CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
Energy budget, performance targets and Tier prerequisites
For a homeowner: CALGreen’s voluntary tiers require projects to meet one (Tier 1) or two (Tier 2) specific efficiency prerequisites and to reduce modeled energy use to a set percentage of the Title 24 baseline (different percentages apply based on building type and whether both lighting and mechanical systems are included) — see § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2 for the exact rules and exceptions .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
The California Green Building Standards Code requires buildings using the voluntary performance approach to meet both prerequisite efficiency measures (Tier prerequisites) and an Energy Budget target expressed as a percentage of the Title 24, Part 6 Standard Design Energy Budget. The prerequisites list is in § A5.203.1.1 (Tier 1 requires ONE listed measure; Tier 2 requires TWO), and the Energy Budget performance targets are in § A5.203.1.2 (Tier 1 and Tier 2 percentage limits depend on building type and whether mechanical and/or indoor lighting are included) .
The essential rule: satisfy the required number of Tier prerequisites (one for Tier 1; two for Tier 2) AND keep the building's Energy Budget at or below the percent-of-Title‑24 baseline specified in § A5.203.1.2 .
Requirements in detail
Scope and applicability
- What buildings: Nonresidential, high‑rise residential, and hotel/motel projects that include lighting and/or mechanical systems must comply with both prerequisites (§ A5.203.1.1) and the performance standard (§ A5.203.1.2). If a newly constructed building or addition does not include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, it must still meet the Tier prerequisites (§ A5.203.1.1) but is not required to meet the Energy Budget percentages in § A5.203.1.2 beyond Title 24 Part 6 compliance .
- Baseline for comparison: All Energy Budget limits are expressed as a percentage of the Title 24, Part 6 Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by Energy Commission–certified compliance software (the Title 24 performance baseline) — this is the official comparator referenced in § A5.203.1.2 .
Tier prerequisites — how many and what they are
- Tier 1: ONE of the listed efficiency measures is required for all applicable building components.
- Tier 2: TWO of the listed efficiency measures are required.
Representative prerequisites listed in § A5.203.1.1 include (non‑exhaustive list):
- Outdoor lighting reductions and installation requirements (e.g., newly installed outdoor lighting power ≤ 90% of Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power; color temperature ≤ 3000K for general hardscape lighting) — see § A5.203.1.1.1 .
- Service water heating measures for restaurants (referenced in § A5.203.1.1.2) .
- Warehouse dock seal doors (A5.203.1.1.3) .
- Daylight Design Power Adjustment Factors (PAFs) per Title 24, Part 6 (A5.203.1.1.4) .
- Exhaust air heat recovery requirements with climate‑zone adaptations and listed exceptions (A5.203.1.1.5) .
Always consult § A5.203.1.1 for the complete prerequisite list and any exceptions .
Energy Budget targets (performance levels)
The performance standard in § A5.203.1.2 sets the allowable Energy Budget as a percentage of the Title 24 Standard Design Energy Budget. The thresholds differ by building type and whether the project includes indoor lighting and/or mechanical systems. The decision‑relevant values are:
| Building type / systems included | Tier 1 Energy Budget limit | Tier 2 Energy Budget limit | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresidential — includes indoor lighting OR mechanical, but not both | 95% of Title 24 Part 6 Standard Design Energy Budget | 90% of Title 24 Part 6 Standard Design Energy Budget | § A5.203.1.2.1 / § A5.203.1.2.2 — |
| Nonresidential — includes both indoor lighting AND mechanical systems | 90% of Title 24 Part 6 Standard Design Energy Budget | 85% of Title 24 Part 6 Standard Design Energy Budget | § A5.203.1.2.1 / § A5.203.1.2.2 — |
| High‑rise residential and hotel/motel building projects (treated as nonresidential for Energy Budget calc.) | 95% (Tier 1) | 95% (Tier 2) | § A5.203.1.2.1 & .2 (note: high‑rise/hotel treated as nonresidential for Energy Budget) — |
Notes:
- The Energy Budget values are comparative percentages — you must calculate the project’s Proposed Design Energy Budget with Energy Commission‑certified compliance software and compare to the Standard Design Energy Budget per Title 24 Part 6 as directed in § A5.203.1.2 .
- If a project lacks indoor lighting and mechanical systems, the additional performance percentages do not apply beyond Title 24 Part 6 compliance (see § A5.203.1.2) .
Exceptions & special cases
- Buildings permitted without indoor lighting or mechanical systems are required to meet § A5.203.1.1 prerequisites but are not required to meet the Energy Budget percentages in § A5.203.1.2 (i.e., no extra performance requirement above Title 24, Part 6) .
- Outdoor lighting color temperature ≤ 3000K requirement does not apply where Title 24 Part 6 explicitly excepts certain specific applications (see exceptions to § A5.203.1.1.1.1 and Title 24 Part 6, § 140.7) .
- Exhaust air heat recovery requirement (A5.203.1.1.5) includes climate‑zone triggers and explicit exceptions (e.g., spaces not cooled and heated < 60°F; systems operating < 20 hours/week; special exhaust types) — consult § A5.203.1.1.5 for full details and exceptions .
- High‑rise residential and hotel/motel projects are explicitly considered nonresidential for Energy Budget calculations (called out in § A5.203.1.2 notes) — confirm this when modeling the building comparison baseline .
If your jurisdiction has adopted Appendix A5 measures as mandatory or adopted local tiers, check local amendments per § 101.7 and Appendix A5 adoption notes (A5.201.1) before assuming voluntary‑only status .
Common mistakes
- Treating the Tier prerequisites as optional — they are required: Tier 1 = one prerequisite, Tier 2 = two prerequisites from § A5.203.1.1 .
- Comparing against the wrong baseline — the code requires comparison to the Title 24, Part 6 Standard Design Energy Budget calculated with certified software; do not compare to an arbitrary or prescriptive allowance instead of the software baseline (§ A5.203.1.2) .
- Using the Tier 1 percentage for a building that includes both lighting and mechanical systems (Tier limits are different when both systems are present; see table and § A5.203.1.2.1/.2) .
- Overlooking exceptions for outdoor lighting color temperature and exhaust‑heat recovery (check the exceptions in § A5.203.1.1.1.1 and § A5.203.1.1.5) .
- Forgetting that high‑rise residential/hotel projects are treated as nonresidential for the Energy Budget calculation; this can change the applicable percentage target (§ A5.203.1.2) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A developer designs a new nonresidential office building that includes both indoor lighting and mechanical systems. The Title 24, Part 6 compliance software calculates the Standard Design Energy Budget = 1,000,000 kBtu/year for the Standard Design Building.
- Tier 1 pathway:
- Prerequisite: select ONE qualifying measure from § A5.203.1.1 (for example, comply with the outdoor lighting reduction in § A5.203.1.1.1) .
- Performance target: Proposed Design Energy Budget ≤ 90% of 1,000,000 = 900,000 kBtu/year (Tier 1 limit for buildings with both lighting and mechanical systems) per § A5.203.1.2.1 .
- Tier 2 pathway:
- Prerequisites: select TWO qualifying measures from § A5.203.1.1 (for example, outdoor lighting reduction plus exhaust air heat recovery meeting § A5.203.1.1.5) .
- Performance target: Proposed Design Energy Budget ≤ 85% of 1,000,000 = 850,000 kBtu/year (Tier 2 limit for both systems) per § A5.203.1.2.2 .
Recordkeeping: include the compliance software results and documentation showing which prerequisites were selected and how exceptions (if any) were applied, as the enforcing agency may request verification per the Appendix guidance .
Related provisions
- § A5.203.1.1 — Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites (prerequisite list and exceptions)
- § A5.203.1.2 — Performance standard; Tier 1 & Tier 2 Energy Budget percentage limits (detailed in § A5.203.1.2.1 and § A5.203.1.2.2)
- § A5.203.1.1.1 — Outdoor lighting specifics and color temperature requirement (and its exceptions)
- § A5.203.1.1.5 — Exhaust air heat recovery (requirements, climate‑zone triggers and exceptions)
- § A5.601.2 / § A5.601.3 — CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 application (prerequisites and required voluntary measures when adopting tiers locally) — related adoption/verification context for tiers
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 62.1. High relevance — show source text
Of Class 4 as defined in ASHRAE Standard 62.1.
Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week.
A5.203.1.2 Performance standard. Comply with one of the advanced efficiency levels indicated below.
A5.203.1.2.1 Tier 1. Buildings complying with the first level of advanced energy efficiency shall have an Energy Budget that is no greater than indicated below, depending on building type and the type of energy systems included in the building project. If the newly constructed building or addition does not include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, then no additional performance requirements above Title 24, Part 6 are required.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, but not both: No greater than 95 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting and mechanical systems: No greater than 90 percent of the Title 24, Part 6 Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- For high-rise residential and hotel/motel building projects: No greater than 95 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
A5.203.1.2.2 Tier 2. Buildings complying with the second level of advanced energy efficiency shall have an Energy Budget that is no greater than indicated below, depending on building type and the type of energy systems included in the building project. If the newly constructed building or addition does not include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, then no additional performance requirements above Title 24, Part 6 are required.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, but not both: No greater than 90 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting and mechanical systems: No greater than 85 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
- For high-rise residential and hotel/motel building projects: No greater than 95 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
Note: For Energy Budget calculations, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings are considered nonresidential buildings.
SECTION A5.204—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
A5.204.1 Energy efficiency . Alterations to existing nonresidential buildings shall comply with Section A5.204.1.1.
A5.204.1.1 Altered pool and/or spa heating for existing nonresidential buildings . Alteration of existing nonresidential pool and/or spa heating system shall meet the following.
Heating source sizing. Heating systems or equipment for pools or spas shall meet one of the sizing requirements of Items 1 through 5 below: 1.
CALGreen § 203.1.1.3 High relevance — show source text
A5.203.1.1.3 Warehouse dock seal doors. Exterior loading dock doors that are adjacent to conditioned or indirectly conditioned spaces shall have dock seals or dock shelters installed at the time of permitting. This requirement shall apply to newly constructed buildings and to loading dock doors added to existing buildings.
A5.203.1.1.4 Daylight Design Power Adjustments Factors (PAFs). Daylighting devices shall be installed as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.3(d).
A5.203.1.1.5 Exhaust air heat recovery. Heat recovery requirements based on ASHRAE 90.1, Section 6.5.6.1 are adapted and modified for California climate zones as described below.
- Systems with minimum design outdoor air fraction of 80 percent or greater and supply air flow of 200 cfm or greater in climate zones 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 shall have a heat recovery system.
- Heat recovery systems required by this section shall result in a net sensible energy recovery ratio of at least 60 percent for both heating and cooling as tested using AHRI 1060-2014 or 1061-2014 and certified by AHRI. A 60 percent sensible energy recovery ratio shall mean a change in the dry-bulb of the outdoor air supply equal to 60 percent of the difference between the outdoor air and exhaust air dry-bulb at design conditions. Provisions shall be made to bypass or control the energy recovery system to permit air economizer operation as required by Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.4(e), Economizers.
Exceptions:
Systems serving spaces that are not cooled and that are heated to less than 60°F.
Where more than 60 percent of the outdoor air heating energy is provided from site-recovered energy.
Where the sum of the airflow rates exhausted and relieved within 20 feet of each other is less than 75 percent of the design outdoor airflow rate, excluding exhaust air that is:
Used for another energy recovery system;
Not allowed by ASHRAE Standard 170 for use in energy recovery systems with leakage potential; or
Of Class 4 as defined in ASHRAE Standard 62.1.
Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week.
A5.203.1.2 Performance standard. Comply with one of the advanced efficiency levels indicated below.
A5.203.1.2.1 Tier 1. Buildings complying with the first level of advanced energy efficiency shall have an Energy Budget that is no greater than indicated below, depending on building type and the type of energy systems included in the building project. If the newly constructed building or addition does not include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, then no additional performance requirements above Title 24, Part 6 are required.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, but not both: No greater than 95 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
- For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting and mechanical systems: No greater than 90 percent of the Title 24, Part 6 Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
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CALGreen § 203.1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
2**
Energy
Efficiency|Tier 1
Prerequisite|Energy performance—outdoor lighting power 90% of Part 6|A5.203.1.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Tier 1
Prerequisite|If applicable, service for water heating in restaurants of 8,000
sf or greater|A5.203.1.1.2||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Tier 1
Prerequisite|Energy budget 95% or 90% of Part 6 calculated value of
allowance|A5.203.1.2.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|On-site renewable energy (with documentation)|A5.211.1, A5.211.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Green power|A5.211.3||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Elevators with car lights and fan|A5.212.1.1,
A5.212.1.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Escalators|A5.212.1.2||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Controls that reduce energy|A5.212.1.4||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Steel framing|A5.213.1|||||2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-49
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
CHAPTER 5
DIVISIONSCol2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
SECTIONY N O PLAN SHEET,
SPEC OR
ATTACH**DIVISION 5. CALGreen § 203.1 Medium relevance — show source text
ENERGY BUDGET.
GEOTHERMAL.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
PROCESS.
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR ACCESS.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A5.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH
A5.203.1 Energy efficiency. Nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings that include lighting and/or mechanical systems shall comply with Sections A5.203.1.1 and A5.203.1.2. Newly constructed buildings and additions are included in the scope of these sections. Buildings permitted without lighting or mechanical systems shall comply with Section A5.203.1.1 but are not required to comply with Section A5.203.1.2.
A5.203.1.1 Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites. To comply with Tier 1, ONE of the following efficiency measures is required for all applicable components of the building project. To comply with Tier 2, TWO of the following efficiency measures are required.
A5.203.1.1.1 Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting requirements are described below.
A5.203.1.1.1.1 Newly installed outdoor lighting power shall be no greater than 90 percent of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power, and general hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7(b)1 shall have a color temperature no higher than 3000K. The Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculation is specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7, Requirements for Outdoor Lighting.
Exception to Section A5.203.1.1.1.1:
- The color temperature requirement is not applicable to the applications identified in the exceptions to Section 140.7(a) of Title 24, Part 6, nor to the applications identified as “specific applications” in Section 140.7(b)2 and Table 140.7-B of Title 24, Part 6.
A5.203.1.1.1.2 Outdoor pole-mounted and arm-mounted luminaires shall be installed with tilting not greater than 10 degrees, or the outdoor luminaires shall be installed with arm-mount or tenon-mount capable of tilting less than or within 10 degrees.
Exceptions to Section A5.203.1.1.1.2:
- Lighting for building facades, public monuments, public art, statues and vertical surfaces of bridges.
- Lighting not permitted by a health or life safety statute, ordinance or regulation to be a cutoff luminaire.
- Temporary outdoor lighting.
- Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard.
- Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways, and traffic signage lighting, including lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right-of-way. Luminaires that illuminate the public right of way including publicly-maintained or utility-maintained sidewalks and bikeways.
- Lighting for sports and athletic fields and children’s playgrounds.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- Lighting for industrial sites, including but not limited to, rail yards, maritime shipyards and docks, piers and marinas, chemical and petroleum processing plants, and aviation facilities.
CALGreen § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.201—GENERAL
A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required findings of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106, prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modifications along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS
A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
GEOTHERMAL.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
PROCESS.
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR ACCESS.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A5.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH
A5.203.1 Energy efficiency. Nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings that include lighting and/or mechanical systems shall comply with Sections A5.203.1.1 and A5.203.1.2. Newly constructed buildings and additions are included in the scope of these sections. Buildings permitted without lighting or mechanical systems shall comply with Section A5.203.1.1 but are not required to comply with Section A5.203.1.2.
A5.203.1.1 Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites. To comply with Tier 1, ONE of the following efficiency measures is required for all applicable components of the building project. To comply with Tier 2, TWO of the following efficiency measures are required.
A5.203.1.1.1 Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting requirements are described below.
A5.203.1.1.1.1 Newly installed outdoor lighting power shall be no greater than 90 percent of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power, and general hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7(b)1 shall have a color temperature no higher than 3000K. The Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculation is specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7, Requirements for Outdoor Lighting.
Exception to Section A5.203.1.1.1.1:
CALGreen § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
From Division A5.3,
CALGreen § 409.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
3.
Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|A5.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by local government as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating addi
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
tional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions and alterations. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.
A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1
A5.601.2.1 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.
A5.601.2.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.1.
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:
- 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:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
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.
- From Division A5.4,
CALGreen § 203.1.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
In addition, a minimum of two of
the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through
A4.203.1.2.8 will be required to be met.
· Roof Deck Insulation or Ducts in Conditioned Space.
· High-performance Walls.
· Compact Hot Water Distribution System.
· Drain Water Heat Recovery.
· High Performance Vertical Fenestration.
· Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Management.
· Battery Storage System Controls.
· **Heat Pump Space and Water Heating.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.3 Consultation with local electric service provider.**Local
jurisdictions considering adoption of reduced EDR targets based on
using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems larger than required by the
California Energy Code shall consult with the local electric service
provider to ensure that that PV system sizing required to comply with
the EDR targets will be acceptable to the local electric service
provider.||2|2||||2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-25
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
SECTION A4.602—RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST—continued
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 WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION Indoor Water Use 4.303.1Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings
(showerheads, faucets and pre-rinse spray valves) installed in
residential buildings shall comply with the prescriptive requirements
of Sections 4.303.1.1 through 4.303.1.4.5. 4.303.2 Submeters for multifamily building and dwelling units in
**mixed-use residential/commercial buildings.CALGreen § 8-14 Medium relevance — show source text
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on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
Selection of “trained,” qualified personnel is required by this code. In order to meet this requirement, the commissioning provider should be evaluated via the methods discussed above. In addition, various organizations have training and certification programs that may be a source for identification of qualified commissioning providers.
For information about enforcement and compliance of each commissioning element see Sections 5.410.2.1 through 5.410.2.6.
For compliance forms and templates see Part 2 following this standard.
Reference: 1 Owner’s Project Requirements
CALGreen Section 5.410.2.1, Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR).
1.1 Intent:
The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) documents the functional requirements of a project and expectations of the building use and operation as it relates to systems being commissioned. The document describes the physical and functional building characteristics desired by the owner and establishes performance and acceptance criteria. The OPR is most effective when developed during predesign and used to develop the Basis of Design (BOD) during the design process. The level of detail and complexity of the OPR will vary according to building use, type and systems.
1.2 Compliance Method:
Compliance is demonstrated by the owner or owner’s representative developing and/or approving the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) document and can be defined as follows:
- Environmental and Sustainability Goals—Establish environmental project goals and objectives exceeding the code for the project’s sustainability, which may include: a. CALGreen voluntary measures or Tiers sought, or other specific green building rating system or program credits and/or level of certification sought b. Specific environmental or sustainability goals such as water efficiency, water reuse, CO 2 monitoring, xeriscaping, etc.
- Building Sustainable Goals—Establish goals and targets affecting energy efficiency, which may include: a. Measures affecting building sustainability desired by owner i. Building orientation and siting ii. Daylighting iii. Facade, envelope and fenestration
iv. Roof
v. Natural ventilation
vi. Onsite renewable power generation and net-zero energy use vii. Landscaping and shading 3. Indoor Environmental Quality Requirements—For each program space describe indoor environmental requirements including intended use and anticipated schedule, and the following: a. Temperature and humidity
b. Acoustics
c. Air quality, ventilation and filtration d. Desired adjustability of system controls
e. Accommodations for after-hours use
f. Other owner requirements including natural ventilation, operable windows, daylight, views, etc. 4. Project Program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after-hours operation—Describe primary purpose, program and use of proposed project include the following: a. Building size, number of stories, construction type, occupancy type and number b. Building program areas including intended use and anticipated occupancy schedules c. Future expandability and flexibility of spaces d. Quality and/or durability of materials and building lifespan desired e. Budget or operational constraints f. Applicable codes 5. Equipment and Systems Expectations—Describe the following for each system commissioned: a. Level of quality, reliability, equipment type, automation, flexibility, maintenance and complexity desired b. Specific efficiency targets, desired technologies or preferred manufacturers for building systems, acoustics and vibration c. Degree of system integration, automation and functionality for controls 6.
CALGreen § 106.9 Medium relevance — show source text
FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenFEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenTier 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 § 5.105.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: Combined addition(s) to existing building(s) of two times the area or more of the existing building(s) is not eligible to meet compliance with Section 5.105.2 or Section A5.105.2.
A5.409.2 Whole building life cycle assessment. Projects shall meet the minimum requirements of Section A5.409.2 for Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance.
A5.409.2.1 Tier 1. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment meeting the requirements of Section 5.409.2 and performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044, excluding operating energy, demonstrating a minimum 15-percent reduction in global warming potential (GWP) as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of all parts of the California Building Standards Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall exclude the reused elements. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
A5.409.2.2 Tier 2. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment meeting the requirements of Section 5.409.2 and performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, excluding operating energy, demonstrating a minimum 20-percent reduction in GWP as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of all parts of the California Building Standards Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall not be of new construction and shall retain existing materials. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
A5.409.2.3 Verification of compliance. A summary of the GWP analysis produced by the software and Worksheet WS-7 signed by the design professional of record shall be provided in the construction documents as documentation of compliance. A copy of the whole building life cycle assessment which includes the GWP analysis produced by the software, in addition to maintenance and training information, shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual and shall be provided to the owner at the close of construction. The enforcing agency may require inspection and inspection reports in accordance with Sections 702.2 and 703.1 during and at completion of construction to demonstrate substantial conformance. Inspection shall be performed by the design professional of record or third party acceptable to the enforcing agency.
A5.409.3 Product GWP compliance—prescriptive path. Each product that is permanently installed and listed in Table A5.409.3 shall have a Type III environmental product declaration (EPD), either product-specific or factory-specific.
CALGreen § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.201—GENERAL
A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required approval of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modification along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement. (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/build- ing-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A4.202—DEFINITIONS
A4.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A4.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS
A4.203.1 Energy efficiency. Newly constructed low-rise residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.203.1.1 through A4.203.1.4.
A4.203.1.1 Long-term system cost (LSC). LSC rating for the building’s Proposed Design shall be computed by Compliance Software certified by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 100.1 and 150.1(b), and shall reduce the LSC required in the Compliance Software for minimum performance-based compliance with the California Energy Code by the compliance margin specified in Table A4.203.1.1. The rating shall be included in the Certificate of Compliance documentation.
TABLE A4.203.1.1—RECOMMENDED LSC MARGINS BY CLIMATE ZONES Col2 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE CLIMATE ZONE TOTAL LSC COMPLIANCE MARGIN 1 2.70 2 1.62 3 1.10 4 1.11 5 1.01 6 0.24 7 0.24 8 0.21 9 0.20 10 0.18 11 1.11 12 1.05 13 0.96 14 1.21 15 0.59 16 1.68 Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-9
Frequently asked questions
What does “Energy Budget” mean in this context?
The Energy Budget is the modeled annual energy use (as calculated by Energy Commission‑certified compliance software) for the Proposed Design and for the Title 24 Standard Design Building; § A5.203.1.2 uses the Standard Design Energy Budget as the baseline for percentage comparisons .
If my project has only mechanical systems but no indoor lighting, which percentage applies?
Use the percentage for “indoor lighting OR mechanical, but not both.” For Tier 1 that is 95%, and for Tier 2 that is 90%, per § A5.203.1.2.1/.2 .
Do the Tier prerequisites replace Title 24 energy requirements?
No. The prerequisites in § A5.203.1.1 are additional voluntary measures tied to achieving CALGreen Tier status; the Energy Budget comparisons are performed relative to Title 24, Part 6 calculations — you must still comply with Title 24 mandatory requirements unless the local jurisdiction has adopted otherwise .
Are high‑rise residential and hotel/motel projects treated differently?
They are considered nonresidential for the purpose of Energy Budget calculations (explicit note in § A5.203.1.2); their Tier 1 and Tier 2 Energy Budget limit is 95% in the current language of § A5.203.1.2.1/.2 .
Where do I find the full list of prerequisites and their exceptions?
See § A5.203.1.1 (and its subclauses) for the complete list of Tier prerequisites and explicit exceptions (e.g., outdoor lighting exceptions, exhaust heat recovery exceptions) .
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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