CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Which material/industry standards (ACI, ASTM, etc.) are indexed in Chapter 6 for building materials?

Q: Which section tells me what Chapter 6 does?

Chapter 6’s function is stated in § 601.1 : it lists the organizations and standards that are referenced in the CALGreen and groups them by issuing agency; it is an index and not a standalone requirement.

Q: Are life‑cycle/EPD standards indexed in Chapter 6?

Yes — ISO LCA and EPD standards such as ISO 14040 / 14044 / 21930 are listed and tied to the whole‑building LCA and EPD provisions (see § 5.409.2 and related A5 appendices).

Chapter 6 is an index of organizations and standards referenced in the CALGreen (see **§ 601.1**). It lists standards (for example, ACI CT‑21; numerous ASTM concrete standards such as C150, C595, C618, C33, C31; ISO LCA standards) and shows which CALGreen section cites each standard. Use the table in Chapter 6 to find the specific CALGreen provision that makes the standard applicable, then follow that provision (the index itself does not create new requirements).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Section § 601.1 explains that Chapter 6 is a directory: it lists the organizations and standards referenced elsewhere in the CALGreen and groups the standards by their promulgating agency. To find which standard applies to a material or product you must consult the specific section that references that standard (the Chapter 6 table only indexes them). § 601.1 makes the listing informational and cross‑referential — the substantive requirements remain in the sections that call the standard.

Chapter 6 does not create new material requirements — it indexes the referenced standards and tells you where each standard is used in the CALGreen.

Requirements in detail

How to read Chapter 6

Chapter 6 gives the name/number of a standard and the CALGreen section(s) that reference that standard. Use the listed CALGreen reference to see how the standard is applied (for example, a cement standard may be required by a specific concrete provision). § 601.1 describes this function.
Many entries in Chapter 6 include an edition/year or cross‑reference (for example, ASTM entries include the test/specification designation and the CALGreen section that uses it). See the ASTM and ACI entries listed in Chapter 6 for examples.

Key material/industry standards indexed in Chapter 6 (decision‑relevant selection)

The CALGreen Chapter 6 list is large. Below are the most decision‑relevant standards for common building materials that are explicitly indexed in Chapter 6 (standard name/number, what it covers, and where CALGreen invokes it).

STANDARD (as listed in Chapter 6)	Scope / Typical material area	Code Reference (where CALGreen uses it)
ACI CT‑21 — Concrete Terminology	Concrete terminology / concrete materials	§ A5.405.5.2.1.1
ASTM C150 — Portland cement (standard spec)	Cements used in concrete	§ A5.405.5.1
ASTM C595 — Blended hydraulic cements	Blended cements for concrete	§ A5.405.5.1
ASTM C1157 — Hydraulic cement (performance spec)	Cement performance criteria	§ A5.405.5.1
ASTM C618 — Coal ash & natural pozzolans for concrete	Supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, pozzolans)	§ A5.405.5.2.1
ASTM C989 — Slag cement for concrete/mortars	Ground granulated blast‑furnace slag	§ A5.405.5.2.1
ASTM C1240 — Silica fume in cementitious mixtures	Silica fume for concrete	§ A5.405.5.2.1
ASTM C1697 — Blended supplementary cementitious materials	Blended SCMs for concrete	§ A5.405.5.2.1
ASTM C31/C31M‑19 — Making & curing concrete test specimens in the field	Field sampling and curing for concrete tests	§ A5.405.5.3.4
ASTM C33 — Concrete aggregates specification	Coarse and fine aggregates for concrete	§ A5.405.5.3.2
ASTM C1602 — Mixing water for hydraulic cement concrete	Water quality for concrete mixing	§ A5.405.5.3.2.3
ASTM C1798/C1798M‑19 — Returned fresh concrete for reuse	Rules for returned fresh concrete	§ A5.405.5.3.5
ASTM C1866/C1866M‑20 — Ground‑glass pozzolan for concrete	Glass‑based SCM for concrete	§ A5.405.5.2.1
ASTM C1371 — Emittance by portable emissometer	Material surface emittance testing (reflectance/emittance)	§ A5.106.11.2.2
ASTM C1549‑09(2014) — Portable solar reflectometer test	Solar reflectance testing for roofing/opaque surfaces	§ A4.106.7, § A5.106.11.1
ISO 14040 / 14044 / 21930 / 21931	Life‑cycle assessment and environmental product declarations (materials LCA/EPD)	§ 5.409.2, § A5.409.2.1
NSF / NSF‑ANSI 140‑2014	Sustainability assessment for carpet and flooring products	§ 4.504.3
NEBB procedural standards	Balancing/testing procedures (HVAC commissioning / testing)	§ 5.410.4.3.1

(These rows are representative selections from the Chapter 6 indexed table; Chapter 6 lists many more standards and the specific CALGreen sections that reference each standard.)

How the index affects compliance

Chapter 6 shows which standard is cited and where that citation lives in the code; the enforceable requirement is the CALGreen section that references the standard (for example, § A5.405.5.1 cites ASTM C150, C595, C1157 for cement). See those section citations to determine mandatory content.
Many standards in the Chapter 6 table include the specific edition or year in the listing (for example, ASTM C1798/C1798M‑19). Use the edition shown in Chapter 6 unless the referencing text in CALGreen or your enforcing agency directs otherwise.

Exceptions & special cases

Chapter 6 is an index — it does not, by itself, impose material performance limits. To know whether a standard is mandatory for your material, go to the CALGreen section listed in Chapter 6 (the table includes the "REFERENCED SECTION" for each standard). § 601.1 states this indexing purpose.
Editions: Chapter 6 often lists the specific edition/year of a standard. If an edition is shown in Chapter 6, that is the edition the code references; consult the specific CALGreen section that cites the standard for any exceptions or updates. For example, ASTM C1798/C1798M‑19 is shown with its year in the index.
If a material standard appears in Chapter 6 but the standard is actually required by another code (e.g., the California Building Code or the Residential Code), check the referencing section and the order‑of‑precedence rules in Title 24 Part 2. The Chapter 6 entry may reflect a cross‑reference rather than a direct CALGreen mandate.

Common mistakes

Assuming Chapter 6 creates new material rules. It does not — it indexes standards referenced elsewhere. See § 601.1.
Skipping the referenced section. The index shows the standard name/number but the how/when is in the CALGreen section listed in the table (for example, § A5.405.5.2.1 for supplementary cementitious materials).
Using the wrong edition/year. Chapter 6 frequently lists the edition — use the edition shown unless the referencing CALGreen section or the enforcing agency specifies otherwise.
Thinking every listed standard is directly applicable to all projects — a standard is applicable only where a CALGreen provision references it.

Worked example — concrete materials (step‑by‑step)

Scenario: You specify a concrete mixture and want to confirm which standards CALGreen expects for cement, supplementary cementitious materials, and aggregate.

Open Chapter 6 and locate ASTM C150, ASTM C595, ASTM C1157, ASTM C618, and ASTM C989 in the index. The table shows the CALGreen cross‑references for each standard.
Note the CALGreen references shown in the table: § A5.405.5.1 references ASTM C150, C595 and C1157 for cement; § A5.405.5.2.1 references ASTM C618 and C989 for SCMs.
Go to § A5.405.5.1 and § A5.405.5.2.1 (the sections listed in Chapter 6) to read the actual material requirements (e.g., whether certification or testing data is required, or limits on types of cementitious material). The index entry points you to the exact provisions that make the standard mandatory.
If the Chapter 6 table shows a year for the ASTM standard (for example, ASTM C1798/C1798M‑19), use that edition as listed unless the referenced CALGreen section or authority states otherwise.

Related provisions

§ 601.1 — Chapter 6 general statement (indexing function).
§ A5.405.5.1 — Cement standards referenced (ASTM C150, C595, C1157).
§ A5.405.5.2.1 — Supplementary cementitious materials (ASTM C618, C989, C1240, C1697, C1866).
§ A5.405.5.3.2 and § A5.405.5.3.2.3 — Aggregates and mixing water (ASTM C33, C1602).
§ A5.405.5.3.4 — Field specimen making/curing (ASTM C31/C31M‑19).
§ A5.405.5.3.5 — Returned fresh concrete (ASTM C1798).
§ A5.106.11.2.2 and § A4.106.7 — Surface emittance / solar reflectance tests (ASTM C1371, C1549).
§ 5.409.2 and § A5.409.2.1 — Whole building life‑cycle assessment and ISO LCA standards.
§ 4.504.3 — Flooring sustainability assessment (NSF/ANSI 140).

Code references

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

CALGreen § 106.7 High relevance — show source text

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 6-3

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REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS

STANDARD ACRONYM or NUMBER	STANDARD NAME or TITLE	REFERENCED SECTION
~~ASTM~~ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859 www.astm.org	~~ASTM~~ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859 www.astm.org	~~ASTM~~ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859 www.astm.org
ASTM D7612-2021	Standard Practice for Categorizing Wood and Wood-Based Products According to Their Fiber Sources	A5.405.2.1
ASTM E90	Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements	5.507.4
ASTM E408-02	Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using Inspection- Meter Techniques	A5.10, 6.11.2.2
ASTM E413	Classification for Rating Sound Insulation	5.507.4
ASTM E1332	Standard Classification for Rating Outdoor-Indoor Sound Attenuation	5.507.4
ASTM E1333-14	Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber	Tables 4.504.5, 5.504.4.5, 5.504.8.5
ASTM E1903-11	Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process	A5.103.2.1
ASTM E1918-06(2015)	Standard Test Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low- Sloped Surfaces in the Field	A4.106.7
ASTM E1918-16 (2016)	Standard Test Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low- Sloped Surfaces in the Field	A5.106.11.1
ASTM E1980-11	Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and Low- Sloped Opaque Surfaces	A4.106.5.3, A5.106.11.2.3
ASTM E2921-2022	Standard Practice for Minimum Criteria for Comparing Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments for Use with Building Codes,

CALGreen § 1903.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 1903—SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS

1903.1 General. Materials used to produce concrete, concrete itself and testing thereof shall comply with the applicable standards listed in ACI 318.

Exception: The following standards as referenced in Chapter 35 shall be permitted to be used.

1. ASTM C150

2. ASTM C595

3. ASTM C1157

1903.2 Glass fiber-reinforced concrete. Glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and the materials used in such concrete shall be in accordance with the PCI 128.

1903.3 Flat wall insulating concrete form (ICF) systems. Insulating concrete form material used for forming flat concrete walls shall conform to ASTM E2634. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not Permitted by OSHPD.

1903.4 Steel fiber reinforcement - [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

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CONCRETE

1903.5 Welding of reinforcing bars - [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Modify ACI 318 Section 26.6.4.1(b) by adding the following:

Subject to prior approval of the enforcing agency, longitudinal holding wires conforming to ASTM A1064, of maximum wire size W5, that are machine resistance welded to stirrup/tie cage (or spiral assemblies) consisting of low alloy steel reinforcing conforming to ASTM A706 are permitted when performed under continuous competent control in a fabrication shop. Tack welding of primary rein- forcing bars together or to stirrups/ties is not permitted. Holding wire weld locations shall not occur on any longitudinal or primary reinforcing nor on any portion of a reinforcing bar that is or will be bent in accordance with ACI 318 Section 25.3 for the extents speci- fied in AWS D1.4 Section 4.2.6.

Quality control tests shall be performed on shop welded specimens by the fabricator. Reinforcing steel specimens containing the holding wire shall be tested for yield and tensile strength at the frequency required by Section 1910.2. Test reports shall be available on request to the approved agency, design professional and enforcement agency.

SECTION 1904—DURABILITY REQUIREMENTS

1904.1 Structural concrete. Structural concrete shall conform to the durability requirements of ACI 318.

Exception: For Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies not more than three stories above grade plane, the specified compressive strength, f´ c, for concrete in basement walls, foundation walls, exterior walls and other vertical surfaces exposed to the weather shall be not less than 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa).
CALGreen § 5.1 High relevance — show source text
5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3 5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 5-23 5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS

AND STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3

CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL

INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 701 General (Reserved) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3 702 Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

703 Verifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

CHAPTER 8 COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND

REFERENCE MATERIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Worksheet (WS-1) Baseline Water Use: Baseline Water Use Calculation Table . . . . . . . . . . .8-3

Worksheet (WS-2) Water Use Reduction: 12-, 20- or 25-Percent Reduction Water Use Calculation Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4

Worksheet (WS-3) 5.105.2 Building Reuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4 Worksheet (WS-4) 5.409.2 Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5 Worksheet (WS-5) 5.409.3 Product GWP Compliance—Prescriptive Path: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5

Worksheet (WS-6) A5.105.2 Building Reuse Tier 1 and Tier 2:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Worksheet (WS-7) A5.409.2 Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CALGreen § 6-1 High relevance — show source text

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6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS

SECTION 601—GENERAL

601.1 This chapter lists the organizations and standards that are referenced in various sections of this document. The standards are listed according the promulgating agency of the standard.

STANDARD ACRONYM or NUMBER	STANDARD NAME or TITLE	REFERENCED SECTION
~~AABC ~~Associated Air Balance Council, 1518 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005www.aabc.com	~~AABC ~~Associated Air Balance Council, 1518 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005www.aabc.com	~~AABC ~~Associated Air Balance Council, 1518 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005www.aabc.com
National Standards, 1989	Total System Balance	5.410.4.3.1, A5.410.5.3.1
~~ACCA~~ Air Conditioning Contractors of America, 2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22206 www.acca.org	~~ACCA~~ Air Conditioning Contractors of America, 2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22206 www.acca.org	~~ACCA~~ Air Conditioning Contractors of America, 2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22206 www.acca.org
ANSI/ACCA 1 Manual D–2016	Residential Duct Systems	4.507.2
ANSI/ACCA 2 Manual J–2016	Residential Load Calculations	4.507.2
ANSI/ACCA 3 Manual S–2014	Residential Equipment Selection	4.507.2
ACI American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439 www.concrete.org	ACI American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439 www.concrete.org	ACI American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439 www.concrete.org
ACI CT-21	Concrete Terminology	A5.405.5.2.1.1
~~AHAM ~~Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, 1119 19th Street NW, Suite 402, Washington, D.C. 20026-3627 http://www.aham.org	~~AHAM ~~Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, 1119 19th Street NW, Suite 402, Washington, D.C. 20026-3627 http://www.aham.org	~~AHAM ~~Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, 1119 19th Street NW, Suite 402, Washington, D.C.

CALGreen § 2419-14 High relevance — show source text
(1) Locations with a high groundwater table or high hydraulic gradient.

(2) Locations where ground settlement over time is a concern.

(3) In trenches where the native material is not free-draining, for example, soils with high clay and silt content.

C. Sand used in 0-sack slurry must meet the requirements in EMS-4123 with the following additions:

(1) The sand must be washed and free of fine organic silts and clays.

(2) Sand equivalent equal to or greater than 20 per ASTM D-2419-14, “Standard Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Solid and Fine Aggregate.”

D. In a trench that contains voids, consider using a concrete vibrator to assist with consolidation under pipe and voids created by shoring removal, etc.

PG&E Internal Information “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation.

©2020 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved.

Page 9 of 12

Gas Trench Design and Construction A-03

Publication Date: 08/19/2020 Effective Date: 11/16/2020 Rev. 0a

6.2 (continued)

E. Testing

(1) When required to be tested, 0-sack slurry must be tested using the following tests:

a) ASTM D-1557, “Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort” or equivalent.

b) ASTM D6938-15, “Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth).”

Target Audience

The following personnel: gas transmission and distribution (T&D) construction, gas T&D general construction, gas engineering and design, gas transmission engineering and design, gas distribution engineering and design, gas maintenance and construction, gas T&D pipeline operations and maintenance, DIMP engineering, TIMP pipeline services, and facility integrity management program (FIMP) plant services.

Definitions

NA

Compliance Requirement / Regulatory Commitment

California Public Utilities Code, Article 3, Equipment, Practices, and Facilities, Section 787

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Transportation, Part 192—Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards, Section 192.319, “Installation of pipe in a ditch.”

Page 10 of 12 “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation.

©2020 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved.

PG&E Internal Information

Gas Trench Design and Construction A-03

Publication Date: 08/19/2020 Effective Date: 11/16/2020 Rev. 0a

References

American Concrete Institute (ACI) 229R-99 Controlled Low-Strength Materials

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D2488-09a, “Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)”

ASTM D698-12, “Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort”

ASTM D1557-12, “Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort”

ASTM C136-14, “Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates”

ASTM D2487-11, “Standard Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)”

CALGreen § 5.303.6 High relevance — show source text

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 6-3

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REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS

STANDARD ACRONYM or NUMBER	STANDARD NAME or TITLE	REFERENCED SECTION
~~ASTM~~ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859 www.astm.org	~~ASTM~~ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859 www.astm.org	~~ASTM~~ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2859 www.astm.

CALGreen § 5.508.2.5.1 High relevance — show source text

5.508.2.5.1 Minimum pressure. The system shall be charged with regulated dry nitrogen and appropriate tracer gas to bring system pressure up to 300 psig minimum.

5.508.2.5.2 Leaks. Check the system for leaks, repair any leaks and retest for pressure using the same gauge.

5.508.2.5.3 Allowable pressure change. The system shall stand, unaltered, for 24 hours with no more than a +/- one pound pressure change from 300 psig, measured with the same gauge.

5.508.2.6 Evacuation. The system shall be evacuated after pressure testing and prior to charging.

5.508.2.6.1 First vacuum. Pull a system vacuum down to at least 1000 microns (+/- 50 microns), and hold for 30 minutes.

5.508.2.6.2 Second vacuum. Pull a second system vacuum to a minimum of 500 microns and hold for 30 minutes.

5.508.2.6.3 Third vacuum. Pull a third vacuum down to a minimum of 300 microns, and hold for 24 hours with a maximum drift of 100 microns over a 24-hour period.

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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 6 – REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS

(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- CG	SFM	HCD	Col6	Col7	DSA	Col9	OSHPD	Col11	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	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		X				X	X		X		X
Adopt entire chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
Chapter/Section

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CALGreen § 1901.7.1 High relevance — show source text
1901.7.1 Cast-in-place concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for cast-in-place concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI 117.

Exceptions:
1. Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
2. Shotcrete is not required to comply with this section.
1901.7.2 Precast concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for precast concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI ITG-7.

Exception: Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.

SECTION 1902—COORDINATION OF TERMINOLOGY

1902.1 General. Coordination of terminology used in ACI 318 and ASCE 7 shall be in accordance with Section 1902.1.1.

1902.1.1 Design displacement. Design displacement shall be the Design Earthquake Displacement, δ DE, defined in ASCE 7 Section 12.8.6.3. For diaphragms that can be idealized as rigid in accordance with ASCE 7 Section 12.3.1.2, δ di, displacement due to diaphragm deformation corresponding to the design earthquake, is permitted to be taken as zero.

SECTION 1903—SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS

1903.1 General. Materials used to produce concrete, concrete itself and testing thereof shall comply with the applicable standards listed in ACI 318.

Exception: The following standards as referenced in Chapter 35 shall be permitted to be used.

1. ASTM C150

2. ASTM C595

3. ASTM C1157

1903.2 Glass fiber-reinforced concrete. Glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and the materials used in such concrete shall be in accordance with the PCI 128.

1903.3 Flat wall insulating concrete form (ICF) systems. Insulating concrete form material used for forming flat concrete walls shall conform to ASTM E2634. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not Permitted by OSHPD.

1903.4 Steel fiber reinforcement - [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 19-5

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CONCRETE

1903.5 Welding of reinforcing bars - [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Modify ACI 318 Section 26.6.4.1(b) by adding the following:
CALGreen § 4.4 High relevance — show source text
Requirements for installation of masonry veneer, stucco and other finishes on the exterior of concrete walls and other construction details not covered in this section shall comply with the requirements of this code.

R608.4.4 Flat ICF wall systems. Flat ICF wall system forms shall conform to ASTM E2634.

R608.5 Materials. Materials used in the construction of concrete walls shall comply with this section.

R608.5.1 Concrete and materials for concrete. Materials used in concrete, and the concrete itself, shall conform to requirements of this section, PCA 100, ACI 318 or ACI 332.

R608.5.1.1 Cements. The following standards as referenced in Chapter 44 shall be permitted to be used:
1. ASTM C150.
2. ASTM C595.
3. ASTM C1157.
R608.5.1.2 Concrete mixing and delivery. Mixing and delivery of concrete shall comply with ASTM C94 or ASTM C685.

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WALL CONSTRUCTION

R608.5.1.3 Maximum aggregate size. The nominal maximum size of coarse aggregate shall not exceed one-fifth the narrowest distance between sides of forms, or three-fourths the clear spacing between reinforcing bars or between a bar and the side of the form.

Exception: When approved, these limitations shall not apply where removable forms are used and workability and methods of consolidation permit concrete to be placed without honeycombs or voids.

R608.5.1.4 Proportioning and slump of concrete. Proportions of materials for concrete shall be established to provide workability and consistency to permit concrete to be worked readily into forms and around reinforcement under conditions of placement to be employed, without segregation or excessive bleeding. Slump of concrete placed in removable forms shall not exceed 6 inches (152 mm).

Exception: When approved, the slump is permitted to exceed 6 inches (152 mm) for concrete mixtures that are resistant to segregation, and are in accordance with the form manufacturer’s recommendations.

Slump of concrete placed in stay-in-place forms shall exceed 6 inches (152 mm). Slump of concrete shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C143.

R608.5.1.5 Compressive strength. The minimum specified compressive strength of concrete, f ’ c, shall comply with Section R402.2 and shall be not less than 2,500 pounds per square inch (17.2 MPa) at 28 days.

R608.5.1.6 Consolidation of concrete. Concrete shall be consolidated by suitable means during placement and shall be worked around embedded items and reinforcement and into corners of forms. Where stay-in-place forms are used, concrete shall be consolidated by internal vibration.

Exception: When approved, self-consolidating concrete mixtures with slumps equal to or greater than 8 inches (203 mm) that are specifically designed for placement without internal vibration need not be internally vibrated.

R608.5.2 Steel reinforcement and anchor bolts.

R608.5.2.1 Steel reinforcement. Steel reinforcement shall comply with ASTM A615, ASTM A706, or ASTM A996M. ASTM A996M bars produced from rail steel shall be Type R.

CALGreen § 4.504.4 High relevance — show source text

4.504.4 Resilient flooring systems. Where resilient flooring is installed, at least 80 percent of floor area receiving resilient flooring shall meet the requirements of the California Department of Public Health, “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers,” Version 1.2, January 2017 (Emission testing method for California Specification 01350).

See California Department of Public Health’s website for certification programs and testing labs.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/Pages/VOC.aspx

4.504.5 Composite wood products. Hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard composite wood products used on the interior or exterior of the building shall meet the requirements for formaldehyde as specified in ARB’s Air Toxics Control Measure for Composite Wood (17 CCR 93120 et seq.) as shown in Table 4.504.5.

4.504.5.1 Documentation. Verification of compliance with this section shall be provided as requested by the enforcing agency. Documentation shall include at least one of the following:

Product certifications and specifications.
Chain of custody certifications.
Product labeled and invoiced as meeting the Composite Wood Products regulation (see CCR, Title 17, Section 93120, et seq .).

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RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

Exterior grade products marked as meeting the PS-1 or PS-2 standards of the Engineered Wood Association, the Australian AS/NZS 2269, European 636 3S, and Canadian CSA O121, CSA O151, CSA O153 and CSA O325 standards.
Other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency.

TABLE 4.504.5—FORMALDEHYDE LIMITS1 Maximum Formaldehyde Emissions in Parts per Million	Col2
PRODUCT	CURRENT LIMIT
Hardwood plywood veneer core	0.05
Hardwood plywood composite core	0.05
Particleboard	0.09
Medium density fiberboard	0.11
Thin medium density fiberboard2	0.13
1. Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Air Toxics Control Measure for Composite Wood as tested in accordance with ASTM E1333. For additional information, see_California Code of Regulations_, Title 17, Sections 93120 through 93120.12. 2. Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of 5/16 inch (8 mm).	1. Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Air Toxics Control Measure for Composite Wood as tested in accordance with ASTM E1333. For additional information, see_California Code of Regulations_, Title 17, Sections 93120 through 93120.12. 2. Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of 5/16 inch (8 mm).

SECTION 4.505—INTERIOR MOISTURE CONTROL

4.505.1 General. Buildings shall meet or exceed the provisions of the California Building Standards Code.

CALGreen § 5.410.4.3.1 High relevance — show source text

8575 Grovemont Cir, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
http://nebb.org/index.php|~~**NEBB National Environmental Balancing Bureau, 8575 Grovemont Cir, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
http://nebb.org/index.php|NEBB **~~National Environmental Balancing Bureau, 8575 Grovemont Cir, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
http://nebb.org/index.php| |Procedural Standards, 1983|Procedural Standards|5.410.4.3.1|

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REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS

STANDARD ACRONYM or NUMBER	STANDARD NAME or TITLE	REFERENCED SECTION
~~NSF~~ International, 789 Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140 http://www.nsf.org/	~~NSF~~ International, 789 Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140 http://www.nsf.org/	~~NSF~~ International, 789 Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140 http://www.nsf.org/
NSF/ANSI 140-2014	Sustainability Assessment for Carpet	4.504.3
~~TABB~~ Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau, 601 N Fairfax St, Ste 250, Alexandria, VA 22314 http://www.tabbcertified.org/contact.html	~~TABB~~ Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau, 601 N Fairfax St, Ste 250, Alexandria, VA 22314 http://www.tabbcertified.org/contact.html	~~TABB~~ Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau, 601 N Fairfax St, Ste 250, Alexandria, VA 22314 http://www.tabbcertified.org/contact.html
National Standards, 2003	National Standards	5.410.4.3.1
~~US EPA~~ United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management (4204M) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20460 http://www.epa.gov/watersense/	~~US EPA~~ United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management (4204M) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20460 http://www.epa.gov/watersense/	~~US EPA~~ United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management (4204M) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20460 http://www.epa.gov/watersense/
WaterSense	WaterSense Product Specifications	4.303.1

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6-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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CALGreen § 44-18 High relevance — show source text
R303.4

44-18 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

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REFERENCED STANDARDS

276—23: Standard Method of Fire Test for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Roofing Assemblies with Combustible Above- Deck Roofing Components

R906.1

286— 24 : Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth

R302.9.4, R303.6

501—22: Standard on Manufactured Housing

R202

720—15: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment

R311.7.1, R311.7.2

PCA Portland Cement Association 5420 Old Orchard Road Skokie, IL 60077

100—17: Prescriptive Design of Exterior Concrete Walls for One- and Two-family Dwellings (Pub. No. PCA 100.3)

R301.2.2.5, R404.1.3, R404.1.3.2.1, R404.1.3.2.2, R404.1.3.4, R404.1.4.2, R608.1, R608.2, R608.5.1, R608.9.2, R608.9.3

PTI Post-Tensioning Institute 38800 Country Club Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48331

PTIDC10.5—19: Standard Requirements for Design and Analysis of Shallow Concrete Foundations on Expansive and Stable Soils

R506.2

SBCA Structural Building Components Association 6300 Enterprise Lane Madison, WI 53719

BCSI—2018: Building Component Safety Information—Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses

R502.12.2, R802.10.3

CFS-BCSI—(updated June 2016): Cold-formed Steel Building Component Safety Information (CFSBCSI)—Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing & Bracing of Cold-formed Steel Trusses

R505.1.3, R804.3.6

SFM State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Office of the State Fire Marshal, P.O. Box 944246, Sacramento, CA

944246-2460

SFM—12-3: Releasing Systems for Security Bars in Dwellings

SFM 12-7A-1: Exterior Wall Siding and Sheathing

SFM 12-7A-2: Exterior Window

SFM 12-7A-3: Horizontal Protection Underside

SFM 12-7A-4: Decking

SFM 12-7A-4A: Decking Alternate Method A

(The Office of the State Fire Marshal standards referred to above are found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12.)

TMS The Masonry Society 105 South Sunset Street, Suite Q Longmont, CO 80501

402—2022: Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures

Frequently asked questions

Which section tells me what Chapter 6 does?

Chapter 6’s function is stated in § 601.1: it lists the organizations and standards that are referenced in the CALGreen and groups them by issuing agency; it is an index and not a standalone requirement.

If Chapter 6 lists a standard, am I required to follow that standard?

Only where a specific CALGreen section references that standard. Chapter 6 shows where the standard is used; the substantive requirement is in the section cited in the table.

How do I know which edition/year of a standard to use?

Use the edition/year shown in the Chapter 6 table for that standard unless the CALGreen section that references it or your enforcing agency states a different edition. Some Chapter 6 entries include the year (for example, ASTM C1798/C1798M‑19).

Where do I find the actual material requirements (e.g., cement or SCM limits)?

Go to the CALGreen sections shown in the Chapter 6 table (for example, § A5.405.5.1 for cement and § A5.405.5.2.1 for SCMs) — those sections contain the requirements and any documentation/certification needed.

Are life‑cycle/EPD standards indexed in Chapter 6?

Yes — ISO LCA and EPD standards such as ISO 14040 / 14044 / 21930 are listed and tied to the whole‑building LCA and EPD provisions (see § 5.409.2 and related A5 appendices).

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6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS

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