CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
Definitions (Chapter 2)
Chapter 2 provides the authoritative definitions and interpretive rules that apply across CALGreen.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 2 of CALGreen collects the code's defined terms and rules for interpreting them — it tells you which words have specific technical meanings for the rest of the code and where to look when a term is referenced. Key interpretive rules and scope appear in §201.1 (scope), §201.2 (interchangeability), §201.3 (terms defined in other documents) and the Definitions section at §202, which together establish how CALGreen words are read and where Chapter 2 definitions apply .
Because many CALGreen sections refer back to Chapter 2 rather than redefining terms locally, Chapter 2 is the anchor for consistency across the code. For example, several voluntary and mandatory sections explicitly state “The following terms are defined in Chapter 2” (see A4.202.1 and A5.102.1), so users should consult §202 when a term in Chapters 3–5 or the appendices is unspecified locally .
Chapter 2 also explains what happens when a term is not defined in CALGreen (ordinary accepted meaning) and points users to definitions in other referenced codes when appropriate, helping resolve conflicts and ensuring uniform application across project documentation and enforcement (§201.4 and §201.3) .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 6.1507 High relevance — show source text
LIFT = Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature (°F)
2. Condenser DT = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F)
Kadj = 6.1507 – 0.30244(×) + 0.0062692(×)2 – 0.000045595(×)3
where× = Condenser DT + LIFT
COPadj = Kadj * COPstd|1. LIFT = Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature (°F)
2. Condenser DT = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F)
Kadj = 6.1507 – 0.30244(×) + 0.0062692(×)2 – 0.000045595(×)3
where× = Condenser DT + LIFT
COPadj = Kadj * COPstd|1. LIFT = Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature (°F)
2. Condenser DT = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F)
Kadj = 6.1507 – 0.30244(×) + 0.0062692(×)2 – 0.000045595(×)3
where× = Condenser DT + LIFT
COPadj = Kadj * COPstd|1. LIFT = Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature (°F)
2. Condenser DT = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F)
Kadj = 6.1507 – 0.30244(×) + 0.0062692(×)2 – 0.000045595(×)3
where× = Condenser DT + LIFT
COPadj = Kadj * COPstd|1. LIFT = Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature (°F)
2. Condenser DT = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F)
Kadj = 6.1507 – 0.30244(×) + 0.0062692(×)2 – 0.000045595(×)3
where× = Condenser DT + LIFT
COPadj = Kadj * COPstd|1. LIFT = Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature (°F)
2. Condenser DT = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F)
Kadj = 6.1507 – 0.30244(×) + 0.0062692(×)2 – 0.000045595(×)3
where× = Condenser DT + LIFT
COPadj = Kadj * COPstd|A6.207.1.2 Controls for heat pumps with supplementary electric resistance heaters. Heat pumps with supplementary electric resistance heaters shall have controls:
A6.207.1.2.1 That prevent supplementary heater operation when the heating load can be met by the heat pump alone; and
CALGreen § 568-3800 High relevance — show source text
Office of the State Fire Marshal [SFM]
osfm.fire.ca.gov codedevelopment@fire.ca.gov
(916) 568-3800 Fire & Life Safety
State Lands Commission [SLC]
slc.ca.gov MOTEMS.Public@slc.ca.gov (510) 741-4950 Marine Oil Terminals
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE v
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HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
Symbols in the margins indicate where changes have been made or language has been deleted.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made.
- This symbol indicates deletion of language.
vi 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
102 Construction Documents
and Installation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
103 Building Standards Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5 104 Department of Housing and Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6 105 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
106 Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
CHAPTER 3 GREEN BUILDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
CALGreen § 201.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.201—GENERAL
A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). 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 approval 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 modification 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/build- ing-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A4.202—DEFINITIONS
A4.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A4.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS
A4.203.1 Energy efficiency. Newly constructed low-rise residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.203.1.1 through A4.203.1.4.
A4.203.1.1 Long-term system cost (LSC). LSC rating for the building’s Proposed Design shall be computed by Compliance Software certified by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 100.1 and 150.1(b), and shall reduce the LSC required in the Compliance Software for minimum performance-based compliance with the California Energy Code by the compliance margin specified in Table A4.203.1.1. The rating shall be included in the Certificate of Compliance documentation.
TABLE A4.203.1.1—RECOMMENDED LSC MARGINS BY CLIMATE ZONES Col2 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE CLIMATE ZONE TOTAL LSC COMPLIANCE MARGIN 1 2.70 2 1.62 3 1.10 4 1.11 5 1.01 6 0.24 7 0.24 8 0.21 9 0.20 10 0.18 11 1.11 12 1.05 13 0.96 14 1.21 15 0.59 16 1.68 Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-9
CALGreen § 65080.1 High relevance — show source text
(2) be consistent with the prevailing sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy, whichever meets the greenhouse gas target established by the California Air Resources Board, including the general location of uses, residential densities and building intensities; and
(3) have all necessary entitlements required by the applicable local government.
Note: For additional information, see Government Code Sections 65080, 65080.1 and 65400 and Public Resources Code Sections 21061.3 and 21155.
SECTION A5.101—GENERAL
A5.101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter outline planning, design and development methods that include environmentally responsible site selection, building design, building siting and development to protect, restore and enhance the environmental quality of the site and respect the integrity of adjacent properties.
SECTION A5.102—DEFINITIONS
A5.102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
2 X 2 RULE.
ADHESIVE MARKER.
BIORETENTION.
BROWNFIELD SITE.
CAV.
DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT.
FILM.
FLOOR AREA RATIO.
GLASS, ACID ETCHED. GLASS, FRITTED.
GLASS SURFACE.
GREENFIELDS.
GREYFIELD SITE.
INFILL SITE.
LOW-EMITTING AND FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES.
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID).
MATURE TREE CANOPY.
PERMEABLE PAVING.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
SOLAR REFLECTANCE.
SOLAR REFLECTANCE INDEX (SRI).
THERMAL EMITTANCE.
ULTRAVIOLET (UV).
VANPOOL VEHICLE.
VEGETATED SPACE.
VISUAL MARKER.
SECTION A5.103—SITE SELECTION
A5.103.1 Community connectivity. Where feasible, locate project on a previously developed site within a [ 1] / 2 mile radius of at least ten basic services, readily accessible by pedestrians, including, but not limited, to one each of bank, place of worship, convenience grocery, day care, cleaners, fire station, barber shop, beauty shop, hardware store, laundry, library, medical clinic, dental clinic, senior care facility, park, pharmacy, post office, restaurant (two may be counted), school, supermarket, theater, community center, fitness center, museum or farmers market. Other services may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A5.103.2 Brownfield or greyfield site redevelopment or infill area development. If feasible, select for development a brownfield in accordance with Section A5.103.2.1 or on a greyfield or infill site as defined in Section A5.102.
CALGreen § 7.47 High relevance — show source text
15|7.47|7.72|8.10|8.37|8.58| |45|75|30|7.05|7.35|7.58|7.93|8.18|8.36| |44|75|31|6.95|7.23|7.45|7.77|8.00|8.16| |43|75|32|6.85|7.13|7.33|7.63|7.83|7.98| |42|75|33|6.75|7.03|7.22|7.49|7.68|7.82| |41|75|34|6.65|6.93|7.12|7.37|7.55|7.67| |46|80|34|6.65|6.93|7.12|7.37|7.55|7.67| |40|75|35|6.55|6.83|7.01|7.26|7.42|7.54| |45|80|35|6.55|6.83|7.01|7.26|7.42|7.54| |44|80|36|6.44|6.73|6.92|7.15|7.30|7.41| |43|80|37|6.32|6.63|6.82|7.05|7.19|7.30| |42|80|38|6.20|6.53|6.72|6.95|7.09|7.19| |41|80|39|6.06|6.42|6.62|6.85|6.99|7.08| |46|85|39|6.06|6.42|6.62|6.85|6.99|7.08| |40|80|40|5.91|6.30|6.52|6.76|6.89|6.98| |45|85|40|5.91|6.30|6.52|6.76|6.89|6.98| |44|85|41|5.75|6.17|6.403|6.66|6.79|6.89| |43|85|42|5.57|6.03|6.28|6.55|6.70|6.79| |42|85|43|5.37|5.88|6.16|6.44|6.59|6.69| |41|85|44|5.15|5.71|6.01|6.33|6.49|6.59| |40|85|45|4.91|5.53|5.86|6.20|6.37|6.48| |Condenser DT2|Condenser DT2|Condenser DT2|14.04|11.23|9.36|7.02|5.62|4.68| |1. LIFT = Entering Condenser Water Temperature (°F) – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature (°F)
2.CALGreen § 411.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.409—LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.410—BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.411 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
A4.411.1 Innovative concepts and local environmental conditions. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code. This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1.
APPENDIX A4-18 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A4.5 – ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
SECTION A4.501—GENERAL (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.502—DEFINITIONS
A4.502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
MERV.
NO ADDED FORMALDEHYDE (NAF) BASED RESINS.
ULTRA-LOW EMITTING FORMALDEHYDE (ULEF) RESINS.
SECTION A4.503—FIREPLACES (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.504—POLLUTANT CONTROL
A4.504.1 Compliance with formaldehyde limits. Use composite wood products made with either California Air Resources Board approved no-added formaldehyde (NAF) resins or ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins.
Note: Documentation must be provided that verifies that finish materials are certified to meet the pollutant emission limits.
A4.504.2 Resilient flooring systems. Resilient flooring systems installed in the building shall meet the percentages specified in this section and meet the requirements of the California Department of Public Health, “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers,” Version 1.2, January 2017 (Emission testing method for California Specification 01350). See California Department of Public Health’s website for certification programs and testing labs.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/Pages/VOC.aspx
Tier 1. At least 90 percent of the total area of resilient flooring installed shall comply.
Tier 2. 100 percent of the total area of resilient flooring installed shall comply.
Exception for Tier 2: An allowance for up to 5 percent specialty purpose flooring may be permitted.
Note: Documentation must be provided that verifies that finish materials are certified to meet the pollutant emission limits in this section.
A4.504.3 Thermal insulation. Thermal insulation installed in the building shall meet the following requirements:
Tier 1. Install thermal insulation that meet the requirements of the California Department of Public Health, “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers,” Version 1.2, January 2017 (Emission testing method for California Specification 01350).
CALGreen § 501.1 High relevance — show source text
The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-33
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APPENDIX A5-34 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.5 – ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
SECTION A5.501—GENERAL
A5.501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall outline means of reducing the quantity of air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of a building’s installers, occupants and neighbors.
SECTION A5.502—DEFINITIONS
A5.502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
INTERIOR, BUILDING.
MERV. [BSC]
MULTI-OCCUPANT SPACES.
NO ADDED FORMALDEHYDE (NAF) BASED RESINS.
SINGLE OCCUPANT SPACES.
ULTRA-LOW EMITTING FORMALDEHYDE (ULEF) RESINS.
SECTION A5.504—POLLUTANT CONTROL
A5.504.1 Indoor air quality (IAQ) during construction. Maintain IAQ as provided in Sections A5.504.1.1 and A5.504.1.2.
A5.504.1.1 Temporary ventilation. Provide temporary ventilation during construction in accordance with Section 120.1 (Requirements for Ventilation) of the California Energy Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 6 and Chapter 4 of CCR, Title 8 and as follows:
- Ventilation during construction shall be achieved through openings in the building shell using fans to produce a minimum of three air changes per hour.
- If the building is occupied during demolition or construction, meet or exceed the recommended Control Measures of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings under Construction, 1995, Chapter 3.
A5.504.1.2 Additional IAQ measures. Employ additional measures as follows:
When using generators to generate temporary power, use generators meeting the requirements of CCR, Title 13, Chapter 9 or local ordinance, whichever is more stringent.
Protect on-site absorbent materials from moisture. Remove and replace any materials with evidence of mold, mildew or moisture infiltration.
Store odorous and high VOC-emitting materials off-site, without packaging, for a sufficient period to allow odors and VOCs to disperse.
When possible, once materials are on the jobsite, install odorous and high VOC-emitting materials prior to those that are porous or fibrous.
Clean oil and dust from ducts prior to use.
A5.504.2 IAQ postconstruction. After all interior finishes have been installed, flush out the building by supplying continuous ventilation with all air handling units at their maximum outdoor air rate and all supply fans at their maximum position and rate for at least 14 days.
- During this time, maintain an internal temperature of at least 60°F and relative humidity no higher than 60 percent.
CALGreen § 1-33 High relevance — show source text
112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1
301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3
303 Assembly Group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
304 Business Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
305 Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
306 Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
307 High-Hazard Group H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
308 Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
309 Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
310 Residential Group R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
311 Storage Group S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
313 Laboratories Group L [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
CALGreen § 1-24 High relevance — show source text
102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
104 Duties and Powers of Building Official. . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
106 Floor and Roof Design Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
107 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
108 Temporary Structures, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
109 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
110 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
111 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1
301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3
CALGreen § 1-5 High relevance — show source text
102 Construction Documents
and Installation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
103 Building Standards Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5 104 Department of Housing and Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6 105 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
106 Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
CHAPTER 3 GREEN BUILDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3
4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) High relevance — show source text
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|15 300
|29 600
| |300
|295
|591
|1070
|1850
|2790
|5010
|13 900
|26 800
| |350
|272
|544
|981
|1700
|2570
|4610
|12 800
|24 700
| |400
|253
|506
|913
|1580
|2390
|4290
|11 900
|22 900
| |450
|237
|475
|856
|1480
|2240
|4020
|11 100
|21 500
| |500
|224
|448
|809
|1400
|2120
|3800
|10 500
|20 300
| |550
|213
|426
|768
|1330
|2010
|3610
|9990
|19 300
| |600
|203
|406
|733
|1270
|1920
|3440
|9530
|18 400
| |650
|194
|389
|702
|1220
|1840
|3300
|9130
|17 600
| |700
|187
|374
|674
|1170
|1760
|3170
|8770
|16 900
| |750
|180
|360
|649
|1130
|1700
|3050
|8450
|16 300
| |800
|174
|348
|627
|1090
|1640
|2950
|8160
|15 800
| |850
|168
|336
|607
|1050
|1590
|2850
|7890
|15 300
| |900
|163
|326
|588
|1020
|1540
|2770
|7650
|14 800
| |950
|158
|317
|572
|990
|1500
|2690
|7430
|14 400
| |1000
|154
|308
|556
|963
|1450
|2610
|7230
|14 000
| |1100
|146
|293
|528
|915
|1380
|2480
|6870
|13 300
| |1200
|139
|279
|504
|873
|1320
|2370
|6550
|12 700
| |1300
|134
|267
|482
|836
|1260
|2270
|6270
|12CALGreen § 2-1 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(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-
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 X X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)X X X Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter/Section 201 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL
CODE† † † LOW-RISE
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING† † † PLANTS † † † RESIDENTIAL BUILDING † † † RESILIENT FLOORING † † † The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 2-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
2-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
2 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 201—GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other documents. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the California Building Stan- dards Code or other referenced documents, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those publications.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined as specified in this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
SECTION 202—DEFINITIONS
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is covered in §202?
Section 202 contains the alphabetical list of the technical definitions used throughout CALGreen; consult §202 for term meanings used by mandatory measures, voluntary measures and appendices .
If a term isn’t in Chapter 2, where do I look?
If a term is not defined in Chapter 2, CALGreen directs you to ordinary accepted usage or to definitions in the California Building Standards Code and other referenced documents per §201.3–§201.4 .
Do other chapters ever define their own terms?
Some chapters/appendices call out terms that are “defined in Chapter 2” rather than redefining them locally; where a chapter needs unique terms it may still include its own definition sections, but cross-references to Chapter 2 are common (see A4.202.1 and A5.102.1) .
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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Start Free TrialRelated in the CALGreen
Administration (Chapter 1)
Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)