inspection reports in accordance with Sections 702.2 and 703.1 during and at completion of construction to demonstrate substantial conformance. Inspection shall be performed by the design professional of record or third party acceptable to the enforcing agency.
A5.409.3 Product GWP compliance—prescriptive path. Each product that is permanently installed and listed in Table A5.409.3 shall have a Type III environmental product declaration (EPD), either product-specific or factory-specific.
CALGreen § 5.409.2.3 High relevance — show source text
The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Notes:
- Software for calculating whole building life cycle assessment is available for free at Athena Sustainable Materials Institute (https://calculatelca.com/software/impact-estimator/) and OneClick LCA-Planetary (www.oneclicklca.com/planetary). Paid versions include, but are not limited to, Sphera GaBi Solutions (gabi.sphera.com), SimaPro (simapro.com), OneClick LCA (www.oneclicklca.com) and Tally for Revit (apps.autodesk.com).
- ASTM E2921-22 “Standard Practice for Minimum Criteria for Comparing Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments for Use with Building Codes, Standards, and Rating Systems” may be consulted for the assessment.
- In addition to the required documentation specified in Section 5.409.2.3, Worksheet WS-9 may be required by the enforcing entity to demonstrate compliance with the requirements.
5.409.2.1 Building components. Building enclosure components included in the assessment shall be limited to glazing assemblies, insulation, and exterior finishes. Primary and secondary structural members included in the assessment shall be limited to footings and foundations, and structural columns, beams, walls, roofs, and floors.
5.409.2.2 Reference study period. The reference study period of the proposed building shall be equal to the reference baseline building and shall be 60 years.
5.409.2.3 Verification of compliance. A summary of the GWP analysis produced by the software and Worksheet WS-4 signed by the design professional of record shall be provided in the construction documents as documentation of compliance. A copy of the whole building life cycle assessment which includes the GWP analysis produced by the software, in addition to maintenance and training information, shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual and shall be provided to the owner at the close of construction. The enforcing agency may require inspection and inspection reports in accordance with Sections 702.2 and 703.1 during and at completion of construction to demonstrate substantial conformance. Inspection shall be performed by the design professional of record or third party acceptable to the enforcing agency.
5.409.3 Product GWP compliance—prescriptive path. Each product that is permanently installed and listed in Table 5.409.3 shall have a Type III environmental product declaration (EPD), either product-specific or factory-specific.
5.409.3.1 Products shall not exceed the maximum GWP value specified in Table 5.409.3.
Exception: Concrete may be considered one product category to meet compliance with this section. A weighted average of the maximum GWP for all concrete mixes installed in the project shall be less than the weighted average maximum GWP allowed per Table 5.409.3 using Exception Equation 5.409.3.1. Calculations shall be performed with consistent units of measurement for the material quantity and the GWP value. For the purposes of this exception, industry-wide EPDs are acceptable.
Exception EQUATION 5.409.3.1
GWP n < GWP allowed
where
GWP n = Σ (GWP n )(v n )
and
GWP allowed = Σ (GWP allowed )(v n )
and
CALGreen § 409.2 High relevance — show source text
Responsible Designer’s Declaration Statement:
I attest that the Whole Building Life Cycle Analysis has been performed according to the requirements of Section A5.409.2 and has met the minimum 15 percent (Tier 1) or 20 percent (Tier 2) reduction in global warming potential as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of the California Energy Code currently in effect. Furthermore, I will ensure during construction that the material specifications will be reviewed for substantial conformance with the life cycle assessment indicated on the approved plans so at the close of construction the minimum reduction in global warming potential is thereby secured.
Signature: Col2 Company: Date: Address: License: City/State/Zip: Phone: WORKSHEET (WS-8) [BSC-CG] Section A5.409.3 PRODUCT GWP COMPLIANCE—PRESCRIPTIVE PATH
Designer’s Declaration Statement:
I attest that prescriptive compliance has been performed according to the requirements of Section A5.409.3 and products have met the maximum acceptable GWP value for the products listed in Table A5.409.3 for either Tier 1 or Tier 2. Furthermore, I will ensure during construction that any material specification substitution will be reviewed for substantial conformance with the requirements of Section A5.409.3 so at the close of construction the minimum 15 percent reduction in global warming potential is thereby secured.
Signature: Col2 Company: Date: Address: License: City/State/Zip: Phone: 8-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
WORKSHEET (WS-9) Section 5.409.2 and Section A5.409.2 WHOLE BUILDING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
User input Units m2 Upfront Carbon Col2 Col3 Use Phase End of Life Total A1-3 A4 A5 B1-5 C1-4 Percent Reduction Col2 Mandatory Tier 1 Tier 2 Upfront Carbon Col2 Col3 Use Phase End of Life Total A1-3 A4 A5 B1-5 C1-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 8-7
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COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
Construction Waste Management (CWM) Plan
Note: This sample form may be used to assist in documenting compliance with the waste management plan.
Project Name:___________________________________________________
Job #:__________________________________________________________
CALGreen § 5-24 High relevance — show source text
5-24 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2, or Section 5.409.3. Effective January 1, 2026, the combined floor area shall be 50,000 square feet or greater.
[DSA-SS] Projects consisting of newly constructed building(s) with a combined floor area of 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.409.2 or Section 5.409.3. Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the combined altered floor area is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, 5.409.2, or 5.409.3. Addition(s) to existing building(s) where the total floor area combined with the existing building(s) is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2, or Section 5.409.3.
5.409.2 Whole building life cycle assessment. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, excluding operating energy, and demonstrating a minimum 10-percent reduction in global warming potential (GWP) as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of the California Energy Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Notes:
- Software for calculating whole building life cycle assessment is available for free at Athena Sustainable Materials Institute (https://calculatelca.com/software/impact-estimator/) and OneClick LCA-Planetary (www.oneclicklca.com/planetary). Paid versions include, but are not limited to, Sphera GaBi Solutions (gabi.sphera.com), SimaPro (simapro.com), OneClick LCA (www.oneclicklca.com) and Tally for Revit (apps.autodesk.com).
- ASTM E2921-22 “Standard Practice for Minimum Criteria for Comparing Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments for Use with Building Codes, Standards, and Rating Systems” may be consulted for the assessment.
- In addition to the required documentation specified in Section 5.409.2.3, Worksheet WS-9 may be required by the enforcing entity to demonstrate compliance with the requirements.
5.409.2.1 Building components. Building enclosure components included in the assessment shall be limited to glazing assemblies, insulation, and exterior finishes. Primary and secondary structural members included in the assessment shall be limited to footings and foundations, and structural columns, beams, walls, roofs, and floors.
5.409.2.2 Reference study period. The reference study period of the proposed building shall be equal to the reference baseline building and shall be 60 years.
**5.409.2.3 Verification of compliance.
CALGreen § 5.409.2 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-29
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- Projects consisting of newly constructed building(s) with a combined floor area of less than 50,000 square feet shall comply with either Section 5.409.2 or Section 5.409.3 for Tier 1 compliance, and either Section A5.409.2.1 or A5.409.3 Tier 1 requirements for Tier 2 compliance.
- Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the aggregate floor area is less than 50,000 square feet shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2, or Section 5.409.3 for Tier 1 compliance, and either Section A5.105.2.1, Section A5.409.2.1, or Section A5.409.3 Tier 1 requirements for Tier 2 compliance.
- Addition(s) to an existing building where the total floor area combined with the existing building(s) is less than 50,000 square feet shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2, or Section 5.409.3 for Tier 1 compliance, and either Section A5.105.2.1, Section A5.409.2.1, or Section A5.409.3 Tier 1 requirements for Tier 2 compliance. Exception: Combined addition(s) to existing building(s) of two times the area or more of the existing building(s) is not eligible to meet compliance with Section 5.105.2 or Section A5.105.2.
A5.409.2 Whole building life cycle assessment. Projects shall meet the minimum requirements of Section A5.409.2 for Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance.
A5.409.2.1 Tier 1. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment meeting the requirements of Section 5.409.2 and performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044, excluding operating energy, demonstrating a minimum 15-percent reduction in global warming potential (GWP) as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of all parts of the California Building Standards Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall exclude the reused elements. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
**A5.409.2.2 Tier 2.
CALGreen § 409.3 High relevance — show source text
For concrete, Tier 1 is 150%, Tier 2 is 100% of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) 2022 version 3 Pacific Southwest regional benchmark values are used for
the GWP allowed, except for High Early Strength.
3. Concrete High Early Strength ready-mixed shall be calculated at 130% of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table A5.409.3 are based on 150% of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not included
in BCCA.
2. For concrete, Tier 1 is 150%, Tier 2 is 100% of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) 2022 version 3 Pacific Southwest regional benchmark values are used for
the GWP allowed, except for High Early Strength.
3. Concrete High Early Strength ready-mixed shall be calculated at 130% of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table A5.409.3 are based on 150% of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not included
in BCCA.
2. For concrete, Tier 1 is 150%, Tier 2 is 100% of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) 2022 version 3 Pacific Southwest regional benchmark values are used for
the GWP allowed, except for High Early Strength.
3. Concrete High Early Strength ready-mixed shall be calculated at 130% of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|A5.409.3.2 Verification of compliance. Calculations to demonstrate compliance, Type III EPDs for products required to comply if included in the project, and Worksheet WS-8 signed by the design professional of record shall be provided on the construction documents. Updated EPDs for products used in construction shall be provided to the owner at the close of construction and to the enforcement entity upon request. The enforcing agency may require inspection and inspection reports in accordance with Sections 702.2 and 703.1 during and at completion of construction to demonstrate substantial conformance. Inspection shall be performed by the design professional of record or third party acceptable to the enforcing agency.
A5.409.4 Whole building life cycle assessment of additional impacts. Maintaining compliance with the requirements of Section 5.409.2, conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment performed in accordance with ISO 14044, including operating energy, and demonstrating a minimum 10-percent improvement for a minimum of two additional impacts listed in Section A5.409.4.1, as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, location and operating energy performance that meets the requirements of the California Energy Code currently in effect.
A5.409.4.1 Impacts to be considered. Select from the following impacts in the assessment:
Fossil fuel depletion.
Stratospheric ozone depletion.
Acidification of land and water sources.
Eutrophication.
Photochemical oxidants (smog).
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-31
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APPENDIX A5-32 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
CALGreen § 5.4 High relevance — show source text
4**
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|Mandatory|Construction waste management: documentation|5.408.1.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|Mandatory|Universal waste [A]|5.408.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|Mandatory|Excavated soil and land clearing debris (100% reuse or
recycle) with Exception and Notes|5.408.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Whole building life cycle
assessment with Notes, Building components,
Reference study period, and Verification of compliance|5.409.1, 5.409.2,
5.409.2.1, 5.409.2.2
and 5.409.2.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
Select Three Electives
(cont’d)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Product GWP
compliance – prescriptive path, 5.409.3.1 with
Exception and Exception EQUATION, Verification of
compliance and Product GWP Limits Table with
Footnotes|5.409.1,5.409.3,
5.409.3.1, 5.409.3.2
and Table 5.409.3||||| |(continued)
**DIVISION 5.CALGreen § 408.1.1 High relevance — show source text
408.1.1, 5.408.1.2, 5.408.1.3 or more stringent
local ordinance|5.408.1.1,
5.408.1.2,
5.408.1.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Construction waste management: documentation|5.408.1.4||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Universal waste [A]|5.408.2||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Excavated soil and land clearing debris (100% reuse or
recycle) with Exception and Notes|5.408.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Whole building life cycle
assessment with Notes, Building components, Reference
study period, and Verification of compliance|5.409.1,
5.409.2,
5.409.2.1,
5.409.2.2 and
5.409.2.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Product GWP compliance –
prescriptive path, 5.409.3.1 with Exception and Exception
EQUATION, Verification of compliance and Product GWP
Limits Table with Footnotes|5.409.1,
5.409.3,
5.409.3.1,
5.409.3.2 and
Table 5.409.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants (with exception)|5.410.1||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants: additions (with exception)|5.410.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants: sample ordinance
|5.410.1.2||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Commissioning new buildings (≥ 10,000 sf) [N]|5.410.2||||| |**DIVISION 5.CALGreen § 409.4 High relevance — show source text
A5.409.4 Whole building life cycle assessment of additional impacts. Maintaining compliance with the requirements of Section 5.409.2, conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment performed in accordance with ISO 14044, including operating energy, and demonstrating a minimum 10-percent improvement for a minimum of two additional impacts listed in Section A5.409.4.1, as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, location and operating energy performance that meets the requirements of the California Energy Code currently in effect.
A5.409.4.1 Impacts to be considered. Select from the following impacts in the assessment:
Fossil fuel depletion.
Stratospheric ozone depletion.
Acidification of land and water sources.
Eutrophication.
Photochemical oxidants (smog).
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-31
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APPENDIX A5-32 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX A5 – NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.5 – ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections that
are listed belowX Chapter/Section A5.507.5 † X The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
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APPENDIX A5-34 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
CALGreen § 1708.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 1708—IN-SITU LOAD TESTS
1708.1 General. Whenever there is a reasonable doubt as to the stability or load-bearing capacity of a completed building, structure or portion thereof for the expected loads, an engineering assessment shall be required. The engineering assessment shall involve either a structural analysis or an in-situ load test, or both. The structural analysis shall be based on actual material properties and other as-built conditions that affect stability or load-bearing capacity, and shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable design standard. The in-situ load tests shall be conducted in accordance with Section 1708.2. If the building, structure or portion thereof is found to have inadequate stability or load-bearing capacity for the expected loads, modifications to ensure structural adequacy or the removal of the inadequate construction shall be required.
1708.2 In-situ load tests. In-situ load tests shall be conducted in accordance with Section 1708.2.1 or 1708.2.2 and shall be supervised by a registered design professional. The test shall simulate the applicable loading conditions specified in Chapter 16 as necessary to address the concerns regarding structural stability of the building, structure or portion thereof.
1708.2.1 Load test procedure specified. Where a referenced material standard contains an applicable load test procedure and acceptance criteria, the test procedure and acceptance criteria in the standard shall apply. In the absence of specific load factors or acceptance criteria, the load factors and acceptance criteria in Section 1708.2.2 shall apply.
1708.2.2 Load test procedure not specified. In the absence of applicable load test procedures contained within a material standard referenced by this code or acceptance criteria for a specific material or method of construction, such existing structure shall be subjected to an approved test procedure developed by a registered design professional that simulates applicable loading and deformation conditions. For components that are not a part of the seismic force-resisting system, at a minimum the test load shall
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 17-19
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SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
be equal to the specified factored design loads. For materials such as wood that have strengths that are dependent on load duration, the test load shall be adjusted to account for the difference in load duration of the test compared to the expected duration of the design loads being considered. For statically loaded components, the test load shall be left in place for a period of 24 hours. For components that carry dynamic loads (for example, machine supports or fall arrest anchors), the load shall be left in place for a period consistent with the component’s actual function. The structure shall be considered to have successfully met the test requirements where the following criteria are satisfied:
Under the design load, the deflection shall not exceed the limitations specified in Section 1604.3.
Within 24 hours after removal of the test load, the structure shall have recovered not less than 75 percent of the maximum deflection.
During and immediately after the test, the structure shall not show evidence of failure.
SECTION 1709—PRECONSTRUCTION LOAD TESTS
Frequently asked questions
Who must sign the verification worksheet?
The design professional of record must sign Worksheet WS‑7 for Appendix A5 projects (this signature is required in the construction documents). § A5.409.2.3
Where must the full WBLCA report be placed?
A copy of the full WBLCA (including the GWP analysis and maintenance/training information) must be included in the operation and maintenance manual and provided to the owner at close of construction. § A5.409.2.3
Can the enforcing agency require on‑site inspections?
Yes — the enforcing agency may require inspection and inspection reports during and at completion of construction per §§ 702.2 and 703.1; inspections must be performed by the design professional of record or a third party acceptable to the enforcing agency. § A5.409.2.3
What happens if my project used building reuse?
Appendix A5 provides exceptions for reuse: the baseline may exclude or retain reused elements depending on the Tier; however, verification must still show the percent GWP reduction is achieved by the new project elements per § A5.409.2.1 / § A5.409.2.2.
Is the software output alone sufficient as verification?
No — you must submit the GWP analysis summary plus the signed worksheet (WS‑7) in the construction documents; and include the full WBLCA and maintenance/training info in the O&M manual at close‑out. § A5.409.2.3
More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
- Administration (Chapter 1)
- Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
- Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
- Definitions (Chapter 2)
- Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
- Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
- Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
- Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
- Compliance verification, construction documents & checklists (Section 102, Chapter 7, Appendix checklists)
- Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)
- Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
- Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications (Chapter 7)
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