CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
Material Conservation & Environmental Quality
CALGreen’s Material Conservation & Environmental Quality chapters set mandatory and voluntary rules to reduce material use and waste, lower embodied impacts, and limit building‑related pollutants.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This section of CALGreen groups the state’s rules and voluntary options that reduce material use, cut construction and demolition waste, and limit building-related pollutant emissions to protect health and resources. Mandatory and elective measures include construction‑waste diversion and management, recycled‑content targets, whole‑building and product life‑cycle assessment (LCA) requirements, and occupant recycling and O&M provisions—for example, construction waste and diversion requirements in §5.408 and LCA provisions in §5.409.
Environmental‑quality requirements focus on materials and indoor pollutant control: limits on VOCs in coatings, adhesives, flooring and insulation, controls for composite wood (no‑added formaldehyde), and temporary construction ventilation and dust controls to reduce occupant exposure. See the Environmental Quality divisions (e.g., §5.504 and related subsections) and the no‑added formaldehyde composite wood requirement in the voluntary health‑facility appendix.
CALGreen places these rules in both the mandatory chapters for new construction (Divisions 4.4/4.5 for residential and 5.4/5.5 for nonresidential) and in voluntary/ tiered appendices that enable deeper material‑conservation strategies (recycled content, advanced framing, product GWP limits, etc.). Use the listed sections to find prescriptive requirements, documentation expectations, and elective pathways.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 401.1 High relevance — show source text
DIVISION A6.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
SECTION A6.401—GENERAL
A6.401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall outline means of achieving material conservation and resource efficiency through reuse of existing building stock and materials; use of recycled, regional, rapidly renewable and certified wood materials; and employment of techniques to reduce pollution through recycling of materials.
SECTION A6.407 [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]—WATER RESISTANCE AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
A6.407.3 Weather protection. Provide a weather-resistant exterior wall and foundation envelope as required by California Building Code Section 1403.2 and California Energy Code Section 150, manufacturer’s installation instructions or local ordinance, whichever is more stringent.
A6.407.4 Moisture control. Employ moisture control measures by the following methods.
A6.407.4.1 Sprinklers. Design and maintain landscape irrigation systems to prevent spray on structures.
A6.407.4.2 Entries and openings. Design exterior entries and/or openings subject to foot traffic or wind-driven rain to prevent water intrusion into buildings.
Notes:
- Use features such as overhangs and recesses and flashings integrated with a drainage plane.
APPENDIX A6.1-32 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]
- Use nonabsorbent floor and wall finishes within at least two feet around and perpendicular to such openings.
SECTION A6.408—CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING
A6.408.5 Construction waste diversion. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Establish a construction waste management plan for the diverted materials or meet local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent.
A6.408.6 Construction waste reduction of at least 50 percent. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 50 percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition debris or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent. Calculate the amount of materials diverted by weight or volume, but not by both.
Exceptions:
- Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.
- Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.
A6.408.7 Excavated soil and land clearing debris. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] 100 percent of trees, stumps, rocks and associated vegetation and soils resulting primarily from land clearing shall be reused or recycled. For a phased project, such material may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed.
SECTION A6.410—BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
A6.410.6 Recycling by occupants. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are identified for the depositing, storage and collection of nonhazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals.
CALGreen § 408.5 High relevance — show source text
SECTION A6.408—CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING
A6.408.5 Construction waste diversion. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Establish a construction waste management plan for the diverted materials or meet local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent.
A6.408.6 Construction waste reduction of at least 50 percent. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 50 percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition debris or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent. Calculate the amount of materials diverted by weight or volume, but not by both.
Exceptions:
- Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.
- Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.
A6.408.7 Excavated soil and land clearing debris. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] 100 percent of trees, stumps, rocks and associated vegetation and soils resulting primarily from land clearing shall be reused or recycled. For a phased project, such material may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed.
SECTION A6.410—BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
A6.410.6 Recycling by occupants. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are identified for the depositing, storage and collection of nonhazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals.
DIVISION A6.5 – ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
SECTION A6.504—POLLUTANT CONTROL
A6.504.4.5.1 No-added formaldehyde. Use composite wood products approved by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) as no-added formaldehyde (NAF) based resins or ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins.
Notes:
- See Title 17, Section 93120.3(c) and (d), respectively.
- Documentation must be provided verifying that materials are certified to meet the pollutant emission limits. A list [of manufacturers and their NAF and ULEF certified materials is provided at http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/comp-](http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/comp-wood/ naf_ulef/ listofnaf_ulef.htm.) wood/ naf_ulef/ listofnaf_ulef.htm.
A6.504.4.9 Acoustical ceilings and wall panels. Comply with Chapter 8 in Title 24, Part 2, the California Building Code and with the VOC-emission limits defined in the 2009 CHPS criteria and listed on its High Performance Products Database.
A6.504.4.9.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that acoustical finish materials meet the pollutant emission limits.
Note: Products compliant with CHPS criteria certified under the Greenguard Children & Schools program may also be used.
Note: [OSHPD 1, 2 &4] Documentation shall be provided that verifies that finish materials are certified to meet the pollutant emission limits.
A6.504.5 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants. Minimize and control pollutant entry into buildings and cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas.
CALGreen § 405.5.3 High relevance — show source text
Later ages of maturity_|A5.405.5.3,
A5.405.5.3.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Select Three
(cont’d)|Elective|Concrete manufacture, Returned fresh concrete|A5.405.5.3,
A5.405.5.3.5||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Select Three
(cont’d)|Elective|Choice of materials|A5.406.1, A5.406.1.1,
A5.406.1.2, A5.406.1.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Select Three
(cont’d)|Elective|Life cycle assessment: Scope with exceptions, Whole
building life cycle assessment, Tier 2 with Exception,
Verification of compliance|A5.409.1, A5.409.2,
A5.409.2.2, A5.409.2.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Select Three
(cont’d)|Elective|Life cycle assessment: Scope with exceptions, Product
GWP compliance – prescriptive path with Exception
and Exception Equation, Verification of compliance,
Product GWP Limits Tier 2 Table with footnotes|A5.409.1, A5.409.3,
A5.409.3.1, A5.409.3.2,
Table A5.409.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Select Three
(cont’d)|Elective|Whole building life cycle assessment of additional
impacts, Impacts to be considered|A5.409.4,A5.409.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Fireplaces|5.503.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Woodstoves|5.503.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Temporary ventilation|5.504.1||||| |**DIVISION 5.CALGreen § 3-4 High relevance — show source text
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3
4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3
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
CALGreen § 410.4.3 High relevance — show source text
410.4.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Procedures for HVAC balancing|5.410.4.3.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Reporting for testing and adjusting|5.410.4.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Operation and maintenance (O&M) manual|5.410.4.5||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Inspection and reports|5.410.4.5.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Fireplaces|5.503.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Woodstoves|5.503.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Temporary ventilation|5.504.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Covering of ducts openings and protection of mechani-
cal equipment during construction|5.504.3||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Adhesives, sealants and caulks|5.504.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Paints and coatings|5.504.4.3||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Aerosol paints and coatings|5.504.4.3.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Aerosol paints and coatings: verification|5.504.4.3.2||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Carpet systems|5.504.4.4||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Carpet cushion|5.504.4.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Carpet adhesives per Table 5.504.4.1|5.504.4.4.2||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Composite wood products|5.504.4.CALGreen § 409.1 High relevance — show source text
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 A5.5| |Additional Measures||1 additional Elective from any division|3 additional Electives from any division| |Approximate Total
Measures||15|25| |1.
Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring.
2.
Solar water-heating system requirement for newly constructed restaurants as per A5.203.1.1.2.
Exceptions:
a. Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
b. 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.
3.
Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|1.
Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring.
2.
Solar water-heating system requirement for newly constructed restaurants as per A5.203.1.1.2.
Exceptions:
a. Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
b. 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.CALGreen § 5.407.2.2.2 High relevance — show source text
The door is recessed at least 4 feet.
Other methods which provide equivalent protection.
5.407.2.2.2 Flashing. Install flashings integrated with a drainage plane.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-23
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
SECTION 5.408—CONSTRUCTION WASTE REDUCTION, DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING
5.408.1 Construction waste management. Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 65 percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste in accordance with Section 5.408.1.1, 5.408.1.2 or 5.408.1.3; or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent.
5.408.1.1 Construction waste management plan. Where a local jurisdiction does not have a construction and demolition waste management ordinance that is more stringent, submit a construction waste management plan that:
Identifies the construction and demolition waste materials to be diverted from disposal by efficient usage, recycling, reuse on the project or salvage for future use or sale.
Determines if construction and demolition waste materials will be sorted on-site (source-separated) or bulk mixed (single stream).
Identifies diversion facilities where construction and demolition waste material collected will be taken.
Specifies that the amount of construction and demolition waste materials diverted shall be calculated by weight or volume, but not by both.
5.408.1.2 Waste management company. Utilize a waste management company that can provide verifiable documentation that the percentage of construction and demolition waste material diverted from the landfill complies with this section.
Note: The owner or contractor shall make the determination if the construction and demolition waste material will be diverted by a waste management company.
Exceptions to Sections 5.408.1.1 and 5.408.1.2:
- Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.
- Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.
- Demolition waste meeting local ordinance or calculated in consideration of local recycling facilities and markets.
5.408.1.3 Waste stream reduction alternative. The combined weight of new construction disposal that does not exceed two pounds per square foot of building area may be deemed to meet the 65 percent minimum requirement as approved by the enforcing agency.
5.408.1.4 Documentation. Documentation shall be provided to the enforcing agency which demonstrates compliance with Sections 5.408.1.1 through 5.408.1.3. The waste management plan shall be updated as necessary and shall be accessible during construction for examination by the enforcing agency.
Notes:
- Sample forms found in “A Guide to the California Green Building Standards Code (Nonresidential)” located at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission-Resources-ListFolder/CALGreen may be used to assist in documenting compliance with the waste management plan.
- Mixed construction and demolition debris (C&D) processors can be located at the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
CALGreen § 5.410.2.5 High relevance — show source text
4**
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Documentation and training [N]|5.410.2.5||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Systems manual [N]|5.410.2.5.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Systems operation training [N]|5.410.2.5.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Commissioning report [N]|5.410.2.6||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Testing and adjusting for new buildings < 10,000 sf or
new systems that serve additions or alterations [A]|5.410.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|System testing plan for renewable energy, landscape
irrigation and water reuse [A]|5.410.4.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Procedures for testing and adjusting|5.410.4.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Procedures for HVAC balancing|5.410.4.3.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Reporting for testing and adjusting|5.410.4.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Operation and maintenance (O&M) manual|5.410.4.5||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency|Mandatory|Inspection and reports|5.410.4.5.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Fireplaces|5.503.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Woodstoves|5.503.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Temporary ventilation|5.504.CALGreen § 5.408.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Note: The owner or contractor shall make the determination if the construction and demolition waste material will be diverted by a waste management company.
Exceptions to Sections 5.408.1.1 and 5.408.1.2:
- Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.
- Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.
- Demolition waste meeting local ordinance or calculated in consideration of local recycling facilities and markets.
5.408.1.3 Waste stream reduction alternative. The combined weight of new construction disposal that does not exceed two pounds per square foot of building area may be deemed to meet the 65 percent minimum requirement as approved by the enforcing agency.
5.408.1.4 Documentation. Documentation shall be provided to the enforcing agency which demonstrates compliance with Sections 5.408.1.1 through 5.408.1.3. The waste management plan shall be updated as necessary and shall be accessible during construction for examination by the enforcing agency.
Notes:
- Sample forms found in “A Guide to the California Green Building Standards Code (Nonresidential)” located at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission-Resources-ListFolder/CALGreen may be used to assist in documenting compliance with the waste management plan.
- Mixed construction and demolition debris (C&D) processors can be located at the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
5.408.2 Universal waste. [A] Additions and alterations to a building or tenant space that meet the scoping provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations, shall require verification that Universal Waste items such as fluorescent lamps and ballast and mercury containing thermostats as well as other California prohibited Universal Waste materials are disposed of properly and are diverted from landfills. A list of prohibited Universal Waste materials shall be included in the construction documents.
Note: Refer to the Universal Waste Rule link at: https://dtsc.ca.gov/universalwaste/
5.408.3 Excavated soil and land clearing debris. 100 percent of trees, stumps, rocks and associated vegetation and soils resulting primarily from land clearing shall be reused or recycled. For a phased project, such material may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed.
Exception: Reuse, either on-site or off-site, of vegetation or soil contaminated by disease or pest infestation.
Notes:
- If contamination by disease or pest infestation is suspected, contact the County Agricultural Commissioner and follow its direction for recycling or disposal of the material. (www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/ county/county_contacts.html)
- For a map of known pest and/or disease quarantine zones, consult with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. (www.cdfa.ca.gov)
SECTION 5.409—LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
5.409.1 Scope.
CALGreen § 4.408.2 High relevance — show source text
Comply with a more stringent local construction and demolition
waste management ordinance; or
2. A construction waste management plan, per Section 4.408.2; or
3. A waste management company, per Section 4.408.3; or
4. The waste stream reduction alternative, per Section 4.408.4.||||||| |A4.408.1 Construction waste generated at the site is diverted to
recycle or salvage in compliance with one of the following:
1.Tier 1at least a 65 percent reduction with a third-party verification.
2.Tier 2 at least a 75 percent reduction with a third-party verification.
**Exception:**Equivalent waste reduction methods are developed
by working with local agencies.||2|2|
|
|
| |Building Maintenance and Operation||||||| |4.410.1 An operation and maintenance manual shall be provided to
the building occupant or owner.||||||| |4.410.2 Where 5 or more multifamily dwelling units are constructed
on a building site, provide readily accessible areas that serve the
entire building and are identified for the depositing, storage and
collection of non-hazardous materials for recycling, including (at a
minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, organic
waste, and metals or meet a lawfully enacted local recycling
ordinance, if more restrictive.
**Exception:**Rural jurisdictions that meet and apply for the exemption in
Public Resources Code Section 42649.82 (a)(2)(A) et seq. will also be
exempt from the organic waste portion of this section.||||||| |Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions||||||| |A4.411.1Items in this section are necessary to address innovative
concepts or local environmental conditions.||||||| |Item 1|
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| |Item 3||||||| |ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY||||||| |Fireplaces||||||| |4.503.1Any installed gas fireplace shall be a direct-vent sealed-
combustion type. Any installed woodstove or pellet stove shall
comply with US EPA New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)
emission limits as applicable, and shall have a permanent label
indicating they are certified to meet the emission limits. Woodstoves,
pellet stoves and fireplaces shall also comply with applicable local
ordinances.CALGreen § 408.1.1 High relevance — show source text
408.1.1, 5.408.1.2, 5.408.1.3 or more stringent
local ordinance|5.408.1.1,
5.408.1.2,
5.408.1.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Construction waste management: documentation|5.408.1.4||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Universal waste [A]|5.408.2||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Excavated soil and land clearing debris (100% reuse or
recycle) with Exception and Notes|5.408.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Whole building life cycle
assessment with Notes, Building components, Reference
study period, and Verification of compliance|5.409.1,
5.409.2,
5.409.2.1,
5.409.2.2 and
5.409.2.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Product GWP compliance –
prescriptive path, 5.409.3.1 with Exception and Exception
EQUATION, Verification of compliance and Product GWP
Limits Table with Footnotes|5.409.1,
5.409.3,
5.409.3.1,
5.409.3.2 and
Table 5.409.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants (with exception)|5.410.1||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants: additions (with exception)|5.410.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants: sample ordinance
|5.410.1.2||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Commissioning new buildings (≥ 10,000 sf) [N]|5.410.2||||| |**DIVISION 5.CALGreen § 8-40 Medium 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
Frequently asked questions
What are the headline mandatory requirements to watch for?
Mandatory items include construction and demolition waste diversion (minimum diversion percentages and a required waste‑management plan under §5.408), occupant recycling areas and O&M manuals (§5.410), and pollutant‑control limits for interior finishes and insulation (§5.504). Documentation and verification are required for compliance.
Where are the LCA and embodied‑carbon measures located?
Whole‑building and product LCA requirements, plus prescriptive product GWP compliance paths and tables, are in the life‑cycle assessment provisions at §5.409 and the corresponding voluntary appendices for enhanced measures. These sections define scope, verification and product limits.
Do residential and nonresidential rules differ?
The material‑conservation and environmental‑quality requirements appear in both residential (Divisions 4.4 and 4.5) and nonresidential (Divisions 5.4 and 5.5) chapters; thresholds, diversion percentages and some verification paths vary by occupancy and project size. Refer to the applicable chapter for scoping and exceptions.
More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
- Administration (Chapter 1)
- Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
- Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
- Definitions (Chapter 2)
- Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
- Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
- Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
- Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
- Compliance verification, construction documents & checklists (Section 102, Chapter 7, Appendix checklists)
- Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)
- Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
- Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications (Chapter 7)
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