CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

CALGreen Tier 1/Tier 2 requirements and verification checklists

CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 are voluntary nonresidential performance levels that require first meeting Chapter 5 mandatory measures, then achieving specified energy performance and selecting a required mix of prerequisites and electives from Appendix A5. Use the Tier checklists (Mandatory, Tier 1, Tier 2) to mark items, attach plan/spec references, count measures (Tier 1 = 15, Tier 2 = 25), and sign the designer declaration to document compliance.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

CALGreen establishes two voluntary nonresidential tiers, CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2, that build on the Chapter 5 mandatory measures by adding prerequisites, energy performance targets, and a mix of required prerequisites + elective measures drawn from Appendix A5 (Divisions A5.1–A5.5). See § A5.601 for the tier structure and scope.

To achieve a tier, a project must first meet all mandatory Chapter 5 measures, then meet the Tier 1 or Tier 2 provisions (including the energy performance sections) and select the required number/type of voluntary measures per the Tier checklists in § A5.602, § A5.602.1, and § A5.602.2.

The single most important rule: meet all Chapter 5 mandatory measures first, then use the Appendix A5 tier prerequisites and elective counts from the Tier checklists to demonstrate Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance. § A5.601, § A5.602.

Requirements in detail

Scope and basic rule

  • Scope: Appendix A5 voluntary tiers apply to nonresidential projects unless a local jurisdiction adopts them; tiers are optional unless locally adopted. See § A5.601.1.
  • Prerequisite: To qualify for either tier, a project must comply with all mandatory measures in Chapter 5 before counting voluntary measures. See § A5.601.2.1 / § A5.601.3.1.

Energy performance (tier-specific)

  • Tier 1 energy: projects must meet the energy-efficiency requirements in § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2.1 as the Tier 1 energy performance prerequisite. See § A5.601.2.3.
  • Tier 2 energy: projects must comply with § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2.2 (higher/exceeding performance) as the Tier 2 energy prerequisite. See § A5.601.3.3.

Required voluntary measures (high‑level)

Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 require selections from Divisions A5.1–A5.5. Key, decision‑relevant dimensions are summarized below.

Decision dimension Tier 1 requirement / value Tier 2 requirement / value Code Reference
Designated parking for high‑efficiency or fuel‑efficient vehicles ≈ 35% of total spaces (Tier 1) ≈ 50% of total spaces (Tier 2) § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Electric vehicle (EV) charging (approx.) ≈ 30% of total spaces (Tier 1 — table illustration) ≈ 45% of total spaces (Tier 2 — table illustration) § A5.601 (Table A5.601)
Cool roof (SRI / reflectance / emittance) Required as a voluntary measure for both tiers (see specific values in A5.106.11.2) Same; cool roof required as part of Tier 1 & Tier 2 voluntary measures § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Indoor potable water use reduction 12% reduction (Tier 1) per § A5.303.2.3.1 20% reduction (Tier 2) per § A5.303.2.3.2 § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Recycled content / C&D waste diversion Tier 1: 10% recycled content or two Table A5.405.4 products for 75% by cost; 65% C&D diversion Tier 2: 15% recycled content or two Table A5.405.4 products for 75% by cost; 80% C&D diversion § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Resilient flooring low‑emitting Tier 1: 90% of resilient flooring low‑emitting per A5.504.4.7 Tier 2: 100% of resilient flooring low‑emitting (with up to 5% specialty exception) § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Total number of voluntary measures required (checklist) Tier 1: 15 total measures required (counting prerequisites + electives) Tier 2: 25 total measures required (counting prerequisites + electives) § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2 (checklist totals)

Notes:

  • The percentages shown above for parking and EV charging are drawn from the Appendix A5 illustrative TABLE and from the Division A5.1 lists referenced in the Tier sections; check the specific table and Division A5 sections for exact footnotes and table rules. § A5.601 and the Division items referenced in § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4.

The verification checklists — how they work

  • Mandatory checklist (A5.602): used for projects that do not adopt Tier 1 or Tier 2. The checklist lists every Chapter 5 mandatory section and requires a Y / N/A / O marking and plan sheet/spec attachment as documentation. See § A5.602.
  • Tier 1 checklist (A5.602.1): application threshold and instructions: used for new construction, or additions ≥ 1,000 sq ft, or alterations with permit valuation ≥ $200,000 (per Section 301.3), when adopting Tier 1. The form requires marking Tier 1 prerequisites and selecting the required electives to reach the Tier 1 total. See § A5.602.1.
  • Tier 2 checklist (A5.602.2): same application thresholds as Tier 1; requires all Tier 2 prerequisites and selection of the required number of electives to reach the Tier 2 total. See § A5.602.2.

Checklist mechanics (from the code):

  • Mark each applicable mandatory/prerequisite item with Y (Yes), N (No), or O (Other) and list plan sheet/spec where proof is found. § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.
  • Count the number of prerequisites + chosen electives; the checklist total must meet or exceed the number required for the tier. See checklist instructions. § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.
  • Documentation declaration: the responsible designer signs a declaration that the checklist is accurate and that the selected measures meet the tier threshold. See the declaration block on the checklists. § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.

Compliance records and enforcement

  • Compliance with the tier sections and verification checklists must be documented and made part of the project record per § A5.601.4 and the referenced Chapter 7 documentation/inspection requirements (Section 5.410.2 or 5.410.3 for the project record). See § A5.601.4.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Voluntary tiers are not mandatory statewide — they only apply if adopted locally. See § A5.601.1.
  • Some checklist application thresholds: the Tier checklists apply to new construction, additions ≥ 1,000 sq ft, or alterations with permit valuation ≥ $200,000 (Section 301.3 references). Projects below those thresholds typically use the mandatory checklist only. See § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.
  • Certain other code sections include standalone exceptions (for example, about reuse of existing buildings eligibility and combined additions). Where projects reuse existing building elements, there are specific references and exceptions in the relevant sections (see the notes in Appendix A5 and Division A5.1). See § A5.105.2 for reuse/eligibility notes referenced in the A5 appendices.
  • Cool roof: the code calls out that a cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards or mitigate heat island effect (see A5.601 notes). § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming voluntary tiers are automatic: many designers assume Tier 1/2 apply by default — they do not; a local jurisdiction must adopt them. Check § A5.601.1.
  • Counting electives incorrectly: the checklists require counting both prerequisites and electives to reach the required total number (Tier 1 = 15, Tier 2 = 25) — failing to count prerequisites or to document plan sheet references will lead to noncompliance. See § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.
  • Not meeting Chapter 5 mandatory measures first: the code is explicit that mandatory Chapter 5 provisions must be met before any tier credit is given. See § A5.601.2.1 / § A5.601.3.1.
  • Documentation gaps: the Tier checklists require attaching plan sheets/spec references and a signed designer declaration. Omitting attachments or the signed declaration is a frequent failure point. See § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.
  • Misinterpreting percentages: parking and EV percentages in Appendix A5 tables are approximate and tied to table footnotes and local adjustments — always confirm the table footnotes (A5.106.x) referenced by the Tier text. See § A5.601 (table & references).

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: New nonresidential building, 20,000 sq ft, developer chooses to pursue CALGreen Tier 1.

  1. Confirm scope and threshold:

    • New construction → Tier 1 checklist applies. See § A5.602.1.

  2. Mandatory measures:

    • Confirm ALL Chapter 5 mandatory measures are met and documented on the Mandatory Checklist first. See § A5.601.2.1.

  3. Energy prerequisite:

    • Meet energy performance per § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2.1 (Tier 1 energy). See § A5.601.2.3.

  4. Required Division selections (examples selected from Tier 1 text):

    • From Division A5.1: designate 35% of parking for high‑efficiency vehicles and provide EV charging per the referenced table. If the project has 100 parking spaces, 35 must be designated for high‑efficiency vehicles and ~30 spaces set up per the EV guidance (use the EV table footnotes to determine exact outlet/type). See § A5.601.2.4 and Table A5.601.
    • From Division A5.3: provide 12% indoor potable water reduction (Tier 1 requirement). See § A5.601.2.4.
    • From Division A5.4: meet 10% recycled content or use two Table A5.405.4 products for 75% by cost and achieve 65% C&D waste diversion. See § A5.601.2.4.

  5. Count measures on the Tier 1 checklist:

    • Tier 1 requires a total of 15 measures (prerequisites + electives). Use the checklist to mark each prerequisite as Y and then select additional electives until the total reaches 15. See § A5.602.1 for the form and counting instructions.

  6. Documentation:

    • Attach plans/specs showing where each requirement is satisfied and sign the designer’s declaration on the checklist. Include the compliance documentation in the project record per § A5.601.4.

This step‑by‑step follows the checklist mechanics in § A5.602.1 and the Tier 1 provisions in § A5.601.2.

Related provisions

  • § A5.601 — CALGreen Tier structure and Table A5.601 (nonresidential tiers).
  • § A5.601.2 — CALGreen Tier 1 prerequisites, energy, and voluntary measures.
  • § A5.601.3 — CALGreen Tier 2 prerequisites, energy, and voluntary measures.
  • § A5.601.4 — Compliance verification and project record requirements.
  • § A5.602 — CALGreen Verification Guidelines — Mandatory Measures Checklist.
  • § A5.602.1 — CALGreen Verification Guidelines — Tier 1 Checklist (application, instructions, form).
  • § A5.602.2 — CALGreen Verification Guidelines — Tier 2 Checklist (application, instructions, form).
  • Chapter 5 sections cited as voluntary sources for tier measures: § A5.203 (Energy), § A5.303 (Water), § A5.405 / A5.408 (Materials / C&D), § A5.504 (Environmental quality) — referenced within the Tier subsections.

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 602.1 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

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

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

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE vii

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    viii 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION

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

    |Adopting

  • CALGreen § 8-40 High relevance — show source text

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

    APPENDIX A4 RESIDENTIAL

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A5 NONRESIDENTIAL

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

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

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

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

  • CALGreen § 602.1 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-39

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    APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS

    SECTION A5.601—CALGreen TIER 1 AND TIER 2 Col2 Col3 Col4
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)    		 TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    CATEGORY ENVIRONMENTAL
    PERFORMANCE GOAL    		 TIER 1 TIER 2
    All Minimum Mandatory
    (See Mandatory Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 1 Checklist)    		 Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 2 Checklist)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Reuse of existing building See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements    		 See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Designated Parking for
    Fuel Efficient Vehicles
    (Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)    		 Approx. 35% of total spaces Approx. 50% of total spaces
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design    		 Electric Vehicle Charging Approx. 30% of total spaces Approx. 45% of total spaces
    **DIVISION 5.
  • CALGreen § 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:

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

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

    APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

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

    APPENDIX A5-54 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602.2

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

    TIER 2 CHECKLIST

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

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

    Instructions:

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

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

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

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

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

    [N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

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

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception    		 5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
    note    		 5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb
    less than 1 acre of land    		 5.106.1 through
    5.106.
  • CALGreen § 409.3 High relevance — show source text

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    TABLE A5.409.3—PRODUCT GWP LIMITS, TIER 1 AND TIER 2 Col2 Col3 Col4
    BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA
    PRODUCT CATEGORY1    		 TIER 1
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE
    GWP VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)    		 TIER 2
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE
    GWP VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)    		 UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
    Hot-rolled structural steel sections 1.52 1.01 MT CO2e/MT
    Hollow structural sections 2.57 1.71 MT CO2e/MT
    Steel plate 2.24 1.49 MT CO2e/MT
    Concrete reinforcing steel 1.34 0.89 MT CO2e/MT
    Flat glass 2.15 1.43 kg CO2e/MT
    Light-density mineral wool board insulation 5.00 3.33 kg CO2e/1 m2
    Heavy-density mineral wool board insulation 12.24 8.16 kg CO2e/1 m2
    Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3 Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3 Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3 Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3
    CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY TIER 1
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
    VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)    		 TIER 2
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
    VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)    		 UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
    up to 2499 psi
    		 386 257 kg CO2e/m3
    2500~~-~~3499 psi
    		 419 279 kg CO2e/m3
    3500~~-~~4499 psi
    		 485 323 kg CO2e/m3
    4500~~-~~5499 psi
    		 567 378 kg CO2e/m3
    5500~~-~~6499 psi 601 401 kg CO2e/m3
    6500 psi and greater 685 456 kg CO2e/m3
    Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2 Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2 Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2 **Concrete,
  • CALGreen § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. From Division A5.4,

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

    1. From Division A5.5,

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

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

    A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

  • CALGreen § 507.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    5**
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Views|A5.507.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Interior office spaces|A5.507.3.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Multi-occupant spaces (with exceptions)|A5.507.3.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)|A5.508.1.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)|A5.508.1.4||||| |Additional
    Measures|Additional
    Measures||Select 1 additional measure from any division|Add section #||||| |Total number of Measures required|Total number of Measures required|Total number of Measures required|Total number of Measures required|15||||| |Total number of Measures selected|Total number of Measures selected|Total number of Measures selected|Total number of Measures selected||||||

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

    APPENDIX A5-54 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602.2

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

    TIER 2 CHECKLIST

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

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

    Instructions:

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

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

  • CALGreen § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text
    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

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES MANDATORY MEASURES CHECKLIST

    Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet one of the following: new construction, building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater, or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or more pursuant to Section 301.3 AND do not trigger a Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement:

    Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included)

    — N/A = Not Applicable (code section does not apply to the project mainly used for additions and alterations) O = Other (provide explanation)

    [N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

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

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N/A O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design    		 Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception    		 5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design    		 Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
    note    		 5.105.2 and
    5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design    		 Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb less
    than 1 acre of land    		 5.106.
  • CALGreen § 304.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

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

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

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

    3-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

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

  • CALGreen § 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,

Frequently asked questions

What triggers use of the Tier 1 or Tier 2 checklist?

If the project is adopting Tier 1 or Tier 2 voluntary measures and is either new construction, an addition ≥ 1,000 sq ft, or an alteration with permit valuation ≥ $200,000 (Section 301.3), use the corresponding checklist. § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.

Do I get credit for elective measures if I fail a Chapter 5 mandatory requirement?

No. Projects must meet all Chapter 5 mandatory measures before voluntary tier measures are credited. § A5.601.2.1 / § A5.601.3.1.

How many total measures do I need for Tier 1 and Tier 2?

The checklists enumerate totals: Tier 1 requires 15 measures total; Tier 2 requires 25 measures total (prerequisites + electives). See the checklist totals in § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2.

Is a cool roof always required for tiers?

Yes — the Appendix notes that a cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may also be used to meet energy code targets; see the Tier voluntary measures lists. § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4.

What documentation is required on the checklist?

Each selected item needs a plan sheet/spec or attachment reference, a marking of Y/N/O, and a signed designer’s declaration attesting the checklist is accurate. The project record must include this documentation. § A5.602.1 / § A5.602.2 / § A5.601.4.

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Low‑emitting materials, resilient flooring and no‑added‑formaldehyde requirements

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Environmental Quality, Voluntary Tiers & Verification (Divisions A5.5–A5.6)

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)