CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

What defines CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 performance thresholds?

In plain terms: Tier 1 means “model to the current Savings By Design healthcare procedures”; Tier 2 means “design to beat that modeled result by at least 15%.” (§ 305.1.1–305.1.2)

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The CALGreen voluntary tiers establish performance thresholds for buildings pursuing enhanced green building measures. CALGreen Tier 1 requires compliance with the latest edition of the “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” and CALGreen Tier 2 requires exceeding that same document’s outcome by a minimum of 15 percent (see § 305.1.1 and § 305.1.2). The tiers are voluntary measures used to meet higher-than-mandatory green performance thresholds; they are described in the CALGreen voluntary tiers chapter and corresponding appendices (see § 305.1).

The simplest rule: Tier 1 = follow the latest Savings By Design healthcare modeling procedures; Tier 2 = do better than that procedure by at least 15%. (§ 305.1.1, § 305.1.2)

Requirements in detail

Core definitions (first-use)

  • CALGreen Tier 1 — compliance with the latest edition of the “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.” § 305.1.1.
  • CALGreen Tier 2 — performance that exceeds the Savings By Design procedures’ outcome by a minimum of 15 percent. § 305.1.2.
  • Voluntary tier — a non-mandatory set of additional prerequisite and elective green measures that a building must select and document to meet a tier threshold. § 305.1 (and § 304.1.1 for the voluntary-tier purpose and adoption).

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Decision dimension What the code requires Code Reference
Baseline / method for Tier 1 Comply with the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.” § 305.1.1
Threshold for Tier 2 Exceed the Savings By Design result by at least 15% (i.e., 15 percent improvement relative to the Savings By Design outcome). § 305.1.2
Voluntary nature / adoption Tiers are voluntary; local jurisdictions may adopt/enforce tiers and may grant modifications when impractical. § 305.1 and § 304.1.1
“Latest edition” requirement Models, procedures or guidance referenced must be the latest edition at the time of compliance. § 305.1.1 (phrase: “latest edition”)

Note: CALGreen also provides voluntary tier checklists and verification guidelines in the appendices (see Appendix A5 / A6 for nonresidential and health‑facility voluntary tier detail), which implement the tier structure and documentation expectations.

What “exceed by 15 percent” means (what the code does — and does not — state)

  • The code explicitly sets the quantitative threshold for Tier 2 as “by a minimum of 15 percent” relative to the referenced Savings By Design procedure outcome. § 305.1.2.
  • The sections quoted do not define the exact metric (e.g., energy use intensity, source energy, site kWh) or the calculation protocol inside § 305.1.2; those procedural details are expected to follow the referenced “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” (the code requires use of the latest edition). § 305.1.1 & § 305.1.2.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The tiers are explicitly voluntary: a jurisdiction must adopt voluntary tiers before they are enforceable locally; local adoption, modification and enforcement are governed under the voluntary tiers provisions. See § 305.1 and § 304.1.1 for the voluntary/adoption framework.
  • For health facilities, Appendix A6 reiterates the same performance approach requiring the Savings By Design procedures for Tier 1 and the 15% improvement for Tier 2; Appendix checklists (A6/A5) provide verification and documentation paths for compliance.
  • The CALGreen text in the controlling sections does not provide calculation rounding rules, metric units, or explicit baseline years — those are governed by the referenced Savings By Design procedures (the code requires use of the latest edition). If your jurisdiction or project needs a specific metric or a local interpretation, consult the local enforcing agency or the referenced Savings By Design document. § 305.1.1, § 305.1.2.

Common mistakes

  • Treating the Savings By Design document as optional: the code requires compliance with the latest edition for Tier 1 — it is the prescribed method (see § 305.1.1).
  • Misreading the Tier 2 threshold as “15 percentage points” rather than a 15 percent improvement over the Savings By Design result. The text states “by a minimum of 15 percent” — apply percent improvement semantics consistent with the referenced modeling procedure. § 305.1.2.
  • Assuming Tier requirements replace mandatory Chapter 5 measures: they are voluntary in addition to (not in lieu of) applicable mandatory measures. The tier framework sits beside the mandatory measures and uses appendices/checklists for verification. See § 305.1.
  • Failing to use the “latest edition” of Savings By Design: the code demands the latest edition for Tier 1 comparisons — always verify which edition is current at time of design submittal. § 305.1.1.

Worked example — concrete scenario applying the rule

Scenario: A hospital energy model following the Savings By Design healthcare modeling procedures produces an annual site energy consumption baseline of 1,000,000 kWh/year under the prescribed Savings By Design baseline case.

  • Tier 1: To achieve CALGreen Tier 1, the project must demonstrate compliance using the latest edition of the Savings By Design healthcare modeling procedures (i.e., follow the modeling inputs, assumptions, and reporting required by that document and show the modeled results). § 305.1.1.

  • Tier 2: To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, the project must exceed the Savings By Design modeled outcome by at least 15%. If the Savings By Design outcome equates to 1,000,000 kWh/year, a 15% improvement equals 150,000 kWh. Therefore the project target would be:

    • 1,000,000 kWh − 150,000 kWh = ≤ 850,000 kWh/year (i.e., project modeled use must be at or below 850,000 kWh/year). § 305.1.2.

Caveat: this numerical example uses site energy (kWh) for clarity. The controlling CALGreen sections do not prescribe which exact energy metric to use in § 305.1.2 — the appropriate metric and modeling procedure come from the referenced “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” and any local interpretations. Always follow the referenced document’s metric and the local enforcing agency’s directions. § 305.1.1, § 305.1.2.

Related provisions

  • § 305.1 — Statement of what CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings are (voluntary green building measures necessary to meet each threshold).
  • § 305.1.1 — CALGreen Tier 1 requirement: comply with latest “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
  • § 305.1.2 — CALGreen Tier 2 requirement: exceed the Savings By Design result by at least 15%.
  • § 304.1.1 — Voluntary tiers framework and local adoption/modification guidance.
  • Appendix A5 (A5.601, A5.602, Tier checklists) — Nonresidential voluntary tier guidance, prerequisites, elective lists and verification checklists that implement tier compliance.
  • Appendix A6 (A6.203.2.1 / A6.203.2.2) — Voluntary standards for health facilities reiterating the same Tier 1 and Tier 2 energy performance approach (use of Savings By Design and 15% improvement).

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 203.2 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

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

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

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

    SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. Equipment and systems expectations.
    2. Building occupant and O&M personnel expectations.
  • CALGreen § 304.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS

    304.1 Purpose. Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.

    304.1.1 Tiers. The provisions of Divisions A4.6 and A5.6 outline means, in the form of voluntary tiers, for achieving enhanced construction levels by incorporating additional measures for residential and nonresidential new construction. Voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies. Buildings complying with tiers specified for each occupancy contain additional prerequisite and elective green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each tier. See Section 101.7 of this code for procedures and requirements related to local amendments, additions or deletions, including changes to energy standards.

    [BSC & HCD] Where there are practical difficulties involved in complying with the threshold levels of a tier, the enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases. The enforcing agency shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the tier impractical and that modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the measure. The details of any action granting modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.

    SECTION 305 [OSHPD 1]— CALGreen TIER 1 AND CALGreen TIER 2

    305.1 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 buildings contain voluntary green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.

    305.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. To achieve CALGreen Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/main/page_ downloads_ sbd_healthcare.html.

    305.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.

    SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    306.1 Purpose. For public schools and community colleges, voluntary measures further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.

    306.1.1 Appendix A5, Divisions A5.1 through A5.5, outline means of achieving enhanced sustainable design and construction by incorporating voluntary measures that exceed the mandatory measures.

    306.1.2 Chapter 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures that are not adopted as mandatory measures by DSA-SS are voluntary measures recommended and encouraged for the design, construction, verification and maintenance of non-energy systems.

    Note: The building commissioning requirements for energy efficiency specified in the California Energy Code are required.

    3-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

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

  • CALGreen § 405.4 High relevance — show source text
    1. From Division A5.4,

    a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.5,

    a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.

    1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.

    A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

    A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

    A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

    A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.

    A5.601.3.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 2. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.3.1 and A5.601.3.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 2:

    1. From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for fuel efficient vehicles for a minimum of 50 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.2 with footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.3. [1]

    d. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

    APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

  • CALGreen § 601.2.4 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. From Division A5.3,

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

    1. From Division A5.4,

    a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.5,

    a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.

    1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.

    A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

    A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

    A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

    A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.

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

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

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

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

    DIVISION A6.1 – SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN

    SECTION A6.106—SITE DEVELOPMENT

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

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

    Calculations may be made using the Solar-2 tool.

    DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    SECTION A6.202—DEFINITIONS

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

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

    SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

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

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

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

    SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

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

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

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

  • CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-39

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    APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS

    SECTION A5.601—CALGreen TIER 1 AND TIER 2 Col2 Col3 Col4
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    CATEGORY ENVIRONMENTAL
    PERFORMANCE GOAL    		 TIER 1 TIER 2
    All Minimum Mandatory
    (See Mandatory Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 1 Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 2 Checklist)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Reuse of existing building See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements    		 See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Designated Parking for
    Fuel Efficient Vehicles
    (Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)    		 Approx. 35% of total spaces Approx. 50% of total spaces
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Electric Vehicle Charging Approx. 30% of total spaces Approx. 45% of total spaces
    **DIVISION 5.
  • CALGreen § 106.9 Medium relevance — show source text
    FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen    		 VOLUNTARY
    CALGreen
    FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
    CALGreen    		 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2
    DIVISION A6.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
    SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development
    **A6.106.9 Building orientation.**Locate and orient the building as follows:
    1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and
    south.
    2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope
    caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust.
    DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
    SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures
    A6.203.1 Energy performance. [OSHPD 1]
    **A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
    “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
    A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
    By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.
    SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures
    **A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.**All equipment and appliances provided
    by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment
    or appliance.
    A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
    Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
    construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
    a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
    the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
    systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
    updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
    **A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.
  • CALGreen § 8-40 Medium relevance — show source text

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-40

    APPENDIX A4 RESIDENTIAL

    VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-3

    A4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-3 A4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-9 A4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A4-13 A4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-15 A4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-19 A4.6 Tier 1 and Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-21

    Division A4.6—Residential Occupancies Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-23 A4.7 Residential Model Ordinance . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A4-31

    APPENDIX A5 NONRESIDENTIAL

    VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3

    A5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3 A5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-13 A5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A5-19 A5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-25 A5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-35 A5.6 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41 A5.601 CALGren Tier 1 and Tier 2. . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41

    A5.602 CALGreen Verification Guidelines Mandatory Measures Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-44

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

    Tier 1 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-48

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

    Tier 2 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-55

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

  • CALGreen § 203.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    [OSHPD 1]**
    **A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
    “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
    A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
    By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.||||| |SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures||||| |**A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.**All equipment and appliances provided
    by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment
    or appliance.||||| |A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
    Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
    construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
    a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
    the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
    **A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
    systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
    updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
    **A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.**A commissioning plan describing how the project will be
    commissioned shall be started during the design phase of the building project and shall
    include as a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.3.
    A6.204.4.4 Functional performance testingshall demonstrate the correct installation and
    operation of each component, system and system-to-system interface in accordance with
    the approved plans and specifications.
    **A6.204.4.5 Post construction documentation and training.**A systems manual and
    systems operations training are required.
    **A6.204.4.5.1 Systems manual.**The systems manual shall be delivered to the building
    owner and facilities operator and shall include the items listed in Section A6.204.4.5.1.
    A6.204.4.5.2 Systems operations training. The training of the appropriate maintenance
    staff for each equipment type and/or system shall include as a minimum items listed in
    Section A6.204.4.5.2.
    **A6.204.4.6 Commissioning report.**A complete report of commissioning process activities
    undertaken through the design, construction and postconstruction phases of the building
    project shall be completed and provided to the owner.||







    |







    || |**A6.204.6 Building orientation and shading.

  • CALGreen § 602.2 Medium relevance — show source text
    Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement
    Check the appropriate box(es) for the list below.
    □ Mandatory: I attest that the mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete.
    □ Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected meet or exceed the total number required
    to achieve Tier 1 compliance.
    □ Partial Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected do not meet the total number
    required to achieve Tier 1 compliance: however, partial Tier 1 compliance has been achieved.    		 Col2
    Signature:
    Company: Date:
    Address: License:
    City/State/Zip: Phone:

    APPENDIX A5-54 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602.2

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

    TIER 2 CHECKLIST

    Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet the following: new construction, or building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more pursuant to Section 301.3, AND are adopting Tier 2 voluntary measures.

    Note: All applicable mandatory requirements in Chapter 5 shall be met prior to applying Tier 2 voluntary measures.

    Instructions:

    Comply with all Tier 2 prerequisite measures from the various categories shown on the table below.

    Add a “ Y ” to all mandatory and Tier 2 prerequisite measures in the appropriate columns.

    Select the required number of additional electives from those categories shown on the table below and add a “ Y ” on the selected elective and add an “ N ” on the rest.

    Count the total number of Tier 2 prerequisite measures plus the additional electives and write down the total number at the end of the checklist. Determine if the required number of Tier 2 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 2 compliance.

    Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included) N = No (section has not been selected and/or included) O = Other (provide explanation)

    [N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

    [A] = Additions and/or Alterations pursuant to Section 301.3

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception    		 5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
    note    		 5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb
    less than 1 acre of land    		 5.106.1 through
    5.106.
  • CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    VOLUNTARY MEASURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3

    A5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-3 A5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-13 A5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . APPENDIX A5-19 A5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-25 A5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-35 A5.6 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41 A5.601 CALGren Tier 1 and Tier 2. . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-41

    A5.602 CALGreen Verification Guidelines Mandatory Measures Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-44

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

    Tier 1 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-48

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

    Tier 2 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A5-55

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

    FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.1 Site Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-3 A6.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-32 A6.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A6.1-33

    INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX-1

    HISTORY NOTE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HIST-1

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE vii

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

    viii 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION

    (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

  • CALGreen § 304.3.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    For Risk Categories I, II and III, the Tier 1 and Tier 2 procedures need not be considered for the BSE-1E earthquake hazard level.
    b. For Risk Category III, the Tier 1 screening checklists shall be based on the Collapse Prevention, except that checklist statements using the Quick Check provisions shall be
    based on_MS_-factors that are the average of the values for Collapse Prevention and Life Safety.
    c. For Risk Category IV, the Tier 1 screening checklists shall be based on Collapse Prevention, except that checklist statements using the Quick Check provisions shall be based
    on_MS_-factors for Life Safety.|a. For Risk Categories I, II and III, the Tier 1 and Tier 2 procedures need not be considered for the BSE-1E earthquake hazard level.
    b. For Risk Category III, the Tier 1 screening checklists shall be based on the Collapse Prevention, except that checklist statements using the Quick Check provisions shall be
    based on_MS_-factors that are the average of the values for Collapse Prevention and Life Safety.
    c. For Risk Category IV, the Tier 1 screening checklists shall be based on Collapse Prevention, except that checklist statements using the Quick Check provisions shall be based
    on_MS_-factors for Life Safety.|a. For Risk Categories I, II and III, the Tier 1 and Tier 2 procedures need not be considered for the BSE-1E earthquake hazard level.
    b. For Risk Category III, the Tier 1 screening checklists shall be based on the Collapse Prevention, except that checklist statements using the Quick Check provisions shall be
    based on_MS_-factors that are the average of the values for Collapse Prevention and Life Safety.
    c. For Risk Category IV, the Tier 1 screening checklists shall be based on Collapse Prevention, except that checklist statements using the Quick Check provisions shall be based
    on_MS_-factors for Life Safety.|

    304.3.3 Criteria for incidental and minor structural alteration, additions, or repairs of pre-1973 code buildings. [OSHPD 1R, 2, 4 & 5] Provisions of this section shall apply to hospital buildings which were originally designed to pre-1973 building codes, and had no major structural alterations, additions or repairs using 1973 California Building Standards Code or later editions with an OSHPD permit. 1. Nonstructural components. Component importance factor, I p , shall be permitted to be 1.0. Exception: Components required for life safety purposes after an earthquake, including emergency, standby or alternative power systems, mechanical smoke removal systems, fire protection sprinkler systems, fire alarm control panels and egress stairways shall have a component importance factor (I p ) of 1.5.

    SECTION 305—IN-SITU LOAD TESTS

    [BS] 305.1 General. Where used, in-situ load tests shall be conducted in accordance with Section 1708 of the California Building Code .

    SECTION 306—ACCESSIBILITY FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    [DSA-AC] Public buildings, public accommodations, commercial facilities and public housing regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance in Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1 shall comply with Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Chapter 11B.

Frequently asked questions

What is the required reference procedure for Tier 1?

Tier 1 requires compliance with the latest edition of the “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.” See § 305.1.1.

Exactly how much better must Tier 2 be than the Savings By Design outcome?

Tier 2 must exceed the Savings By Design result by a minimum of 15 percent. See § 305.1.2.

Are these tiers mandatory for all projects in California?

No — the tiers are voluntary. A local jurisdiction must adopt them for local enforcement; see § 305.1 and § 304.1.1.

Does the code section specify the energy metric (kWh, EUI, source energy)?

No — the controlling sections (§ 305.1.1 and § 305.1.2) reference the Savings By Design procedures for modeling details. The metric and calculation protocol are to follow that referenced document.

Where do I find the verification steps and checklists?

Verification guidance and checklists for Tier 1 and Tier 2 are included in the CALGreen appendices (Appendix A5 / A6), which provide the required documentation and checklist forms.

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Related in the CALGreen

What voluntary measures apply to public schools and community colleges?

Where are the CALGreen verification and Tier checklists found (compliance documentation)?

What are Voluntary Tiers and how can jurisdictions adopt them?

Voluntary tiers and voluntary measures (Sections 304–306 and Appendix A5)

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)