CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Outdoor lighting power and lighting‑related electives

If your project uses CALGreen’s outdoor‑lighting elective, design outdoor fixtures so total installed wattage is no more than 90% of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power computed under Title 24 §140.7, use general hardscape lamps ≤3000 K unless exempt, and install pole/arm luminaires with tilt limited to 10° (or document an exception).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

CALGreen requires that, when chosen as an energy elective, newly installed outdoor lighting power be reduced to no greater than 90 percent of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculated under the California Energy Code. The requirement is contained in § A5.203.1.1.1 and the general voluntary energy scope is in § A5.201.1.

The single most important rule: for CALGreen energy electives, outdoor lighting installed for the project must not exceed 90% of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power as calculated under Title 24, Part 6 § 140.7.

Requirements in detail

Key requirements (plain list)

  • Reduce newly installed outdoor lighting power to ≤ 90% of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculated per § 140.7 of Title 24, Part 6. § A5.203.1.1.1.1.
  • General hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24, Part 6, § 140.7(b)1 must have color temperature ≤ 3000 K (unless exempt). § A5.203.1.1.1.1.
  • Pole‑ or arm‑mounted luminaires must be installed with tilt ≤ 10°, or use mounts that prevent tilting beyond 10°. § A5.203.1.1.1.2.

Decision table — what to check and where

Decision dimension Required value / limit Why it matters Code Reference
Outdoor lighting power (new installations) ≤ 90% of Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power Limits total outdoor wattage to achieve energy elective § A5.203.1.1.1.1
Source of Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power Calculated per § 140.7 (Title 24, Part 6) Defines the baseline allowance you must reduce to 90% § 140.7 (Title 24, Part 6)
Hardscape color temperature ≤ 3000 K for general hardscape lighting (unless exempt) Controls blue‑rich light to reduce ecological/sky‑glow impacts § A5.203.1.1.1.1
Pole/arm luminaire tilt ≤ 10° tilt (or mount that limits tilt to ≤10°) Reduces glare and uplight; improves cutoff performance § A5.203.1.1.1.2
Exceptions Multiple listed (e.g., sports fields, FAA lights, temporary lighting, certain historic fixtures) Some applications are exempt from the power/color/tilt limits See exceptions to § A5.203.1.1.1.1 and Title 24 § 140.7(a)

Notes about the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power

  • The term Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power is not computed in CALGreen itself; CALGreen directs you to the Energy Code calculation method in § 140.7 of Title 24, Part 6. Use that calculation first, then apply the 90% factor required by § A5.203.1.1.1.1.
  • Title 24 also governs trade‑offs and what lighting may be excluded or reallocated; read § 140.7 for the full method and allowable trades.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The color temperature ≤ 3000 K requirement does not apply where Title 24 § 140.7 identifies exceptions (for example, specific applications and the § 140.7(a) exceptions). CALGreen repeats that exception language for the color‑temperature requirement. § A5.203.1.1.1.1.
  • The ≤ 10° tilt rule for pole/arm luminaires (or fixed mounts) has explicit exceptions (examples: building façade lighting, public monuments, temporary lighting, FAA/Coast Guard regulated lights, public street/roadway lighting, sports fields, certain industrial sites, and some historic lighting). § A5.203.1.1.1.2 lists these exceptions.
  • Title 24 also lists situations where a luminaire’s power is not required to comply with § 140.7 (e.g., when >50% of light is focused on an excepted application). Those Title 24 exceptions apply when determining the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power baseline.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming “90%” is relative to installed wattage rather than the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power baseline from Title 24 § 140.7. CALGreen requires 90% of the computed Allowed amount, not simply “10% less than your spec.” § A5.203.1.1.1.1.
  • Forgetting to apply the color temperature ≤ 3000 K requirement to general hardscape luminaires within the scope of § 140.7(b)1 unless an exception applies.
  • Installing pole/arm luminaires that can be tilted beyond 10° (or using mounts that allow excessive tilt) without documenting an applicable exception. § A5.203.1.1.1.2.
  • Attempting to trade outdoor lighting allowances to indoor lighting or between certain specific applications contrary to Title 24 trade‑off rules—Title 24 restricts trading between outdoor/indoor and between specific application categories.

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: A new retail site’s Title 24 calculation (per § 140.7) yields an Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power of 1,200 W for the project (this number is the result of the energy‑code calculation and is shown here for illustration).

Step 1 — apply CALGreen: multiply the Title 24 Allowed value by 90% per § A5.203.1.1.1.1.

  • 1,200 W × 0.90 = 1,080 W — maximum newly installed outdoor lighting power allowed under the CALGreen elective.

Step 2 — confirm color temperature for general hardscape luminaires: ensure those fixtures are ≤ 3000 K unless they meet a Title 24 exception.

Step 3 — verify pole/arm mounts: specify mounts or fixtures that do not tilt more than 10°, or specify fixed arm/tenon mounts limited to ≤ 10° tilt, unless an exception applies (e.g., façade lighting). § A5.203.1.1.1.2.

Result: Design the lighting schedule and fixture selections so the total connected outdoor lighting wattage does not exceed 1,080 W, hardscape fixtures are ≤ 3000 K, and pole/arm tilts are ≤ 10° (or document an exception).

Related provisions

  • § A5.201.1 — Scope and intent of the voluntary energy provisions (context for applying Appendix A5 elective measures).
  • § A5.203.1.1.1 — Outdoor lighting energy elective (main requirement).
  • § A5.203.1.1.1.2 — Pole/arm luminaire tilt and its exceptions.
  • § A5.203.1.1.2 — Service water heating elective (another Division A5.2 option).
  • § 140.7 (Title 24, Part 6) — Method for calculating Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power and Title 24 exceptions/trade‑offs (Energy Code reference).
  • § A5.601.2 / § A5.601.3 — Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites that reference the Division A5.2 electives (how outdoor lighting fits into tiered voluntary compliance).

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 203.1 High 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:

    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:

    1. Lighting for building facades, public monuments, public art, statues and vertical surfaces of bridges.
    2. Lighting not permitted by a health or life safety statute, ordinance or regulation to be a cutoff luminaire.
    3. Temporary outdoor lighting.
    4. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard.
    5. 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.
    6. Lighting for sports and athletic fields and children’s playgrounds.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-13

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. 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 § 140.7 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 140.7—PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING

    (a) An outdoor lighting installation complies with this section if it meets the requirements in Subsections (b) and (c), and the actual outdoor lighting power installed is no greater than the allowed outdoor lighting power calculated under Subsection (d). The allowed outdoor lighting shall be calculated according to outdoor lighting zone in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-114.

    Exceptions to Section 140.7(a): When more than 50 percent of the light from a luminaire falls within one or more of the following applications, the lighting power for that luminaire shall not be required to comply with Section 140.7:

    1. Temporary outdoor lighting.
    2. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Coast Guard.
    3. Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways, and traffic signage lighting, including lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right-of-way.
    4. Lighting for sports and athletic fields, and children’s playgrounds.
    5. 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.
    6. Lighting of public monuments.
    7. Lighting of signs complying with the requirements of Sections 130.3 and 140.8.
    8. Lighting of tunnels, bridges, stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and ramps that are other than parking garage ramps.
    9. Landscape lighting.
    10. In theme parks: outdoor lighting only for themes and special effects.
    11. 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 multiscene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators.

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    NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE

    COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    1. Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historic buildings, as defined in the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), if they consist solely of historic lighting components or replicas of historic lighting components. If lighting systems for qualified historic buildings contain some historic lighting components or replicas of historic components, combined with other lighting components, only those historic or historic replica components are exempt. All other outdoor lighting systems for qualified historic buildings shall comply with Section 140.7.

    (b) Outdoor lighting power trade-offs. Outdoor lighting power trade-offs shall be determined as follows:

    1. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 140.7(d)1 for general hardscape lighting allowance may be traded to specific applications in Section 140.7(d)2, provided the hardscape area from which the lighting power is traded continues to be illuminated in accordance with Section 140.7(d)1A.
    2. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 140.7(d)2 for additional lighting power allowances for specific applications shall not be traded between specific applications, or to hardscape lighting in Section 140.7(d)1.
    3. Trading of lighting power allowances between outdoor and indoor areas shall not be permitted.

    (c) Calculation of actual lighting power. The wattage of outdoor luminaires shall be determined in accordance with Section 130.0(c).

    (d) **Calculation of allowed lighting power.

  • 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 § 203.1.1.1.2 High relevance — show source text

    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:

    1. Lighting for building facades, public monuments, public art, statues and vertical surfaces of bridges.
    2. Lighting not permitted by a health or life safety statute, ordinance or regulation to be a cutoff luminaire.
    3. Temporary outdoor lighting.
    4. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard.
    5. 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.
    6. Lighting for sports and athletic fields and children’s playgrounds.

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. 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.
    2. Lighting of tunnels, bridges, stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and ramps that are not parking garage ramps.
    3. In theme parks: outdoor lighting only for themes and special effects.
    4. 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.
    5. 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:

    1. Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
    2. 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.

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

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

    1. From Division A5.5,

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

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

    A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

  • CALGreen § 201.1 High relevance — show source text

    APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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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 § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

    1. Reserved.

    2. Outdoor lighting. A. A multifamily or mixed occupancy outdoor lighting installation complies with this section if it meets the requirements in Subsections 170.2(e)6B and C, and the actual outdoor lighting power installed is no greater than the allowed outdoor lighting power calculated under Subsection 170.2(e)6D. The allowed outdoor lighting shall be calculated according to outdoor lighting zone in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-114. Exceptions to Section 170.2(e)6A: When more than 50 percent of the light from a luminaire falls within one or more of the following applications, the lighting power for that luminaire shall not be required to comply with Section 170.2(e)6:

    i. Temporary outdoor lighting. ii. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Coast Guard.

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    MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

    iii. Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways and traffic signage lighting, including lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right-of-way owned or maintained by a local municipality or utility. iv. Lighting for sports and athletic fields, and children’s playgrounds.

    v. Reserved.

    vi. Lighting of public monuments. vii. Lighting of signs complying with the requirements of Sections 160.5(d) and 170.2(e)7. viii. Lighting of stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and ramps that are other than parking garage ramps. ix. Landscape lighting.

    x. Reserved.

    xi. 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 multiscene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators. xii. Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historic buildings, as defined in the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), if they consist solely of historic lighintg components or replicas of historic lighting components. If lighting systems for qualified historic buildings contain some historic lighting components or replicas of historic components, combined with other lighting components, only those historic or historic replica components are exempt. All other outdoor lighting systems for qualified historic buildings shall comply with Section 170.2(e)6. B. Outdoor lighting power trade-offs. Outdoor lighting power trade-offs shall be determined as follows: i. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 170.2(e)6Di for general hardscape lighting allowance may be traded to specific applications in Section 170.2(e)6Dii, provided the hardscape area from which the lighting power is traded continues to be illuminated in accordance with Section 170.2(e)6Dia. ii. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 170.2(e)2Dii for additional lighting power allowances for specific applications shall not be traded between specific applications, or to hardscape lighting in Section 170.2(e)6Di. iii. Trading off lighting power allowances between outdoor and indoor areas shall not be permitted. C. Calculation of actual lighting power. The wattage of outdoor luminaires shall be determined in accordance with Section 160.5(b)1. D. **Calculation of allowed lighting power.

  • 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

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-41

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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:

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

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

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. From Division A5.3,

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

    1. From Division A5.4,
  • CALGreen § 601.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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

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

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. From Division A5.3,

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

    1. From Division A5.4,

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

    1. From Division A5.5,

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

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

    A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

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

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

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

  • CALGreen § 209.5. Medium relevance — show source text

    1. Lighting of public monuments.

    2. Signs shall meet the requirements of Section A6.209.5.

    3. Lighting used in or around swimming pools, water features or other locations subject to Article 680 of Title 24, Part 3, California Electrical Code.

    4. Lighting of tunnels, bridges, stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and ramps that are other than parking garage ramps.

    5. Landscape lighting.

    6. In theme parks: outdoor lighting for themes and special effects.

    7. 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 multiscene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators.

    8. Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historical buildings, as defined in Title 24, Part 8, California Historical Building Code, 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 comply with Section A6.209.4.

    A.5.209.4.1 Outdoor lighting power trade-offs. Outdoor lighting power trade-offs shall be determined as follows:

    1. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section A6.209.4.4.1 for general hardscape lighting allowance may be traded to specific applications in Section A6.209.4.4.2, provided the hardscape area from which the lighting power is traded continues to be illuminated in accordance with Section A6.209.4.4.1.1.

    2. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section A6.209.4.4.2 for additional lighting power allowances for specific applications shall not be traded between specific applications or to hardscape lighting in Section A6.209.4.4.1.

    3. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section A6.209.4.4.3 for additional lighting power allowances for local ordinance shall not be traded to specific applications in Section A6.209.4.4.2 or to hardscape areas not covered by the local ordinance.

    4. Trading off lighting power allowances between outdoor and indoor areas shall not be permitted.

    A6.209.4.2 Outdoor lighting power. An outdoor lighting installation complies with this section if the actual outdoor lighting power installed is no greater than the allowed outdoor lighting power calculated under Section A6.209.4.4 The allowed outdoor lighting shall be calculated by Lighting Zone as defined in Section 10-114 of Title 24, Part 1. Local governments may amend lighting zones in compliance with Section 10-114 of Title 24, Part 1.

    A6.209.4.3 Calculation of actual lighting power. The wattage of outdoor luminaires shall be determined in accordance with Section 130(d) of Title 24, Part 6.

    APPENDIX A6.1-28 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

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

  • CALGreen § 601.3.4 Medium 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:

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

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

    APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

    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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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 § 106.11 Medium relevance — show source text

    Cool roof with Exceptions,_
    Solar reflectance, Thermal emittance, Solar reflectance
    index alternative, Verification of compliance|A5.106.11,
    A5.106.11.2,
    A5.106.11.2.1,
    A5.106.11.2.2,
    A5.106.11.2.3,
    A5.106.11.2.4||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Reduction of heat island effect, Shade trees|A5.106.11,
    A5.106.11.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives|Select Three Electives|Elective|Bird-friendly building design, Required elevation treatment,
    Special conditions, Nighttime conditions with Exception,
    Systems or operation and maintenance manual|A5.107, A5.107.1,
    A5.107.2, A5.107.3,
    A5.107.3.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency
    (continued)|DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency
    (continued)|Mandatory|Meet the minimum energy efficiency standard|5.201.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency
    (continued)|DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency
    (continued)|Tier 2
    Prerequisite|Energy Performance—outdoor lighting power 90% of Part 6|A5.203.1.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency
    (continued)|DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency
    (continued)|Tier 2
    Prerequisite|If applicable, service for water heating in restaurants of 8,000
    sf or greater|A5.203.1.1.2|||||

    APPENDIX A5-56 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency    		 (continued)
    DIVISION 5.2
    Energy
    Efficiency    		 Tier 2
    Prerequisite    		 Energy budget 90% or 85% of Part 6 calculated value of
    allowance    		 _A5.203.1.2.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is “Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power” and where do I get it?

“Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power” is the baseline wattage calculated using the California Energy Code method in § 140.7 (Title 24, Part 6). CALGreen does not recalculate it; it requires your installed lighting to be ≤ 90% of that Title 24 figure when you select the outdoor lighting elective.

Does the 3000 K color temperature apply to all exterior lights?

No. The ≤ 3000 K limit applies to general hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24 § 140.7(b)1, but exceptions listed in § 140.7(a) and related tables may exclude certain applications (e.g., some signage, sports lighting, FAA‑regulated lights). Check Title 24 § 140.7 for those exceptions.

Can I trade outdoor lighting allowance to interior lighting?

No. Title 24 prohibits trading outdoor lighting allowances to indoor areas; trades are limited and specific—refer to § 140.7 for permitted trade‑offs.

What if my project already has existing outdoor lighting?

CALGreen’s elective applies to newly installed outdoor lighting power. For additions or alterations, confirm scope with the local enforcing agency and reference Title 24 § 140.7 and the CALGreen elective language to determine how existing installations are treated.

Who enforces these elective requirements?

CALGreen Appendix A5 measures are voluntary at the state level unless adopted locally. Local jurisdictions must file required findings with the California Energy Commission to adopt these measures as mandatory—see § A5.201.1 for scope/intent and adoption guidance.

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Service water heating provisions for restaurants

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