CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Which Chapter 2 definitions support material/embodied-carbon measures (LCA, EPD, Buy Clean)?

Chapter 2 of CALGreen defines the technical terms (notably LCA, Type III EPD, and Buy Clean) that the code uses to require product‑level GWP limits and whole‑building life‑cycle assessments; those definitions (in § 202) control what documents and methods — e.g., Type III EPDs and ISO‑compliant LCAs — are acceptable for compliance.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

The Chapter 2 definitions are the authoritative source of the technical terms CALGreen uses for embodied‑carbon work: LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA), TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD), BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA ACT, and related lifecycle/EPD terms are defined in § 202 and are referenced by the material/GWP requirements elsewhere in the code.

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

CALGreen puts the technical definitions for embodied‑carbon tools in § 202 so the same terms (for example LCA, Type III EPD, Factory‑specific EPD, Industry‑wide EPD, Cradle‑to‑grave) have a single, authoritative meaning used by the prescriptive and performance provisions (e.g., product GWP limits and whole‑building LCA). The product‑GWP prescriptive path and whole‑building LCA performance paths reference those Chapter 2 definitions when requiring Type III EPDs or ISO‑compliant LCA methods (§ 5.409 / A5.409).

Requirements in detail

Key Chapter 2 definitions you need to know (first mention bolded)

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) — defined in § 202 as the technique to evaluate energy/material use and environmental impacts for the whole life of a product or whole building; this definition is the basis for whole‑building LCA requirements.
TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD) — listed as a defined term in § 202; CALGreen requires Type III EPDs for specific products on the prescriptive product‑GWP lists.
FACTORY‑SPECIFIC EPD, INDUSTRY‑WIDE EPD (IW‑EPD), PRODUCT‑SPECIFIC EPD — EPD subtypes defined in § 202 and used by the product‑level compliance paths.
BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA ACT (BCCA) / BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA — defined in § 202 as the statutory program and referenced by CALGreen product GWP limits for the listed material categories.
CRADLE‑TO‑GRAVE and LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY (LCI) — lifecycle vocabulary in § 202 that ties CALGreen LCA requirements to ISO lifecycle practice.

How those definitions connect to the code’s measures

The prescriptive product path requires Type III EPDs for listed products and imposes maximum GWP values for product categories (see § 5.409.3 for mandatory nonresidential measures and Appendix A5 for voluntary tiers). The terms used in those sections are the Chapter 2 definitions.
The whole‑building performance path requires an ISO‑compliant cradle‑to‑grave LCA, and the LCA term and its lifecycle-related vocabulary come from § 202. The LCA requirements specify ISO 14040/44 and compatible data (ISO 21930 or EN 15804) for software/data sets.

Decision table — which Chapter 2 terms matter and where they are used

Defined term (Chapter 2)	Why it matters for LCA/EPD/Buy Clean	Where the code uses it (Code Reference)
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA)	Authoritative meaning for conducting cradle‑to‑grave building LCAs used in performance paths and Appendix A LCA tiers.	§ 202 (definitions); see § A5.409.2 (Tier LCA requirements)
TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD)	Required EPD type for products on the product‑GWP lists; determines acceptable documentation for product GWP.	§ 202 (definitions); see § 5.409.3 and § A5.409.3 (product GWP prescriptive path)
FACTORY‑SPECIFIC / PRODUCT‑SPECIFIC / IW‑EPD	Distinguishes which EPDs are acceptable (factory vs. industry EPDs) and where industry EPDs are allowed (e.g., concrete exception).	§ 202; see Exception language in § 5.409.3 / § A5.409.3 permitting IW‑EPDs for concrete weighted average compliance.
BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA ACT (BCCA)	Source for product category GWP benchmarks and limits that CALGreen adopts (steel, rebar, glass, mineral wool).	§ 202; see Table 5.409.3 / A5.409.3 for numeric GWP limits tied to BCCA benchmarks.
CRADLE‑TO‑GRAVE, LCI, REFERENCE STUDY PERIOD	Lifecycle framing and required inventory/time scope used in LCAs and EPD comparisons.	§ 202; reflected in LCA software/data requirements in § A5.409.2.1/2.

Verification / documentation tied to the definitions

Where § 202 defines Type III EPD or LCA, the code requires submission of those documents or LCA outputs: product Type III EPDs and Worksheet (WS‑5 or WS‑8 / WS‑7) signed by the design professional of record must be provided with the construction documents. These submission requirements reference the Chapter 2 terms to ensure consistent documentation.

Exceptions & special cases

Concrete treated as a single product category: CALGreen allows a weighted‑average calculation across concrete mixes; in that exception industry‑wide EPDs (IW‑EPDs) are acceptable for concrete mixes for the weighted average test. The exception is given in the product‑GWP sections (Exception / Exception EQUATION 5.409.3.1).
EPD type flexibility: The code specifically requires Type III EPDs for listed products; other EPD types (e.g., Type I, II) are not the required documentation for those product‑GWP checks unless otherwise specified. The Chapter 2 definitions distinguish the subtypes so enforcement can check for the correct EPD class.
LCA software/data compliance: Whole‑building LCAs must use software and datasets compliant with ISO 14044 and ISO 21930 or EN 15804; CALGreen defines LCA terminology in Chapter 2 to tie those tool requirements to the required technical scope.

Common mistakes

Confusing EPD types: submitting a non‑Type III EPD when Type III EPD is required. Use the Chapter 2 EPD subtype definitions to confirm acceptable documentation.
Treating industry‑wide EPDs as acceptable for all products — the code allows IW‑EPDs only where specifically stated (notably the concrete weighted average exception). Check the specific product section before accepting an IW‑EPD.
Running an LCA with datasets that are not ISO/EN compatible — Chapter 2 gives the LCA term; the LCA performance provisions require ISO 14040/44 and compatible data sets (ISO 21930 or EN 15804). Non‑compliant LCA tools/data will be rejected.
Forgetting to provide the required worksheets and EPDs in the construction documents (worksheets WS‑5, WS‑7, WS‑8 are specifically tied to product and whole‑building LCA documentation).

Worked example — concrete weighted average check (using the Exception EQUATION)

Scenario: A project places two ready‑mixed concrete mixes:

Mix A: 100 m3 with EPD GWP = 500 kg CO2e/m3
Mix B: 50 m3 with EPD GWP = 700 kg CO2e/m3

Step 1 — compute project weighted average GWP_n:

GWP_n = [ (100 × 500) + (50 × 700) ] ÷ (100 + 50) = (50,000 + 35,000) ÷ 150 = 566.67 kg CO2e/m3

Step 2 — compare to allowed GWP from Table 5.409.3 for the relevant concrete category (example: 3500–4499 psi allowable GWP_allowed = 566 kg CO2e/m3 in Table 5.409.3). Because 566.67 > 566, the project would fail the weighted average test. Use the Exception EQUATION 5.409.3.1 calculations and the Table value when documenting compliance.

Notes: The concrete weighted average exception explicitly allows industry‑wide EPDs for concrete mixes when performing the weighted average calculation; confirm the EPD type matches the allowance.

Related provisions (quick list)

§ 202 — Chapter 2 Definitions (LCA, Type III EPD, Buy Clean, etc.).
§ 5.409.3 — Product GWP compliance (prescriptive path) and EPD requirements for mandatory nonresidential measures.
§ 5.409.3.2 — Verification of compliance and required EPD/worksheet submission for mandatory path.
§ 5.402.1 — Definition references in Division 5.4 that direct users to Chapter 2 definitions.
§ A5.409.2 / A5.409.3 — Appendix A voluntary LCA tiers and product GWP limits (Tier 1/Tier 2) and LCA software/data requirements.
Table 5.409.3 / Table A5.409.3 — Numeric GWP limits (Buy Clean categories and concrete limits) used with Chapter 2 terms for compliance comparisons.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CALGreen § 5.409.3 High relevance — show source text

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]

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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

TABLE 5.409.3—PRODUCT GWP LIMITS	Col2	Col3
BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA MATERIALS PRODUCT CATEGORY1	MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP VALUE (unfabricated) (GWPallowed)	UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
Hot-rolled structural steel sections	1.77	MT CO2e/MT
Hollow structural sections	3.00	MT CO2e/MT
Steel plate	2.61	MT CO2e/MT
Concrete reinforcing steel	1.56	MT CO2e/MT
Flat glass	2.50	kg CO2e/MT
Light-density mineral wool board insulation	5.83	kg CO2e/1 m2
Heavy-density mineral wool board insulation	14.28	kg CO2e/1 m2
Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3	Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3	Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3
CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY	MAXIMUM GWP ALLOWED VALUE (GWPallowed)	UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
up to 2499 psi	450	kg CO2e/m3
2500~~-~~3499 psi	489	kg CO2e/m3
3500~~-~~4499 psi	566	kg CO2e/m3
4500~~-~~5499 psi	661	kg CO2e/m3
5500~~-~~6499 psi	701	kg CO2e/m3
6500 psi and greater	799	kg CO2e/m3
Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2	Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2	Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2
CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY	MAXIMUM GWP ALLOWED VALUE (GWPallowed)	UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
up to 2499 psi	875	kg CO2e/m3
2500~~-~~3499 psi	956	kg CO2e/m3
3500~~-~~4499 psi	1039	kg CO2e/m3
1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table 5.409.3 are based on 175 percent of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not included in the BCCA. 2. For concrete, 175 percent 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.

CALGreen § 409.3 High relevance — show source text
Lightweight Ready-Mixed2**|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2| |CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY|TIER 1
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|TIER 2
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|UNIT OF MEASUREMENT| |up to 2499 psi
|750|500|kg CO2e/m3| |2500~~-3499 psi
|819|546|kg CO2e/m3| |3500-~~4499 psi|891|594|kg CO2e/m3| |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.|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.|
CALGreen § 401.1 High relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A5-24 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A5.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

SECTION A5.401—GENERAL

A5.401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter specify the requirements of achieving enhanced compliance with material conservation, resource efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction through reuse of existing building stock and materials; use of recycled, regional, rapidly renewable and certified wood materials; and employment of techniques to reduce pollution through recycling of materials.

SECTION A5.402—DEFINITIONS

A5.402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

BUILDING COMMISSIONING.

BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA ACT (BCCA).

CRADLE-TO-GRAVE.

EMBODIED ENERGY.

EUTROPHICATION.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA).

LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY (LCI).

OVE.

POSTCONSUMER CONTENT.

PRECONSUMER (or POSTINDUSTRIAL) CONTENT.

RECYCLED CONTENT.

RECYCLED CONTENT VALUE (RCV).

REFERENCE STUDY PERIOD.

TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD).

FACTORY-SPECIFIC EPD.

INDUSTRY-WIDE EPD (IW-EPD).

PRODUCT-SPECIFIC EPD.

SECTION A5.403—FOUNDATION SYSTEMS (RESERVED)

SECTION A5.404—EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES

A5.404.1 Wood framing. Employ advanced wood framing techniques or OVE, as recommended by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs and as permitted by the enforcing agency.

A5.404.1.1 Structural or fire-resistance integrity. The OVE selected shall not conflict with structural framing methods or firerated assemblies required by the California Building Code.

A5.404.1.2 Framing specifications. Advanced framing techniques include the following:
1. Building design using 2-foot modules;
2. Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on center;
3. Spacing floor and roof framing members up to 24 inches on center;
4. Using 2-stud corner framing and drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing;
5. Eliminating solid headers in non-load-bearing walls;
6. Using in-line framing, aligning floor, wall and roof framing members vertically for direct transfer of loads; and
7. Using single lumber headers and top plates where appropriate.
Note: Additional information can be obtained from the US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) website.

SECTION A5.405—MATERIAL SOURCES

CALGreen § 409.3 High relevance — show source text

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]

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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

TABLE A5.409.3—PRODUCT GWP LIMITS, TIER 1 AND TIER 2	Col2	Col3	Col4
BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA PRODUCT CATEGORY1	TIER 1 MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP VALUE (unfabricated) (GWPallowed)	TIER 2 MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP VALUE (unfabricated) (GWPallowed)	UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
Hot-rolled structural steel sections	1.52	1.01	MT CO2e/MT
Hollow structural sections	2.57	1.71	MT CO2e/MT
Steel plate	2.24	1.49	MT CO2e/MT
Concrete reinforcing steel	1.34	0.89	MT CO2e/MT
Flat glass	2.15	1.43	kg CO2e/MT
Light-density mineral wool board insulation	5.00	3.33	kg CO2e/1 m2
Heavy-density mineral wool board insulation	12.24	8.16	kg CO2e/1 m2
Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3	Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3	Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3	**Concrete, Ready-Mixed2,

CALGreen § 5.409.3 High relevance — show source text
For concrete, 175 percent 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 percent of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table 5.409.3 are based on 175 percent of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not
included in the BCCA.
2. For concrete, 175 percent 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 percent of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table 5.409.3 are based on 175 percent of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not
included in the BCCA.
2. For concrete, 175 percent 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 percent of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|

5.409.3.2 Verification of compliance. Calculations to demonstrate compliance, Type III EPDs for products required to comply, if included in the project, and Worksheet WS-5 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.

SECTION 5.410—BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION

5.410.1 Recycling by occupants. Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are identified for the depositing, storage and collection of non-hazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, organic waste and metals, or meet a lawfully enacted local recycling ordinance, if more restrictive.

Exception: Rural jurisdictions that meet and apply for the exemption in Public Resources Code 42649.82 (a)(2)(A) et seq. shall also be exempt from the organic waste portion of this section.

5.410.1.1 Additions. All additions conducted within a 12-month period under single or multiple permits, resulting in an increase of 30 percent or more in floor area, shall provide recycling areas on site.

Exception: Additions within a tenant space resulting in less than a 30-percent increase in the tenant space floor area.

5.410.1.2 Sample ordinance. Space allocation for recycling areas shall comply with Chapter 18, Part 3, Division 30 of the Public Resources Code. Chapter 18 is known as the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991 (Act).
CALGreen § 401.1 High relevance — show source text
401.1||||||||X||||||||||||||| |5.402.1 Definitions||||||||X||||||||||||||| |5.407 and subsections||||||||X||||||||||||||| |5.408.1 and subsections||||||||X||||||||||||||| |5.409 and subsections||||||||X||||||||||||||| |5.410.1||||||||X||||||||||||||| |5.410.1.2||||||||X|||||||||||||||

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5-22 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

DIVISION 5.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

SECTION 5.401—GENERAL

5.401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter specify the requirements of achieving material conservation, resource efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction through protection of buildings from exterior moisture, construction waste diversion, employment of techniques to reduce pollution through recycling of materials, the installation of products with lower GHG emissions and building commissioning or testing and adjusting.

SECTION 5.402—DEFINITIONS

5.402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

ADJUST.

BALANCE.

BUILDING COMMISSIONING.

BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA ACT (BCCA).

CRADLE-TO-GRAVE.

ORGANIC WASTE.

REFERENCE STUDY PERIOD.

TEST.

TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD).

FACTORY-SPECIFIC EPD.

INDUSTRY-WIDE EPD (IW-EPD).

PRODUCT-SPECIFIC EPD.

SECTION 5.403—FOUNDATION SYSTEMS (RESERVED)

SECTION 5.404—EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES (RESERVED)

SECTION 5.405—MATERIAL SOURCES (RESERVED)

SECTION 5.406—ENHANCED DURABILITY AND REDUCED MAINTENANCE (RESERVED)

SECTION 5.407—WATER RESISTANCE AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT

5.407.1 Weather protection. Provide a weather-resistant exterior wall and foundation envelope as required by California Building Code Section 1402.2 (Weather Protection), manufacturer’s installation instructions or local ordinance, whichever is more stringent.

5.407.2 Moisture control. Employ moisture control measures by the following methods.

5.407.2.1 Sprinklers. Design and maintain landscape irrigation systems to prevent spray on structures.

5.407.2.2 Entries and openings. Design exterior entries and/or openings subject to foot traffic or wind-driven rain to prevent water intrusion into buildings as follows:

5.407.2.2.1 Exterior door protection. Primary exterior entries shall be covered to prevent water intrusion by using nonabsorbent floor and wall finishes within at least 2 feet around and perpendicular to such openings plus at least one of the following:
1. An installed awning at least 4 feet in depth.
2. The door is protected by a roof overhang at least 4 feet in depth.
CALGreen § 0.89 High relevance — show source text
34|0.89|MT CO2e/MT| |Flat glass|2.15|1.43|kg CO2e/MT| |Light-density mineral wool board insulation|5.00|3.33|kg CO2e/1 m2| |Heavy-density mineral wool board insulation|12.24|8.16|kg CO2e/1 m2| |Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3|Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3|Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3|Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3| |CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY|TIER 1
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|TIER 2
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|UNIT OF MEASUREMENT| |up to 2499 psi
|386|257|kg CO2e/m3| |2500~~-3499 psi
|419|279|kg CO2e/m3| |3500-4499 psi
|485|323|kg CO2e/m3| |4500-5499 psi
|567|378|kg CO2e/m3| |5500-6499 psi|601|401|kg CO2e/m3| |6500 psi and greater|685|456|kg CO2e/m3| |Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2| |CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY|TIER 1
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|TIER 2
MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
VALUE (unfabricated)
(GWPallowed)|UNIT OF MEASUREMENT| |up to 2499 psi
|750|500|kg CO2e/m3| |2500-3499 psi
|819|546|kg CO2e/m3| |3500-~~4499 psi|891|594|kg CO2e/m3| |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.
CALGreen § 404.1 High relevance — show source text
PRECONSUMER (or POSTINDUSTRIAL) CONTENT.

RECYCLED CONTENT.

RECYCLED CONTENT VALUE (RCV).

REFERENCE STUDY PERIOD.

TYPE III ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD).

FACTORY-SPECIFIC EPD.

INDUSTRY-WIDE EPD (IW-EPD).

PRODUCT-SPECIFIC EPD.

SECTION A5.403—FOUNDATION SYSTEMS (RESERVED)

SECTION A5.404—EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES

A5.404.1 Wood framing. Employ advanced wood framing techniques or OVE, as recommended by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs and as permitted by the enforcing agency.

A5.404.1.1 Structural or fire-resistance integrity. The OVE selected shall not conflict with structural framing methods or firerated assemblies required by the California Building Code.

A5.404.1.2 Framing specifications. Advanced framing techniques include the following:
1. Building design using 2-foot modules;
2. Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on center;
3. Spacing floor and roof framing members up to 24 inches on center;
4. Using 2-stud corner framing and drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing;
5. Eliminating solid headers in non-load-bearing walls;
6. Using in-line framing, aligning floor, wall and roof framing members vertically for direct transfer of loads; and
7. Using single lumber headers and top plates where appropriate.
Note: Additional information can be obtained from the US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) website.

SECTION A5.405—MATERIAL SOURCES

A5.405.1 Regional materials. Compared to other products in a given product category, select building materials or products for permanent installation on the project that have been harvested or manufactured in California or within 500 miles of the project site.
1. For those materials locally manufactured, select materials manufactured using low embodied energy or those that will result in net energy savings over their useful life.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
1. Regional materials shall make up at least 10 percent, based on cost, of total materials value.
2. If regional materials make up only part of a product, their values are calculated as percentages based on weight.
3. Provide documentation of the origin, net projected energy savings and value of regional materials.
A5.405.2 Bio-based materials. Select bio-based building materials and products made from solid wood, engineered wood, bamboo, wool, cotton, cork, straw, natural fibers, products made from crops (soy-based, corn-based) and other bio-based materials with at least 50-percent bio-based content.

A5.405.2.1 Certified wood components—sustainability standards. Provide wood products, for at least 50 percent of the project’s permanently installed products, that have been certified by independent third parties and labeled as having been produced in compliance with the accepted principles of sustainable forest management. The use of recycled and/or recovered wood products does not need to be certified. Comply with one or more of the following certifications of wood sustainability:
1. Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
2. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
CALGreen § 409.3 Medium 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:
1. Fossil fuel depletion.
2. Stratospheric ozone depletion.
3. Acidification of land and water sources.
4. Eutrophication.
5. 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 § 702.2 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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]

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-25

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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

TABLE 5.409.3—PRODUCT GWP LIMITS	Col2	Col3
BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA MATERIALS PRODUCT CATEGORY1	MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP VALUE (unfabricated) (GWPallowed)	UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
Hot-rolled structural steel sections	1.77	MT CO2e/MT
Hollow structural sections	3.00	MT CO2e/MT
Steel plate	2.61	MT CO2e/MT
Concrete reinforcing steel	1.56	MT CO2e/MT
Flat glass	2.50	kg CO2e/MT
Light-density mineral wool board insulation	5.83	kg CO2e/1 m2
Heavy-density mineral wool board insulation	14.28	kg CO2e/1 m2
Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3	Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3	**Concrete, Ready-Mixed2,

CALGreen § 5.409.3 Medium relevance — show source text
3**|Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3| |CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY|MAXIMUM GWP ALLOWED VALUE
(GWPallowed)|UNIT OF MEASUREMENT| |up to 2499 psi
|450|kg CO2e/m3| |2500~~-3499 psi
|489|kg CO2e/m3| |3500-4499 psi
|566|kg CO2e/m3| |4500-5499 psi
|661|kg CO2e/m3| |5500-6499 psi|701|kg CO2e/m3| |6500 psi and greater|799|kg CO2e/m3| |Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2|Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2| |CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY|MAXIMUM GWP ALLOWED VALUE
(GWPallowed)|UNIT OF MEASUREMENT| |up to 2499 psi
|875|kg CO2e/m3| |2500-3499 psi
|956|kg CO2e/m3| |3500-~~4499 psi|1039|kg CO2e/m3| |1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table 5.409.3 are based on 175 percent of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not
included in the BCCA.
2. For concrete, 175 percent 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 percent of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table 5.409.3 are based on 175 percent of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not
included in the BCCA.
2. For concrete, 175 percent 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 percent of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|1. The GWP values of the products listed in Table 5.409.3 are based on 175 percent of Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) GWP values, except for concrete products which are not
included in the BCCA.
2. For concrete, 175 percent 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 percent of the ready-mixed concrete GWP allowed values for each product category.|

CALGreen § 1.3. Medium relevance — show source text

Adopting agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	HCD	Col6	Col7	DSA	Col9	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	SS/CC	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt entire chapter
Adopt entire chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
Chapter / Section
BL 105			X

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE APPENDIX BL-1

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APPENDIX BL-2 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

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BL HEMP-LIME (HEMPCRETE) CONSTRUCTION

The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a state agency or referenced in the adopting ordinance.

User notes:

About this appendix: Hemp-lime, commonly referred to as hempcrete, is a nonstructural, bio-composite insulation infill material composed of hemp hurd and a lime-based binder. The benefits of hemp-lime include high thermal performance, low embodied carbon emissions in production, high carbon sequestration in service, healthy living environments and high fire-resistance. These benefits, along with the 2018 United States legalization of hemp as a commercial crop, are driving rapid growth in interest and projects across the US.

SECTION BL101—GENERAL

BL101.1 Scope. This appendix shall govern the use of hemp-lime as a nonstructural building material and wall infill system. Townhouses in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2 and one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall require an approved engineered design by a registered design professional in accordance with Section R301.1.3.

SECTION BL102—DEFINITIONS

BL102.1 General. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the meanings shown herein. Refer to Chapter 2 for general definitions.

BINDER. The material that binds the hemp hurd in a hemp-lime mix.

BONDING COAT. The initial thin layer of binder-rich granulated plaster used in lined applications of hemp-lime construction to ensure adhesive and/or mechanical bonding. Also known as “gobetis.”

Frequently asked questions

Which Chapter 2 term is the single most important for whole‑building embodied‑carbon work?

The key term is LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) as defined in § 202 — it sets the technique and scope CALGreen requires for whole‑building GWP comparisons.

Do I always need a Type III EPD to show product compliance?

If the product is on the product‑GWP list the code requires a Type III EPD (product‑specific or factory‑specific) except where a concrete weighted average exception explicitly allows industry‑wide EPDs. Check the specific product table and exception language.

Where does CALGreen get the numeric GWP limits?

Numeric limits are adopted from the Buy Clean California Act benchmarks or other referenced benchmarks and are shown in Table 5.409.3 and Table A5.409.3; the BCCA‑linked categories are defined in § 202.

If my LCA software is ISO‑certified, is that enough?

The code requires software and datasets to be compliant with ISO 14040/44 and data aligned with ISO 21930 or EN 15804; using those standards is mandatory for the whole‑building LCA performance path.

Can I use industry EPDs for all products?

No — industry‑wide EPDs are acceptable only where the code explicitly allows them (for example, the concrete weighted average exception). Otherwise, the code requires the Type III EPD type specified by the product provision.

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