CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
Warehouse dock seals, daylight power adjustments and exhaust air heat recovery
If a loading dock door opens into a conditioned space in California, you must install a dock seal or shelter at permitting; daylighting power adjustments must follow Title 24 Part 6 §140.3(d); and ventilation systems that supply ≥80% outdoor air at ≥200 cfm in specified climate zones must include AHRI‑certified exhaust air heat recovery providing at least 60% sensible energy recovery, unless an explicit exception applies (see § A5.203.1.1.3, § A5.203.1.1.4, § A5.203.1.1.5) .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
In plain English: Exterior loading dock doors adjacent to conditioned or indirectly conditioned spaces must have dock seals or dock shelters installed at permit time (§ A5.203.1.1.3). Daylighting devices used for daylight power adjustments must be installed per Title 24, Part 6, § 140.3(d), as required by § A5.203.1.1.4. Certain ventilation systems meeting outdoor‑air fraction, flow and climate‑zone thresholds must include exhaust air heat recovery sized to provide at least a 60 percent sensible energy recovery ratio for heating and cooling, with listed exceptions (§ A5.203.1.1.5) .
The single most important rule: if a dock door opens into conditioned space, install a dock seal or dock shelter at permitting; and if your mechanical system supplies ≥80% outdoor air at ≥200 cfm in specified California climate zones, you must provide exhaust air heat recovery that delivers at least 60% sensible recovery (§ A5.203.1.1.3, § A5.203.1.1.5) .
Requirements in detail
Warehouse dock seals (mandatory under this Appendix)
- What: Install dock seals or dock shelters at exterior loading dock doors that are adjacent to conditioned or indirectly conditioned spaces.
- When: At the time of permitting for new construction and for loading dock doors added to existing buildings.
- Controlling section: § A5.203.1.1.3 .
Decision-relevant table — dock seals
| Decision dimension | Requirement / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Which doors | Exterior loading dock doors adjacent to conditioned or indirectly conditioned spaces | § A5.203.1.1.3 |
| Timing | Installed at time of permitting (new and added doors) | § A5.203.1.1.3 |
Notes: CALGreen references the requirement directly; it does not specify a manufacturer, performance standard or dimension for the seal/shelter itself in the section text—those product details are selected by the designer/owner and must meet applicable performance and fire/safety codes.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments (PAFs)
- What: Daylighting devices used to claim daylighting power adjustment factors (PAFs) must be installed as specified in the California Energy Code: Title 24, Part 6, § 140.3(d).
- Controlling section: § A5.203.1.1.4 .
Decision-relevant table — daylighting PAFs
| Decision dimension | Requirement / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Device requirement | Install daylighting devices as specified in Title 24, Part 6, § 140.3(d) | § A5.203.1.1.4 |
| Where to find details | Title 24, Part 6, § 140.3(d) (Energy Code) — not reproduced here | § A5.203.1.1.4 |
Note: The CALGreen section points to the Energy Code for the technical PAF criteria. The full technical method and values for daylighting PAFs (e.g., sidelighting vs. toplighting, area of fenestration, control methods) are in Title 24, Part 6 § 140.3(d); those specifics are not included verbatim in the CALGreen text provided here .
Exhaust air heat recovery — when it is required and how effective it must be
- Applicability trigger: Systems with a minimum design outdoor air fraction of 80% or greater and supply air flow of 200 cfm or greater located in climate zones 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 must have a heat recovery system.
- Performance required: The heat recovery must produce a net sensible energy recovery ratio of at least 60% for both heating and cooling, tested per AHRI 1060‑2014 or 1061‑2014 and AHRI‑certified. The CALGreen defines 60% sensible as supply air dry‑bulb change equal to 60% of the difference between outdoor air and exhaust air dry‑bulb at design conditions.
- Bypass/economizer: Provisions must be made to bypass or control the energy recovery system to permit air economizer operation as required by Title 24, Part 6, § 140.4(e).
- Controlling section: § A5.203.1.1.5 .
Decision-relevant table — exhaust air heat recovery
| Decision dimension | Requirement / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor air fraction threshold | ≥ 80% design outdoor air fraction | § A5.203.1.1.5 (1) |
| Supply air flow threshold | ≥ 200 cfm supply air flow | § A5.203.1.1.5 (1) |
| Climate zones | 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 | § A5.203.1.1.5 (1) |
| Minimum recovery performance | Net sensible energy recovery ratio ≥ 60% for heating and cooling, AHRI tested and certified (AHRI 1060‑2014 or 1061‑2014) | § A5.203.1.1.5 (2) |
| Definition of 60% sensible | Change in dry‑bulb of outdoor supply = 60% of (outdoor − exhaust) dry‑bulb at design conditions | § A5.203.1.1.5 (2) |
| Economizer bypass/control | Must provide bypass/control to permit economizer per Title 24, Part 6, § 140.4(e) | § A5.203.1.1.5 (2) |
Exceptions & special cases
The section lists specific exceptions where the exhaust heat recovery requirement does NOT apply. Key exceptions (quoted in plain terms):
- Systems serving spaces that are not cooled and heated to less than 60°F.
- Where more than 60% of the outdoor‑air heating energy is provided from site‑recovered energy.
- Where the sum of airflow rates exhausted and relieved within 20 feet of each other is less than 75% of the design outdoor airflow rate — with exclusions for certain exhaust air uses and classes (see the section for the three sub‑exceptions).
- Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week.
All exceptions are stated in § A5.203.1.1.5 .
Special case notes:
- The CALGreen text requires AHRI testing/certification (1060‑2014 or 1061‑2014) to establish the 60% sensible ratio — owners/designers must retain test/cert documentation. See § A5.203.1.1.5 (2) .
- The daylight PAF requirement points to Title 24 Part 6 § 140.3(d) for the technical rule; the prescriptive PAF values and required controls are in the Energy Code and are not reproduced in the CALGreen excerpt here .
Common mistakes
- Treating the dock‑seal requirement as optional. The rule is mandatory for dock doors adjacent to conditioned spaces at permitting — do not defer seal installation until occupancy (§ A5.203.1.1.3) .
- Assuming any heat recovery device qualifies: CALGreen requires a net sensible energy recovery ratio ≥ 60% and AHRI certification (AHRI 1060‑2014 or 1061‑2014) — installers must select equipment that can demonstrate that rating (§ A5.203.1.1.5 (2)) .
- Forgetting the 200 cfm supply‑flow and ≥ 80% outdoor‑air fraction thresholds — both must be met (plus climate‑zone applicability) before heat recovery is triggered (§ A5.203.1.1.5 (1)) .
- Overlooking economizer bypass/control requirements — the system must allow bypass or control to permit economizer operation per Title 24, Part 6 (§ A5.203.1.1.5 (2)) .
- Trying to apply DAYLIGHT PAF adjustments without consulting Title 24 Part 6 § 140.3(d); CALGreen defers to that Energy Code section for the technical PAF rules (§ A5.203.1.1.4) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A new distribution warehouse in Climate Zone 9 has a DOAS that supplies 3,000 cfm, of which 2,700 cfm is outdoor air (i.e., 90% outdoor‑air fraction). The system is expected to operate full time.
Step 1 — Does the heat recovery rule apply?
- Outdoor air fraction = 2,700 ÷ 3,000 = 90% (≥ 80%), supply flow = 3,000 cfm (≥ 200 cfm), climate zone = 9 (listed). Therefore heat recovery is required under § A5.203.1.1.5 (1) .
Step 2 — What performance is required?
- The installed heat recovery must provide net sensible recovery ≥ 60% at heating and cooling design conditions and be AHRI‑tested/certified per AHRI 1060‑2014 or 1061‑2014, per § A5.203.1.1.5 (2) .
Step 3 — Example numeric effect (sensible recovery interpretation)
- Assume design dry‑bulb temperatures: Outdoor = 40°F, Exhaust = 70°F → difference = 30°F.
- 60% sensible recovery means supply preconditioned outdoor air temperature should change by 0.60 × 30°F = 18°F. So outdoor air would be warmed from 40°F to ~58°F by the recovery device before further heating or mixing — consistent with CALGreen’s stated definition of 60% sensible recovery (§ A5.203.1.1.5 (2)) .
Step 4 — Documentation and controls
- Provide AHRI certification (1060 or 1061) showing the ≥60% sensible performance, and incorporate bypass/control to permit economizer operation per Title 24, Part 6 § 140.4(e) as required by the CALGreen section (§ A5.203.1.1.5 (2)) .
Related provisions
- § A5.203.1.1.1 — Outdoor lighting (related energy measures referenced in Division A5.2) .
- § A5.203.1.1.2 — Service water heating in restaurants (another Division A5.2 elective) .
- § A5.203.1.1.4 — Daylight Design Power Adjustments Factors — references Title 24, Part 6, § 140.3(d) for PAFs (already cited above) .
- § A5.203.1.2 — Performance standard (Tier energy budget cross‑references) for nonresidential voluntary tiers .
- § A5.601.2 / § A5.601.3 — CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 voluntary tiers where these measures are used as elective measures for higher tiers .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
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.
APPENDIX A5-14 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CALGreen § 203.1.1.2 High relevance — show source text
- In theme parks: outdoor lighting only for themes and special effects.
- Lighting for outdoor theatrical and other outdoor live performances, provided that these lighting systems are additions to area lighting systems and are controlled by a multi-scene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators.
- Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings, as defined in the California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), if they consist solely of historical lighting components or replicas of historical lighting components. If lighting systems for qualified historical buildings contain some historical lighting components or replicas of historical components combined with other lighting components, only those historical or historical replica components are exempt. All other outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings shall not be exempted.
A5.203.1.1.2 Service water heating in restaurants. Newly constructed restaurants 8,000 square feet or greater and with service water heaters rated 75,000 Btu/h or greater shall install a solar water-heating system with a minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15.
Exceptions:
- Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
- Buildings where greater than 75 percent of the total roof area has annual solar access that is less than 70 percent. 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.
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:
CALGreen § 601.3.4 High relevance — show source text
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.
APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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,
a. Comply with the 20-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.2. b. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.
- From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 15 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 A5.405.4.1. b. Comply with the 80-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.
- From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 100 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7.1. Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list and no added formaldehyde in Section A5.504.4.8.1.
c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division. 6. Comply with three additional elective measures 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.
A5.601.4 Compliance verification. Compliance with Section A5.601.2 or A5.601.3 shall be as required in Chapter 7 of this code. Compliance documentation shall be made part of the project record as required in Section 5.410.2 or 5.410.3.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-43
CALGreen § 405.4 High 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.
APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 High 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
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-41
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 601.2.4 High relevance — show source text
A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:
- 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,
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.
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 § 9.3 High relevance — show source text
9.3**|SDR 11|SDR 11|SDR 10|SDR 11|SDR 11|SDR 11|SDR 11| |ACTUAL ID:|0.660|0.860|1.077|1.328|1.554|1.943|2.864|3.682| |LENGTH (feet)
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
|CAPACITY IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR
| |10
|340
|680
|1230
|2130
|3210
|5770
|16 000
|30 900
| |20
|233
|468
|844
|1460
|2210
|3970
|11 000
|21 200
| |30
|187
|375
|677
|1170
|1770
|3180
|8810
|17 000
| |40
|160
|321
|580
|1000
|1520
|2730
|7540
|14 600
| |50
|142
|285
|514
|890
|1340
|2420
|6680
|12 900
| |60
|129
|258
|466
|807
|1220
|2190
|6050
|11 700
| |70
|119
|237
|428
|742
|1120
|2010
|5570
|10 800
| |80
|110
|221
|398
|690
|1040
|1870
|5180
|10 000
| |90
|103
|207
|374
|648
|978
|1760
|4860
|9400
| |100
|98
|196
|353
|612
|924
|1660
|4590
|8900<CALGreen § 508.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION A5.508—OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY
A5.508.1.3 Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Install HVAC and refrigeration equipment that do not contain HCFCs.
A5.508.1.4 Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Install HVAC complying with either of the following:
- Install HVAC, refrigeration and fire suppression equipment that do not contain HFCs or that do not contain HFCs with a global warming potential greater than 150.
- Install HVAC and refrigeration equipment that limit the use of HFC refrigerant through the use of a secondary heat transfer fluid with a global warming potential no greater than 1.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-37
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5-38 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX A5 – NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowChapter/Section 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-39
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS
CALGreen § 6.0 Medium relevance — show source text
w.c.|6.0 in. w.c.| |||||||SPECIFIC GRAVITY:|SPECIFIC GRAVITY:|0.60|0.60| |INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER|INTENDED USE: INITIAL SUPPLY PRESSURE OF 11.0 IN. W.C. OR GREATER| ||PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)|PIPE SIZE (inch)| |NOMINAL:|1⁄2|3⁄4|1|11⁄4|11⁄2|2|21⁄2|3|4| |ACTUAL ID:|0.622|0.824|1.049|1.38|1.61|2.067|2.469|3.068|4.026| |LENGTH
(feet)**|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR|CAPACITY IN CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER HOUR| |10|660|1380|2600|5340|8000|15 400|24 600|43 400|88 500| |20|454|949|1790|3670|5500|10 600|16 900|29 800|60 800| |30|364|762|1440|2950|4410|8500|13 600|24 000|48 900| |40|312|652|1230|2520|3780|7280|11 600|20 500|41 800| |50|276|578|1090|2240|3350|6450|10 300|18CALGreen § 160.2 Medium relevance — show source text
The ventilation rate required by the authority having jurisdiction, the facility Environmental Health and Safety Department or Section 160.2(c)3; or
iii. The mechanical exhaust flow minus the available transfer air. Available transfer air shall be from another conditioned space or return air plenums on the same floor and same smoke or fire compartment, and that at their closest point are within 15 feet of each other. Exception 1 to Section 170.2(c)4M: Spaces that are required by applicable codes and standards to be maintained at a positive pressure differential relative to adjacent spaces. Exception 2 to Section 170.2(c)4M: Spaces where the highest amount of transfer air that could be used for exhaust makeup may exceed the available transfer airflow rate and where the spaces have a required negative pressure relationship. N. Dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS). HVAC systems that utilize a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) such as a DX-DOAS, HRV or ERV unit to condition, temper or filter 100 percent outdoor air separate from local or central spaceconditioning systems serving the same space shall meet the following criteria:
- DOAS unit fan systems with input power less than 1 kW shall not exceed a total combined fan power of 1.0 W/cfm. DOAS with fan power greater than or equal to 1 kW shall meet the requirements of Section 140.4(c).
- The DOAS supply air shall be delivered directly to the occupied space or at the outlet of any terminal heating or cooling coils and shall cycle off any zone heating and cooling equipment fans, circulation pumps and terminal unit fans when there is no call for heating or cooling in the zone. Exception 1 to Section 170.2(c)4N2: Active chilled beam systems. Exception 2 to Section 170.2(c)4N2: Sensible-only cooling terminal units with pressure-independent variableairflow regulating devices limiting the DOAS supply air to the greater of latent load or minimum ventilation requirements. Exception 3 to Section 170.2(c)4N2: Any configuration where a DOAS unit provides ventilation air to a downstream fan (a terminal box, air handling unit or other space-conditioning equipment) where the total system airflow can be reduced to ventilation minimum or the downstream fan power is no greater than 0.12 watts per cfm when space temperatures are within the thermostat deadband (at low speed per manufacturer’s literature).
- DOAS supply and exhaust fans shall have a minimum of three speeds to facilitate system balancing.
- DOAS with mechanical cooling providing ventilation to multiple zones and operating in conjunction with zone heating and cooling systems shall not use heating or heat recovery to warm supply air above 60°F when representative building loads or outdoor air temperature indicates that the majority of zones requires cooling.
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 255
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES
O. Exhaust air heat recovery. Fan systems designed to operate to the criteria listed in either Table 170.2-I or Table 170.2-J shall include an exhaust air heat recovery system that meets the following: i. A sensible energy recovery ratio of at least 60 percent or an enthalpy recovery ratio of at least 50 percent for both heating and cooling design conditions. ii. Energy recovery bypass or control to disable energy recovery and to directly economize with ventilation air based on outdoor air temperature limits specified in Table 170.2-G.
CALGreen § 503.5.10.1. Medium relevance — show source text
(3) Systems in Climate Zones 0A, 1A, 2A, and 3A with at least 80 percent outdoor air and employing exhaust air energy recovery complying with Section E 503.5.10.1.
(4) Systems that prevent reheating, recooling, or mixing of heated and cooled supply air.
(5) Systems in which at least 75 percent of the energy for reheating (on an annual basis) is from site recovered energy or on-site renewable energy. [ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.3.5]
E 503.5.6.5 Fractional Horsepower Fan Motors. Motors for fans that are [1] ⁄ 12 hp (62.1 W) or more and less than 1 hp (0.7 kW) shall be electronically-commutated motors or shall have a motor efficiency of not less than 70 percent where rated in accordance with DOE 10 CFR 431. These motors
shall also have the means to adjust motor speed for either balancing or remote control. Belt-driven fans shall be permitted to use sheave adjustments for airflow balancing in lieu of a varying motor speed.
Exceptions:
(1) Motors in the airstream within fan coils and terminal units that operate when providing heating to the space served.
(2) Motors installed in space conditioning equipment certified in accordance with Section E
503.4 through Section E 503.4.4.1.
(3) Motors shown in Table E 503.5.6.5(1) or Table E 503.5.6.5(2). [ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.3.6]
E 503.5.6.6 Low Power Fans. Fans that are not
covered by Section E 503.5.6.5 and having a fan nameplate electrical input power of less than 180 W or having a motor nameplate horsepower less than
1 / 12 hp (62.1 W) shall meet the fan efficacy requirements specified in ASHRAE 90.1. [ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.3.7]
E 503.5.6.7 Ventilation Design. The required minimum outdoor air rate is the larger of the minimum outdoor air rate or the minimum exhaust air rate
required by Chapter 4, ASHRAE 62.1, ASHRAE 62.2, ASHRAE/ASHE 170, or applicable codes or accreditation standards. Outdoor air ventilation systems shall comply with one of the following:
(1) Design minimum system outdoor air provided shall not exceed 135 percent of the required minimum outdoor air rate.
(2) Dampers, ductwork, and controls shall be provided that allow the system to supply no more than the required minimum outdoor air rate with a single setpoint adjustment.
(3) The system includes exhaust air energy recovery complying with Section E 503.5.10.1.
[ASHRAE 90.1:6.5.3.8]
E 503.5.6.8 Occupied-Standby Controls. Zones serving only rooms that are required to have automatic partial OFF or automatic full OFF lighting controls in accordance with ASHRAE 90.1, where the Chapter 4 or ASHRAE 62.1 occupancy category permits ventilation air to be reduced to zero when
«
438 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
Frequently asked questions
When exactly must a dock seal be installed?
At the time of permitting for any exterior loading dock door adjacent to conditioned or indirectly conditioned spaces — for new construction and when adding dock doors to existing buildings per § A5.203.1.1.3 .
Do small exhaust systems need heat recovery?
Only systems that meet all the thresholds — ≥ 80% design outdoor‑air fraction, ≥ 200 cfm supply air flow, and located in the listed climate zones — are required to have heat recovery; otherwise the requirement does not apply (see § A5.203.1.1.5 (1)) .
How is the 60% sensible recovery defined and proven?
CALGreen defines 60% sensible as a change in outdoor supply dry‑bulb equal to 60% of the difference between outdoor and exhaust dry‑bulb at design conditions, and requires AHRI testing/certification per AHRI 1060‑2014 or 1061‑2014 to verify performance (§ A5.203.1.1.5 (2)) .
Where are the daylight PAF technical details?
CALGreen requires daylighting devices be installed as specified in Title 24, Part 6, § 140.3(d); the technical PAF methods and values are found in the Energy Code section referenced by § A5.203.1.1.4 .
Is there an exception if the system runs very little?
Yes — systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week are listed as an exception to the exhaust heat recovery requirement in § A5.203.1.1.5 .
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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