CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
Recycled content and material conservation provisions (material selection and documentation)
This page explains how CALGreen’s recycled‑content rules work: use the code’s prescribed math to show a project’s Recycled Content Value (RCV) meets **10% (Tier 1)** or **15% (Tier 2)** of total material cost, excludes structural framing, explains assembly and concrete rules, points to the Appendix tables and required documentation, and gives a worked numeric example.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)
The CALGreen recycled-content rules require projects to achieve a minimum total recycled content value (RCV) of the project materials — Tier 1 = 10% or Tier 2 = 15% of the total material cost, unless the project uses the alternate product-count options in the Appendix tables. These rules (including how to calculate RCV, what counts, and exclusions such as the structural frame) are specified in the CALGreen material‑sources sections — principally § A5.405 (nonresidential voluntary measures) and the parallel residential appendix § A4.405 — and include detailed calculation methods and product minimums.
The single most important rule: achieve a project-wide Recycled Content Value (RCV) equal to at least 10% (Tier 1) or 15% (Tier 2) of the total material cost, using the code's prescribed calculations; structural-frame materials are excluded.
Requirements in detail
Key defined terms (first mention bolded)
- Recycled Content (RC) — the portion of a material that is recycled (ISO 14021 referenced).
- Postconsumer content and Preconsumer (postindustrial) content — used to compute RC percentages.
- Recycled Content Value (RCV) — the dollar value used for compliance: material cost × (postconsumer % + 0.5 × preconsumer %).
- Total Material Cost — project material cost calculated by either the Simplified or Detailed method (see below).
What must be achieved
- Achieve a Total RCV ≥ 10% of Total Material Cost for Tier 1, or ≥ 15% for Tier 2. § A5.405 (Appendix) provides the explicit Tier thresholds and alternate product options.
- Structural‑frame materials (wall studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters, trusses) are excluded from recycled-content calculations.
How to compute (high level)
- Compute Total Material Cost (either Simplified or Detailed method).
- Compute each material’s RCV_M: Material cost × RC_M (percent), where RC_M = postconsumer % + 0.5 × preconsumer %.
- For assemblies, compute RCV_A: Assembly cost × RC_A (percent). RC_A is the sum of each material’s proportional recycled content in the assembly (PRC_M). Two PRC methods are provided (percent-based or weight/pound-based).
- Total Recycled Content Value = Σ RCV_M + Σ RCV_A. Compare dollar value to required Total Material Cost × 10% or 15% (Tier).
Calculation methods / formulas — decision table
| Decision dimension | Values / thresholds | How used | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier target | 10% (Tier 1) or 15% (Tier 2) | Required Total RCV ≥ Total Material Cost × tier % | § A5.405.4 (Tier rules) |
| Total Material Cost method | Simplified (project SF × valuation × 45%) or Detailed (sum of material costs) | Use selected method to derive denominator for RCV % | § A5.405.4.1 |
| Material RCV formula | RCV_M = Material cost × RC_M (percent) | RC_M = postconsumer% + ½ × preconsumer% | § A5.405.4.3; equations A5.4‑6 & A5.4‑7 |
| Assemblies | RCV_A = Assembly cost × RC_A; RC_A = Σ PRC_M | PRC_M via weight% × RC_M or pound method | § A5.405.4.4; equations A5.4‑8 → A5.4‑13 |
| Product minimums (alternate route) | Use 2 (Tier1) or 3 (Tier2) products from Table A5.405.4 that meet minimum recycled levels to cover ≥75% by cost in that category | Alternate compliance option to meet the RCV requirement | Table A5.405.4 / § A5.405.4 |
| Structural frame | Excluded | Do not include studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters, trusses | § A5.405 notes |
| Concrete alternate | For concrete with SCMs (fly ash, slag), multiply the recycled% by the cost of cementitious materials only (not entire concrete cost) | Special calculation rule for concrete SCMs | § A5.405.4.5 / § A4.405.3.1.5 |
Minimum recycled content by product (select items)
See TABLE A5.405.4 for examples of minimum total recycled content and minimum postconsumer requirements that appear in the Appendix (used for the alternate compliance route). Common entries include: Fiberglass insulation 30%, Cellulose insulation 75%, Exterior latex paint 50%, Carpet nylon 10%, Drywall gypsum 4%, Aggregate base 80%. Use the table when applying the “2 or 3 product” alternate method for Tier compliance.
Exceptions & special cases
- Structural frame exclusion: load‑bearing framing components are explicitly excluded from recycled‑content calculations. Do not count them toward Total RCV.
- Manufacturer reporting: if a manufacturer reports only a single recycled-content percentage (not separated into postconsumer/preconsumer), the code treats that reported percentage as preconsumer for RCV math (so only half of it counts toward RCV).
- Concrete with SCMs: when SCMs are used, the recycled percent applies only to the cost of the cementitious portion, not the full concrete cost. This reduces the RCV contribution of SCM‑containing concrete unless the cementitious cost is separately quantified.
- Pound vs percent reporting: the code allows two methods to compute proportional recycled content in assemblies — either percent values or weights (pounds). If pounds are used, the code provides equations to convert to percentage terms.
Common mistakes
- Failing to exclude the structural frame (studs/joists/etc.) — including those costs overstates the baseline and can produce incorrect compliance calculations.
- Using a manufacturer's single “total recycled content” number as if it were postconsumer content — when not separated, the code treats it as preconsumer, which counts at 50% toward RCV. This commonly reduces the credited RCV unexpectedly.
- Calculating recycled content for concrete using total concrete cost rather than only the cementitious portion when SCMs are present. The code requires the cementitious‑only approach for SCMs.
- Not documenting or providing source evidence for recycled percentages and costs — documentation (manufacturer data, EPDs, CalRecycle sources, sample forms) is expected. The Appendix points users to HCD sample forms and CalRecycle as sources.
- Mixing simplified and detailed methods improperly: choose either the Simplified (SF × valuation × 45%) OR the Detailed method for Total Material Cost and apply consistently.
Worked example — small office fit‑out (numbers)
Scenario: Nonresidential fit‑out; owner uses the Appendix A5 calculation approach. Project estimated material cost (detailed method) = $200,000 (excluding labor/fees). Structural frame is existing and excluded.
Step 1 — Required Total RCV:
- Tier 1 target = 10% × $200,000 = $20,000 required RCV.
Step 2 — Materials selected (examples)
- Carpet (nylon) cost = $10,000; manufacturer reports 10% postconsumer. RCV_carpet = $10,000 × 10% = $1,000.
- Fiberglass insulation (for demising walls) cost = $8,000; 30% postconsumer. RCV_insulation = $8,000 × 30% = $2,400.
- Acoustical ceiling panels cost = $12,000; 60% total recycled (postconsumer not required in table). If manufacturer reports 60% total but not split, treat as preconsumer per the note (counts at 50%): RC_M = 60% treated as preconsumer → 0.5 × 60% = 30% effective. RCV_ceiling = $12,000 × 30% = $3,600.
- Aggregate base (site) cost = $5,000; 80% postconsumer. RCV_aggregate = $5,000 × 80% = $4,000.
Step 3 — Sum RCVs
- Sum = $1,000 + $2,400 + $3,600 + $4,000 = $11,000 total RCV (still short of $20,000).
Step 4 — Options
- Option A: Add more recycled-content materials (e.g., exterior paint, carpeting with higher postconsumer, reclaimed materials) until Total RCV ≥ $20,000.
- Option B: Use alternate product method in § A5.405: use two products from Table A5.405.4 that meet the minimum recycled content for ≥75% by cost of that product category (Tier 1 alternate option). This may help satisfy the requirement in certain product categories, but note it applies per category and cost-share rules apply.
(Example shows how RCV math and the “preconsumer counts at 50%” rule materially affect credited dollars.)
Documentation & verification
- Use the sample forms and calculators offered by HCD to document RCV calculations and to report Total Material Cost, RCV_M, RCV_A and Total RCV. The Appendix explicitly points to sample forms on the HCD CALGreen page and notes CalRecycle as a source for recycled-content data.
- Include manufacturer recycled‑content statements (postconsumer/preconsumer split where available), invoices or cost breakdowns to substantiate material costs, and any assembly weight/percent data used.
- Project documentation and OPR/Basis‑of‑Design/commissioning materials are governed by the Chapter 5 documentation sections (e.g., § 5.410.2 documents OPR, BOD, and commissioning planning). Ensure recycled‑content calculations and supporting attachments become part of the project record per those documentation rules.
Related CALGreen provisions
- § A5.405 — Material sources; recycled content, calculation methods, product minimums (nonresidential voluntary measures).
- § A4.405 — Parallel residential voluntary measures for recycled content and calculation methods.
- § A5.405.4.1 – A5.405.4.5 — Detailed cost/method equations, assembly calculations, and concrete SCM alternate method.
- § 5.410.2 — Project documentation requirements (OPR, BOD, commissioning) — where recycled‑content reporting should be filed.
- Table A5.405.4 — Minimum recycled content levels for selected products (alternate compliance route).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 405.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text
For the purposes of this section, materials used as components of the structural frame shall not be used to calculate recycled content. The structural frame includes the load bearing structural elements, such as wall studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters and trusses.
Notes:
- Sample forms which allow user input and automatic calculation are located at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/building- standards/calgreen and may be used to simplify documenting compliance with this section and for calculating recycled content value of materials or assembly products.
- Sources and recycled content of some recycled materials can be obtained from CalRecycle if not provided by the manufacturer.
A4.405.3.1.1 Total material cost. Total material cost is the total estimated or actual cost of materials and assembly products used in the project. The required total recycled content value for the project (in dollars) shall be determined by Equation A4.41 or Equation A4.4-2.
Total material cost shall be calculated by using one of the methods specified below:
- Simplified method. To obtain the total cost of the project, multiply the square footage of the residential structure by the square foot valuation established pursuant to the ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) or other valuation data approved and/or established by the enforcing agency. The total material cost is 45 percent of the total cost of the project. Use Equations A4.4-3A or A4.4-3B to determine total material costs using the simplified method.
(Equation A4.4-3A) Total material costs = Project square footage × square foot valuation × 45 percent
(Equation A4.4-3B) Total estimated or actual cost of project × 45 percent 2. Detailed method. To obtain the total cost of the project, add the estimated and/or actual costs of materials used for the project, including the structure (steel, concrete, wood or masonry); the enclosure (roof, windows, doors and exterior walls); the interior walls, ceilings and finishes (gypsum board, ceiling tiles, etc.). The total estimated and/or actual costs shall not include fees, labor and installation costs, overhead, appliances, equipment, furniture or furnishings.
A4.405.3.1.2 Determination of total recycled content value (RCV). Total RCV may be determined either by dollars or percentage as noted below.
- Total recycled content value for the project (in dollars). This is the sum of the recycled content value of the materials and/or assemblies considered and shall be determined by Equation A4.4-4. The result of this calculation may be directly compared to Equations A4.4-1 and A4.4-2 to determine compliance with Tier 1 or Tier 2 prerequisites.
(Equation A4.4-4) Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) = (RCV M + RCV A ) 2. Total recycled content value for the project (by percentage). This is expressed as a percentage of the total material cost and shall be determined by Equation A4.4-4 and Equation A4.4-5. The result of this calculation may be directly compared for compliance with Tier 1 (10 percent) or Tier 2 (15 percent) prerequisites.
(Equation A4.4-5) Total Recycled Content Value (percent) = [Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) ÷ Total Material Cost (dollars)] × 100
CALGreen § 405.2.2 High relevance — show source text
Manufacturer’s fiber procurement system that has been audited by an approved agency as compliant with the provisions of ASTM D7612 as a responsible or certified source.
A5.405.2.2 Rapidly renewable materials. Use materials made from plants harvested within a ten-year cycle for at least 2.5 percent of total materials value, based on estimated cost.
A5.405.3 Reused materials. Use salvaged, refurbished, refinished or reused materials for a minimum of 5 percent of the total value, based on estimated cost of materials on the project. Provide documentation as to the respective values.
Note: Sources of some reused materials can be found at CalRecycle’s https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/. See also Appendix A5, Divi- sion A5.1, Section A5.105.1 for on-site materials reuse.
A5.405.4 Recycled content. Use materials, equivalent in performance to virgin materials with a total (combined) recycled content value (RCV) of:
Tier 1. The RCV shall not be less than 10 percent of the total material cost of the project, or use two products which meet the minimum recycled content levels in Table A5.405.4 for at least 75%, by cost, of all products in that category in the project.
(Equation A5. 4-1) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 10 percent
Tier 2. The RCV shall not be less than 15 percent of the total material cost of the project, or use three products which meet the minimum recycled content levels in Table A5.405.4 for at least 75%, by cost, of all products in that category in the project.
(Equation A5. 4-2) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 15 percent
For the purposes of this section, materials used as components of the structural frame shall not be used to calculate recycled content. The structural frame includes the load bearing structural elements such as wall studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters and trusses.
Notes:
- Sample forms which allow user input and automatic calculation are located at www.hcd.ca.gov/ CALGreen.html and may be used to simplify documenting compliance with this section and for calculating recycled content value of materials or assembly products.
- Sources and recycled content of some recycled materials can be obtained from CalRecycle if not provided by the manufacturer.
TABLE A5.405.4—MINIMUM RECYCLED CONTENT LEVELS Col2 Col3 MATERIAL/PRODUCT TYPE MINIMUM TOTAL RECYCLED CONTENT MINIMUM POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED
CONTENTInsulation, fiberglass 30% 30% Insulation, cellulose 75% 75% Exterior Paint, latex 50% 50% Carpet, nylon 10% 10% Compost 80% 80% Mulch 80% 80% Acoustical ceiling panels 60% — Drywall, gypsum 4% 4% Aggregate base 80% 80% APPENDIX A5-26 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CALGreen § 4-11 High relevance — show source text
(Equation A4.4-11) Weight of material (percent) = [Weight of material (lbs) ÷ Weight of assembly (lbs)] × 100 (See Equation A4.4-7) RC M (percent) = Postconsumer content percentage + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content percentage
Method 2: Recycled content (postconsumer and preconsumer) provided in pounds
(Equation A4.4-12) PRC M (percent) = [RC M (lbs) ÷ Weight of material (lbs)] × 100 (Equation A4.4-13) RC M (lbs) = Postconsumer content (lbs) + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content (lbs)
Note: If the manufacturer reports total recycled content of a material as one percentage in lieu of separately reporting preconsumer and postconsumer values, the total shall be considered preconsumer recycled material.
A4.405.3.1.5 Alternate method for concrete. When Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), such as fly ash or ground blast furnace slag cement, are used in concrete, an alternate method of calculating and reporting recycled content in concrete products shall be permitted. When determining the recycled content value, the percent recycled content shall be multiplied by the cost of the cementitious materials only, not the total cost of the concrete.
A4.405.4 Use of building materials from rapidly renewable sources. One or more of the following materials manufactured from rapidly renewable sources or agricultural by-products is used:
Insulation.
Bamboo or cork.
Engineered products.
Agricultural based products.
Other products acceptable to the enforcing agency.
Note: The intent of this section is to utilize building materials and products which are typically harvested within a 10-year or shorter cycle.
SECTION A4.406—ENHANCED DURABILITY AND REDUCED MAINTENANCE (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.407—WATER RESISTANCE AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
A4.407.1 Drainage around foundations. Install foundation and landscape drains which discharge to a dry well, sump, bioswale or other approved on-site location.
A4.407.2 Roof drainage. Install gutter and downspout systems to route water at least 5 feet away from the foundation or connect to landscape drains which discharge to a dry well, sump, bioswale, rainwater capture system or other approved on-site location.
A4.407.3 Flashing details. Provide flashing details on the building plans which comply with accepted industry standards or manufacturer’s instructions. Details are shown on house plans at all of the following locations:
Around windows and doors.
Roof valleys.
Deck connections to the structure.
Roof-to-wall intersections.
Chimneys to roof intersections.
Drip caps above windows and doors with architectural projections.
Note: Reference details may be found in the Residential Sheet Metal Guidelines published by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association Inc.
A4.407.4 Material protection. Protect building materials delivered to the construction site from rain and other sources of moisture.
A4.407.5 Ice and water barriers. In Climate Zone 16, an ice and water barrier is installed at valley, eaves and wall to roof intersections. The ice and water barrier shall extend at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line or as specified by the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
CALGreen § 405.2 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-25
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- Regional materials shall make up at least 10 percent, based on cost, of total materials value.
- If regional materials make up only part of a product, their values are calculated as percentages based on weight.
- 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:
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
- Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
- American Forest Foundation’s American Tree Farm System [®] (ATFS).
- Canadian Standards Association’s Sustainable Forest Management System Standards (CSA Z809).
- Manufacturer’s fiber procurement system that has been audited by an approved agency as compliant with the provisions of ASTM D7612 as a responsible or certified source.
A5.405.2.2 Rapidly renewable materials. Use materials made from plants harvested within a ten-year cycle for at least 2.5 percent of total materials value, based on estimated cost.
A5.405.3 Reused materials. Use salvaged, refurbished, refinished or reused materials for a minimum of 5 percent of the total value, based on estimated cost of materials on the project. Provide documentation as to the respective values.
Note: Sources of some reused materials can be found at CalRecycle’s https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/. See also Appendix A5, Divi- sion A5.1, Section A5.105.1 for on-site materials reuse.
A5.405.4 Recycled content. Use materials, equivalent in performance to virgin materials with a total (combined) recycled content value (RCV) of:
Tier 1. The RCV shall not be less than 10 percent of the total material cost of the project, or use two products which meet the minimum recycled content levels in Table A5.405.4 for at least 75%, by cost, of all products in that category in the project.
(Equation A5. 4-1) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 10 percent
Tier 2. The RCV shall not be less than 15 percent of the total material cost of the project, or use three products which meet the minimum recycled content levels in Table A5.405.4 for at least 75%, by cost, of all products in that category in the project.
CALGreen § 4-4. High relevance — show source text
- Total recycled content value for the project (in dollars). This is the sum of the recycled content value of the materials and/or assemblies considered and shall be determined by Equation A5.4-4. The result of this calculation may be directly compared to Equations A5.4-1 and A5.4-2 to determine compliance with Tier 1 or Tier 2 prerequisites.
(Equation A5.4-4) Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) = (RCV M + RCV A ) 2. Total recycled content value for the project (by percentage). This is expressed as a percentage of the total material cost and shall be determined by Equations A5.4-4 and A5.4-5. The result of this calculation may be directly compared for compliance with Tier 1 (10 percent) or Tier 2 (15 percent) prerequisites.
(Equation A5.4-5) Total Recycled Content Value (percent) = [Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) ÷ Total Material Cost (dollars)] × 100
A5.405.4.3 Determination of recycled content value of materials (RCV M ). The recycled content value of each material (RCV M ) is calculated by multiplying the cost of material, as defined by the recycled content. See Equations A5.4-6 and A5.4-7.
(Equation A5.4-6) RCV M (dollars) = Material cost (dollars) × RC M (percent) (Equation A5.4-7) RC M (percent) = Postconsumer content percentage + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content percentage
Notes:
- If the postconsumer and preconsumer recycled content is provided in pounds, Equation A5.4-7 may be used, but the final result (in pounds) must be multiplied by 100 to show RC M as a percentage.
- If the manufacturer does not separately identify the preconsumer and postconsumer recycled content of a material but reports it as a total single percentage, the total amount shall be considered preconsumer recycled material.
A5.405.4.4 Determination of recycled content value of assemblies – (RCV A ). Recycled content value of assemblies is calculated by multiplying the total cost of assembly by the total recycled content of the assembly (RC A ), and shall be determined by Equation A5.4-8. (Equation A5.4-8) RCV A (dollars) = Assembly cost (dollars) × Total RC A (percent) If not provided by the manufacturer, Total RC A (percent) is the sum (Σ) of the Proportional Recycled Content (PRC M ) of each material in the assembly. RC A shall be determined by Equation A4.4-9. (Equation A5.4-9) RC A = Σ PRC M
PRC M of each material may be calculated by one of two methods using the following formulas:
Method 1: Recycled content (Postconsumer and Preconsumer) of each material provided in percentages
(Equation A5.4-10) PRC M (percent) = Weight of material (percent) × RC M (percent)
(Equation A5.4-11) Weight of material (percent) = [Weight of material (lbs) ÷ Weight of assembly (lbs)] × 100 (See Equation A5.4-7) RC M (percent) = Postconsumer content percentage + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content percentage
CALGreen § 405.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.405—MATERIAL SOURCES
A4.405.1 Prefinished building materials. Utilize prefinished building materials which do not require additional painting or staining when possible. One or more of the following building materials that do not require additional resources for finishing are used:
- Exterior trim not requiring paint or stain.
- Windows not requiring paint or stain.
- Siding or exterior wall coverings which do not require paint or stain.
A4.405.2 Concrete floors. Floors that do not require additional coverings are used including but not limited to stained, natural or stamped concrete floors.
A4.405.3 Recycled content. Comply with the requirements for recycled content in Section A4.405.3.1.
A4.405.3.1 Recycled content. Use materials, equivalent in performance to virgin materials with a total (combined) recycled content value (RCV) of:
Tier 1. The RCV shall not be less than 10 percent of the total material cost of the project.
(Equation A4. 4-1) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 10 percent
Tier 2. The RCV shall not be less than 15 percent of the total material cost of the project.
(Equation A4. 4-2) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 15 percent
For the purposes of this section, materials used as components of the structural frame shall not be used to calculate recycled content. The structural frame includes the load bearing structural elements, such as wall studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters and trusses.
Notes:
- Sample forms which allow user input and automatic calculation are located at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/building- standards/calgreen and may be used to simplify documenting compliance with this section and for calculating recycled content value of materials or assembly products.
- Sources and recycled content of some recycled materials can be obtained from CalRecycle if not provided by the manufacturer.
A4.405.3.1.1 Total material cost. Total material cost is the total estimated or actual cost of materials and assembly products used in the project. The required total recycled content value for the project (in dollars) shall be determined by Equation A4.41 or Equation A4.4-2.
Total material cost shall be calculated by using one of the methods specified below:
- Simplified method. To obtain the total cost of the project, multiply the square footage of the residential structure by the square foot valuation established pursuant to the ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) or other valuation data approved and/or established by the enforcing agency. The total material cost is 45 percent of the total cost of the project. Use Equations A4.4-3A or A4.4-3B to determine total material costs using the simplified method.
(Equation A4.4-3A) Total material costs = Project square footage × square foot valuation × 45 percent
CALGreen § 3.1. High relevance — show source text
- From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least three elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
- From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1. Comply with the 25 percent cement reduction requirements in Section A4.403.2. 4.2. Comply with the 15 percent recycled content requirements in Section A4.405.3.1. 4.3. Comply with the 75 percent reduction in construction waste in Section A4.408.1. 4.4. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.4.
- From Division A4.5, Environmental Quality. 5.1. Comply with the 100 percent resilient flooring systems requirements in Section A4.504.2. 5.2. Comply with the thermal insulation requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.504.3. 5.3. Comply with at least one elective measure selected from Division A4.5.
Note: The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist contained in Section A4.602 may be used to show which elective measures are selected.
APPENDIX A4-22 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
DIVISION A4.6 – TIER 1 AND TIER 2
SECTION A4.602 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST
FEATURE OR MEASURE LEVELS
APPLICANT TO SELECT ELECTIVE MEASURESCol3 Col4 VERIFICATIONS
ENFORCING AGENCY TO SPECIFY
VERIFICATION METHODCol6 Col7 FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory Prerequisites and electives1 Prerequisites and electives1 Enforcing
Agency
AllInstaller or
Designer
AllThird
party
AllFEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2 Tier 2 Tier 2 PLANNING AND DESIGN Site Selection A4.103.1 A site which complies with at least one of the following
characteristics is selected:
1. An infill site is selected.
2. A greyfield site is selected.
3. An EPA-recognized Brownfield site is selected.
A4.103.2 Facilitate community connectivity by one of the following
methods:
1. Locate project within a1/4-mile true walking distance of at least 4
basic services;
2.CALGreen § 405.3.1.2 High relevance — show source text
A4.405.3.1.2 Determination of total recycled content value (RCV). Total RCV may be determined either by dollars or percentage as noted below.
- Total recycled content value for the project (in dollars). This is the sum of the recycled content value of the materials and/or assemblies considered and shall be determined by Equation A4.4-4. The result of this calculation may be directly compared to Equations A4.4-1 and A4.4-2 to determine compliance with Tier 1 or Tier 2 prerequisites.
(Equation A4.4-4) Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) = (RCV M + RCV A ) 2. Total recycled content value for the project (by percentage). This is expressed as a percentage of the total material cost and shall be determined by Equation A4.4-4 and Equation A4.4-5. The result of this calculation may be directly compared for compliance with Tier 1 (10 percent) or Tier 2 (15 percent) prerequisites.
(Equation A4.4-5) Total Recycled Content Value (percent) = [Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) ÷ Total Material Cost (dollars)] × 100
A4.405.3.1.3 Determination of recycled content value of materials (RCV M ). The recycled content value of each material (RCV M ) is calculated by multiplying the cost of material, as defined by the recycled content. See Equations A4.4-6 and A4.4-7.
(Equation A4.4-6) RCV M (dollars) = Material cost (dollars) × RC M (percent) (Equation A4.4-7) RC M (percent) = Postconsumer content percentage + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content percentage
Notes:
- If the postconsumer and preconsumer recycled content is provided in pounds, Equation A4.4-7 may be used, but the final result (in pounds) must be multiplied by 100 to show RC M as a percentage.
APPENDIX A4-16 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- If the manufacturer reports total recycled content of a material as one percentage in lieu of separately reporting preconsumer and postconsumer values, the total shall be considered preconsumer recycled material.
A4.405.3.1.4 Determination of recycled content value of assemblies – (RCV A ). Recycled content value of assemblies is calculated by multiplying the total cost of the assembly by the total recycled content of the assembly (RC A ), and shall be determined by Equation A4.4-8.
(Equation A4.4-8) RCV A (dollars) = Assembly cost (dollars) × Total RC A (percent) If not provided by the manufacturer, Total RC A (percent) is the sum (Σ) of the Proportional Recycled Content (PRC M ) of each material in the assembly. RC A shall be determined by Equation A4.4-9. (Equation A4.4-9) RC A = Σ PRC M
PRC M of each material may be calculated by one of two methods using the following formulas:
Method 1: Recycled content (postconsumer and preconsumer) of each material provided in percentages
CALGreen § 405.4.1 High relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A5.405.4.1 Total material cost. Total material cost is the total estimated or actual cost of materials and assembly products used in the project. The required total recycled content value for the project (in dollars) shall be determined by Equation A5.4-1 or A5.4-2.
Total material cost shall be calculated by using one of the methods specified below:
- Simplified method. To obtain the total cost of the project multiply the square footage of the structure by the square foot valuation established by the enforcing agency. The total material cost is 45 percent of the total cost of the project. Use Equations A5.4-3A or A5.4-3B to determine total material costs using the simplified method.
(Equation A5.4-3A) Total material costs = Project square footage × square foot valuation × 45 percent
(Equation A5.4-3B) Total estimated or actual cost of project × 45 percent 2. Detailed method. To obtain the total cost of the project, add the estimated and/or actual costs of materials used for the project including the structure (steel, concrete, wood or masonry); the enclosure (roof, windows, doors and exterior walls); the interior walls, ceilings and finishes (gypsum board, ceiling tiles, etc.). The total estimated and/or actual costs shall not include fees, labor and installation costs, overhead, appliances, equipment, furniture or furnishings.
A5.405.4.2 Determination of total recycled content value (RCV). Total RCV may be determined either by dollars or percentage as noted below.
- Total recycled content value for the project (in dollars). This is the sum of the recycled content value of the materials and/or assemblies considered and shall be determined by Equation A5.4-4. The result of this calculation may be directly compared to Equations A5.4-1 and A5.4-2 to determine compliance with Tier 1 or Tier 2 prerequisites.
(Equation A5.4-4) Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) = (RCV M + RCV A ) 2. Total recycled content value for the project (by percentage). This is expressed as a percentage of the total material cost and shall be determined by Equations A5.4-4 and A5.4-5. The result of this calculation may be directly compared for compliance with Tier 1 (10 percent) or Tier 2 (15 percent) prerequisites.
(Equation A5.4-5) Total Recycled Content Value (percent) = [Total Recycled Content Value (dollars) ÷ Total Material Cost (dollars)] × 100
A5.405.4.3 Determination of recycled content value of materials (RCV M ). The recycled content value of each material (RCV M ) is calculated by multiplying the cost of material, as defined by the recycled content. See Equations A5.4-6 and A5.4-7.
(Equation A5.4-6) RCV M (dollars) = Material cost (dollars) × RC M (percent) (Equation A5.4-7) RC M (percent) = Postconsumer content percentage + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content percentage
Notes:
CALGreen § 5.2 High relevance — show source text
1**
Planning and Design||1 additional Elective from Division A5.1|3 additional Electives from Division A5.1| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy Efficiency|Energy Performance2a, 2b|Outdoor lighting power 90%
of Part 6 allowance|Outdoor lighting power 90%
of Part 6 allowance| |||If applicable, solar water-heating system
with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15|If applicable, solar water-heating system
with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15| |||Warehouse door seals|Warehouse door seals| |||Comply with day lighting requirements|Comply with day lighting requirements| |||Exhaust heat recovery|Exhaust heat recovery| |||Energy Budget 95% or 90%
of Part 6 calculated value of allowance|Energy Budget 90% or 85%
of Part 6 calculated value of allowance| |DIVISION 5.3
Water Efficiency
and Conservation|Indoor Water Use|12% Savings|20% Savings| |DIVISION 5.3
Water Efficiency
and Conservation||1 additional Elective from Division A5.3|3 additional Electives from Division A5.3| |DIVISION 5.4
Material Conservation
and Resource Efficiency3|Construction Waste Reduction|At least 65% reduction|At least 80% reduction| |DIVISION 5.4
Material Conservation
and Resource Efficiency3|Recycled Content|Utilize recycled content materials for
10% of total material cost|Utilize recycled content materials for
15% of total material cost| |DIVISION 5.4
Material Conservation
and Resource Efficiency3|Cradle-to-Grave
Whole Building Life Cycle
Assessment|See Section A5.409.1, Section A5.409.2
and Section A5.409.2.3 requirements|See Section A5.409.1, Section A5.409.2
and Section A5.409.2.3 requirements| |DIVISION 5.4
Material Conservation
and Resource Efficiency3|Product GWP compliance –
prescriptive path|See Section A5.409.1, Section A5.409.2
and Section A5.409.2.3 requirements|See Section A5.409.1, Section A5.409.2
and Section A5.409.2.3 requirements| |DIVISION 5.4
Material Conservation
and Resource Efficiency3||1 additional Elective
from Division A5.4|3 additional Electives
from Division A5.4| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental Quality|Low-VOC Resilient Flooring|90% of flooring meets VOC limits|100% of flooring meets VOC limits1| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental Quality|Low-VOC Thermal Insulation|Comply with VOC limits|Install no-added formaldehyde
insulation and comply with VOC limits| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental Quality||1 additional Elective from Division A5.5|3 additional Electives from Division A5.CALGreen § 4-2 High relevance — show source text
(Equation A5. 4-2) Required Total RCV (dollars) = Total Material Cost (dollars) × 15 percent
For the purposes of this section, materials used as components of the structural frame shall not be used to calculate recycled content. The structural frame includes the load bearing structural elements such as wall studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters and trusses.
Notes:
- Sample forms which allow user input and automatic calculation are located at www.hcd.ca.gov/ CALGreen.html and may be used to simplify documenting compliance with this section and for calculating recycled content value of materials or assembly products.
- Sources and recycled content of some recycled materials can be obtained from CalRecycle if not provided by the manufacturer.
TABLE A5.405.4—MINIMUM RECYCLED CONTENT LEVELS Col2 Col3 MATERIAL/PRODUCT TYPE MINIMUM TOTAL RECYCLED CONTENT MINIMUM POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED
CONTENTInsulation, fiberglass 30% 30% Insulation, cellulose 75% 75% Exterior Paint, latex 50% 50% Carpet, nylon 10% 10% Compost 80% 80% Mulch 80% 80% Acoustical ceiling panels 60% — Drywall, gypsum 4% 4% Aggregate base 80% 80% APPENDIX A5-26 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A5.405.4.1 Total material cost. Total material cost is the total estimated or actual cost of materials and assembly products used in the project. The required total recycled content value for the project (in dollars) shall be determined by Equation A5.4-1 or A5.4-2.
Total material cost shall be calculated by using one of the methods specified below:
- Simplified method. To obtain the total cost of the project multiply the square footage of the structure by the square foot valuation established by the enforcing agency. The total material cost is 45 percent of the total cost of the project. Use Equations A5.4-3A or A5.4-3B to determine total material costs using the simplified method.
(Equation A5.4-3A) Total material costs = Project square footage × square foot valuation × 45 percent
(Equation A5.4-3B) Total estimated or actual cost of project × 45 percent 2. Detailed method. To obtain the total cost of the project, add the estimated and/or actual costs of materials used for the project including the structure (steel, concrete, wood or masonry); the enclosure (roof, windows, doors and exterior walls); the interior walls, ceilings and finishes (gypsum board, ceiling tiles, etc.). The total estimated and/or actual costs shall not include fees, labor and installation costs, overhead, appliances, equipment, furniture or furnishings.
A5.405.4.2 Determination of total recycled content value (RCV). Total RCV may be determined either by dollars or percentage as noted below.
CALGreen § 4-7 High relevance — show source text
Notes:
- If the postconsumer and preconsumer recycled content is provided in pounds, Equation A4.4-7 may be used, but the final result (in pounds) must be multiplied by 100 to show RC M as a percentage.
APPENDIX A4-16 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- If the manufacturer reports total recycled content of a material as one percentage in lieu of separately reporting preconsumer and postconsumer values, the total shall be considered preconsumer recycled material.
A4.405.3.1.4 Determination of recycled content value of assemblies – (RCV A ). Recycled content value of assemblies is calculated by multiplying the total cost of the assembly by the total recycled content of the assembly (RC A ), and shall be determined by Equation A4.4-8.
(Equation A4.4-8) RCV A (dollars) = Assembly cost (dollars) × Total RC A (percent) If not provided by the manufacturer, Total RC A (percent) is the sum (Σ) of the Proportional Recycled Content (PRC M ) of each material in the assembly. RC A shall be determined by Equation A4.4-9. (Equation A4.4-9) RC A = Σ PRC M
PRC M of each material may be calculated by one of two methods using the following formulas:
Method 1: Recycled content (postconsumer and preconsumer) of each material provided in percentages
(Equation A4.4-10) PRC M (percent) = Weight of material (percent) × RC M (percent)
(Equation A4.4-11) Weight of material (percent) = [Weight of material (lbs) ÷ Weight of assembly (lbs)] × 100 (See Equation A4.4-7) RC M (percent) = Postconsumer content percentage + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content percentage
Method 2: Recycled content (postconsumer and preconsumer) provided in pounds
(Equation A4.4-12) PRC M (percent) = [RC M (lbs) ÷ Weight of material (lbs)] × 100 (Equation A4.4-13) RC M (lbs) = Postconsumer content (lbs) + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content (lbs)
Note: If the manufacturer reports total recycled content of a material as one percentage in lieu of separately reporting preconsumer and postconsumer values, the total shall be considered preconsumer recycled material.
A4.405.3.1.5 Alternate method for concrete. When Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), such as fly ash or ground blast furnace slag cement, are used in concrete, an alternate method of calculating and reporting recycled content in concrete products shall be permitted. When determining the recycled content value, the percent recycled content shall be multiplied by the cost of the cementitious materials only, not the total cost of the concrete.
A4.405.4 Use of building materials from rapidly renewable sources. One or more of the following materials manufactured from rapidly renewable sources or agricultural by-products is used:
Insulation.
Bamboo or cork.
Engineered products.
Agricultural based products.
Other products acceptable to the enforcing agency.
CALGreen § 405.4.4 High relevance — show source text
A5.405.4.4 Determination of recycled content value of assemblies – (RCV A ). Recycled content value of assemblies is calculated by multiplying the total cost of assembly by the total recycled content of the assembly (RC A ), and shall be determined by Equation A5.4-8. (Equation A5.4-8) RCV A (dollars) = Assembly cost (dollars) × Total RC A (percent) If not provided by the manufacturer, Total RC A (percent) is the sum (Σ) of the Proportional Recycled Content (PRC M ) of each material in the assembly. RC A shall be determined by Equation A4.4-9. (Equation A5.4-9) RC A = Σ PRC M
PRC M of each material may be calculated by one of two methods using the following formulas:
Method 1: Recycled content (Postconsumer and Preconsumer) of each material provided in percentages
(Equation A5.4-10) PRC M (percent) = Weight of material (percent) × RC M (percent)
(Equation A5.4-11) Weight of material (percent) = [Weight of material (lbs) ÷ Weight of assembly (lbs)] × 100 (See Equation A5.4-7) RC M (percent) = Postconsumer content percentage + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content percentage
Method 2: Recycled content (Postconsumer and Preconsumer) provided in pounds
(Equation A5.4-12) PRC M (percent) = [RC M (lbs) Weight of material (lbs)] × 100 (Equation A5.4-13) RC M (lbs) = Postconsumer content (lbs) + ( [1] / 2 ) Preconsumer content (lbs)
Note: If the manufacturer does not separately identify the preconsumer and postconsumer recycled content of a material but reports it as a total single percentage, the total amount shall be considered preconsumer recycled material.
A5.405.4.5 Alternate method for concrete. When Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), such as fly ash or ground blast furnace slag cement, are used in concrete, an alternate method of calculating and reporting recycled content in concrete products shall be permitted. When determining the recycled content value, the percent recycled content shall be multiplied by the cost of the cementitious materials only, not the total cost of the concrete.
A5.405.5 Cement and concrete. Cement and concrete made with recycled products shall comply with Section A5.405.
A5.405.5.1 Cement. Cement shall comply with one of the following standards:
- Portland cement shall meet ASTM C150, Standard Specification for Portland Cement.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-27
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- Blended cement shall meet ASTM C595, Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cement or ASTM C1157, Standard Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement.
- Other Hydraulic Cements shall meet ASTM C1157, Standard Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement.
A5.405.5.2 Concrete. Use concrete manufactured with cementitious materials in accordance with Section A5.405.2, as approved by the Engineer of Record.
CALGreen § 401.1 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-23
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5-24 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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:
- Building design using 2-foot modules;
- Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on center;
- Spacing floor and roof framing members up to 24 inches on center;
- Using 2-stud corner framing and drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing;
- Eliminating solid headers in non-load-bearing walls;
- Using in-line framing, aligning floor, wall and roof framing members vertically for direct transfer of loads; and
- 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
CEC § 40201 High relevance — show source text
PROPORTIONAL RECYCLED CONTENT (PRCM). The amount of recycled content of a material in an assembly as related to the percentage of the material in an assembly product. PRCM is derived by multiplying the percentage of each material in an assembly by the percentage of recycled content in the material.
PSIG. Pounds per square inch, gauge.
RAINWATER. Precipitation on any public or private parcel that has not entered an offsite storm drain system or channel, a flood control channel, or any other stream channel, and has not previously been put to beneficial use.
RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEM. A facility designed to capture, retain and store rainwater flowing off a building, parking lot, or any other manmade impervious surface for subsequent onsite use. Rainwater catchment system is also known as “Rainwater Harvesting System” or “Rainwater Capture System.”
REACTIVE ORGANIC COMPOUND (ROC). Any compound that has the potential, once emitted, to contribute to ozone formation in the troposphere.
RECLAIMED (RECYCLED) WATER. Nonpotable water that meets California State Water Resources Control Board statewide uniform criteria for disinfected tertiary recycled water. Reclaimed (recycled) water is also known as “recycled water” or “reclaimed water.”
RECOVERED ENERGY. [CEC] The energy used in a building that (1) is recovered from space conditioning, service water heating, lighting, or process equipment after the energy has performed its original function; (2) provides space conditioning, service water heating, or lighting; and (3) would otherwise be wasted.
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE. [CEC] The recovered energy that is captured at the building site.
RECYCLE or RECYCLING. The process of collecting, sorting, cleansing, treating and reconstituting materials that would otherwise become solid waste, and returning them to the economic mainstream in the form of raw material for new, reused or reconstituted products which meet the quality standards necessary to be used in the marketplace. “Recycling” does not include transformation, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 40201.
RECYCLED CONTENT. [BSC-CG, DSA-SS] Refer to International Organization for Standardization ISO 14021—Environmental labels and declarations—Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labeling).
RECYCLED CONTENT (RC). [HCD] The amount of recycled material in an assembly product or material. Refer to International Organization for Standardization ISO 14021– Environmental labels and declarations–Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labeling). RECYCLED CONTENT VALUE (RCV). [BSC-CG, DSA-SS] Material cost multiplied by postconsumer content plus [1] / 2 the preconsumer content, or RCV = $ X (postconsumer content + [1] / 2 preconsumer content).
RECYCLED CONTENT VALUE (RCV). [HCD]
Assembly products (RCVA). Assembly product cost multiplied by the recycled content of the assembly based on all of the postconsumer content and 50 percent of the preconsumer content.
Materials (RCVM). Material cost multiplied by recycled content of the material based on all of the postconsumer content and 50 percent of the preconsumer content.
Frequently asked questions
What sections of CALGreen actually contain the recycled-content rules for a nonresidential project?
The recycled‑content rules and calculation methods are in Appendix A5, Section A5.405 (Material Sources / Recycled Content), with the supporting equations in A5.405.4.x and the product minimums in Table A5.405.4.
Does the structural frame count toward recycled‑content compliance?
No — the code explicitly excludes load‑bearing structural frame materials (studs, plates, sills, columns, beams, girders, joists, rafters, trusses) from recycled‑content calculations.
If a manufacturer provides only a single recycled‑content percent, how is it treated?
If postconsumer and preconsumer are not separately identified and the manufacturer reports a single percentage, the code treats that number as preconsumer (counts at 50% toward RCV). Use the RCV formula accordingly.
How do I treat concrete with fly ash or slag in RCV math?
When SCMs (fly ash, slag, etc.) are used, compute recycled content only against the cost of the cementitious materials, not the total concrete cost. The code provides this alternate method to avoid overstating concrete RCV.
Where should recycled‑content calculations and supporting documents be filed?
Include RCV spreadsheets, manufacturer data, and cost backup in the project record per Chapter 5 documentation requirements (see § 5.410.2 for OPR/BOD/commissioning and documentation expectations).
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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