CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Which requirements cover resilient flooring, composite wood and low‑emitting materials?

Q: What exactly is the 80% measured against — the whole building or just the rooms with resilient flooring?

It is 80% of the floor area receiving resilient flooring (not the whole building floor area). § 4.504.4 .

Q: What test or certification proves a resilient flooring product complies?

Products must meet the CDPH Standard Method (California Specification 01350) (Version 1.2, Jan 2017) or be certified under a CDPH‑recognized program. § 4.504.4 .

Q: Which composite wood products are covered and what are some example limits?

Hardwood plywood, particleboard, and MDF are covered. Example formaldehyde limits: hardwood plywood 0.05 ppm , particleboard 0.09 ppm , MDF 0.11 ppm (see code table). § 4.504.5 .

Q: What documentation should I keep to prove composite wood compliance?

Keep product certifications/specs , chain‑of‑custody certificates , or labels/invoices indicating compliance with CCR Title 17 § 93120 et seq. and provide them when requested. § 4.504.5.1 .

If you install resilient flooring in California under CALGreen, make sure **at least 80%** of the installed resilient flooring meets CDPH Specification 01350 and any **hardwood plywood, particleboard, or MDF** you use meets ARB formaldehyde limits; keep product certifications, chain‑of‑custody or invoices on file for the enforcing agency.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Green Building Standards Code mandates that where resilient flooring is used, at least 80 percent of the floor area receiving resilient flooring must meet the California Department of Public Health emissions test (California Specification 01350) — see § 4.504.4. Hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard composite wood products must meet the California Air Resources Board (ARB) Composite Wood ATCM formaldehyde limits (numerical limits shown in the code) — see § 4.504.5. Verification (documentation) must be provided to the enforcing agency on request; acceptable forms of documentation are listed in § 4.504.5.1.

If you install resilient flooring, make sure ≥ 80% of the resilient-covered area complies with CDPH Specification 01350; if you specify composite wood, confirm it meets the ARB formaldehyde limits and keep documentation available.

Requirements in detail

Resilient flooring (what counts, threshold, test standard)

Defined term: resilient flooring — flooring products (vinyl, linoleum, rubber, similar) covered by the finish‑materials pollutant control provisions.
Threshold: At least 80 percent of the floor area receiving resilient flooring must meet CDPH “Standard Method … (California Specification 01350).” § 4.504.4.
Test / compliance method: Use CDPH Specification 01350 (Version 1.2, Jan 2017) certification or other verification programs identified by CDPH. § 4.504.4.

Composite wood products (scope and emission limits)

Defined term: composite wood products — includes hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) used on interior or exterior of the building. § 4.504.5.
Regulatory requirement: These products must meet the ARB Air Toxics Control Measure (ATCM) formaldehyde limits (17 CCR 93120 et seq.). § 4.504.5.

Documentation / verification

The enforcing agency can request verification. Acceptable documentation includes:
1. Product certifications and specifications;
2. Chain of custody certifications; or
3. Product labeled and invoiced as meeting the Composite Wood Products regulation (CCR, Title 17, § 93120 et seq.).
  See § 4.504.5.1.

Quick decision table

Issue / decision dimension	Requirement / value	Code reference
Minimum % of resilient flooring area that must meet CA Spec 01350	80% of the floor area receiving resilient flooring	§ 4.504.4
Test standard for resilient flooring emissions	CDPH Standard Method (California Specification 01350), Version 1.2, Jan 2017	§ 4.504.4
Composite wood product types covered	Hardwood plywood, Particleboard, MDF (interior or exterior use)	§ 4.504.5
Formaldehyde emission limits (examples)	Hardwood plywood: 0.05 ppm; Particleboard: 0.09 ppm; MDF: 0.11 ppm; Thin MDF: 0.13 ppm	§ 4.504.5 (Table of limits)
Acceptable documentation to show compliance	Product certification, chain of custody cert., or label/invoice showing compliance with CCR Title 17 § 93120 et seq.	§ 4.504.5.1

Exceptions & special cases

The mandatory (chapter 4) requirement for resilient flooring is 80 percent; voluntary tiers in the Appendices set higher percentages (for example, 90% or 100% in some tiers). Those voluntary tiers are located in the appendices and are not part of the mandatory § 4.504.4 requirement unless the project is pursuing the voluntary tier — see Appendix references (e.g., A5/A4).
The code requires the ARB ATCM formaldehyde limits for composite wood; materials that are exempted under the ATCM remain subject to the ATCM’s definitions and exemptions (check CCR Title 17, § 93120 et seq.). § 4.504.5 points to the ARB regulation for scope/exemptions.
Enforcement agencies may accept alternative documentation or other verification methods acceptable to them; keep product paperwork and chain‑of‑custody records available. § 4.504.5.1.

Common mistakes

Treating the 80% figure as “80% of the building” instead of 80% of the area that actually receives resilient flooring. The requirement applies to the area receiving resilient flooring, not the entire project floor area. § 4.504.4.
Assuming all vinyl or resilient products automatically comply — you must confirm the product meets CDPH 01350 limits or is certified in a recognized CDPH program. § 4.504.4.
Forgetting to collect or provide documentation for composite wood (product certs, invoices, chain‑of‑custody) when requested by the enforcing agency. § 4.504.5.1.
Confusing mandatory Chapter 4 thresholds with stricter voluntary Appendix tier thresholds (e.g., 90% or 100%) — verify whether you are meeting the mandatory code or a voluntary tier.

Worked example — a concrete scenario applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: A small commercial tenant improvement installs 1,200 ft² of resilient flooring across multiple rooms.

Determine the "area receiving resilient flooring": total = 1,200 ft².
Mandatory requirement: 80% of that resilient‑covered area must comply with CDPH 01350. Calculation: 1,200 ft² × 0.80 = 960 ft². So at least 960 ft² of the installed resilient flooring must be certified to CDPH 01350 or otherwise shown to meet that test. § 4.504.4.

If the project owner uses 1,000 ft² of certified resilient tiles and 200 ft² of specialty rubber flooring that is not certified, the project meets the mandatory requirement because 1,000 ft² ≥ 960 ft².

For composite wood used in the tenant case (for example, cabinet casework using particleboard), confirm the product meets the ARB ATCM particleboard limit (0.09 ppm) and retain a product certification or invoice that references compliance with CCR Title 17 § 93120 et seq. as required by § 4.504.5 and § 4.504.5.1.

Related provisions (CALGreen sections)

§ 4.504.3 — Carpet systems: CDPH 01350 requirement for carpet and carpet cushion.
§ 4.504.2.1 / § 4.504.2 — Adhesives, sealants, caulks and paints: VOC limits and documentation requirements for finish materials.
§ 4.504.5.1 — Documentation for composite wood (already a controlling section here).
Appendix A / A5 / A6 voluntary measures (examples): A5.504.4.7 (resilient flooring Tier 1 & Tier 2 higher percentages) and A5.504.4.5.1 (NAF/ULEF composite wood guidance) — for projects pursuing voluntary tiers or enhanced indoor‑air measures.

Code references

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

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 § 504.1 High relevance — show source text

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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

SECTION A4.602—RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST—continued

FEATURE OR MEASURE	LEVELS APPLICANT TO SELECT ELECTIVE MEASURES	Col3	Col4	VERIFICATIONS ENFORCING AGENCY TO SPECIFY VERIFICATION METHOD	Col6	Col7
FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory	Prerequisites and electives1	Prerequisites and electives1	Enforcing Agency  All	Installer or Designer  All	Third party  All
FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 2	Tier 2	Tier 2
A4.504.1Use composite wood products made with either California Air Resources Board approved no-added formaldehyde (NAF) resins or ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins.						
A4.504.2Install VOC compliant resilient flooring systems. Tier 1. At least 90 percent of the resilient flooring installed shall comply. Tier 2.100 percent of the resilient flooring installed shall comply.		2	2			
A4.504.3Thermal insulation installed in the building shall meet the following requirements: Tier 1. Install thermal insulation in compliance with VOC limits. Tier 2. Install insulation which contains no-added formaldehyde (NAF) and is in compliance with Tier 1.		2	2			
Interior Moisture Control
4.505.2Vapor retarder and capillary break is installed at slab-on- grade foundations.						
4.505.3 Moisture content of building materials used in wall and floor framing is checked before enclosure.						
Indoor Air Quality and Exhaust
4.506.1 Each bathroom shall be provided with the following: 1. ENERGY STAR fans ducted to terminate outside the building. 2. Fans must be controlled by a humidity control (separate or built- in); OR functioning as a component of a whole-house ventilation system. 3.

CALGreen § 4.504.3 High relevance — show source text
Values in this table are derived from those specified by the California Air Resources Board, Architectural Coatings Suggested Control Measure, February 1, 2008. More informa-
tion is available from the Air Resources Board.|

4.504.3 Carpet systems. All carpet installed in the building interior 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

4.504.3.1 Carpet cushion. All carpet cushion installed in the building interior 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

4.504.3.2 Carpet adhesive. All carpet adhesive shall meet the requirements of Table 4.504.1.

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:
1. Product certifications and specifications.
2. Chain of custody certifications.
3. 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
CALGreen § 504.2.1.3 High relevance — show source text
1. Testing should be conducted with the HVAC system operated at the minimum design outdoor air ventilation rate.
2. Air samplers and monitors should be located near likely sources of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds, at a height of 3 to 6 feet from the floor and well away from walls and air diffusers.
3. The test protocols should be justified with documentation to show that appropriate sampling methods and times were used.
A5.504.2.1.3 Noncomplying building areas. For each sampling area of the building exceeding the maximum concentrations specified in Section A5.504.2.1.1, flush out with outside air and retest samples taken from the same area. Repeat the procedures until testing demonstrates compliance.

Note: US EPA-recognized testing protocols may be found on the Air Resources Board web site.

A5.504.4.5.1 No added formaldehyde Tier 1. 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:
1. See Title 17, Section 93120.3(c) and (d), respectively.
2. 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/ compwood/naf_ulef/listofnaf_ulef.htm.
A5.504.4.7 Resilient flooring systems, Tier 1. Where resilient flooring is installed, at least 90 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#material

A5.504.4.7.1 Resilient flooring systems, Tier 2. Where resilient flooring is installed, 100 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#material

A5.504.4.7.2 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that resilient flooring materials meet the pollutant emission limits.

A5.504.4.8 Thermal insulation, Tier 1. Thermal insulation, No-added Formaldehyde. Install thermal insulation which complies with Tier 1 plus does not contain any added formaldehyde.
CALGreen § 411.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION A4.409—LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (RESERVED)

SECTION A4.410—BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION (RESERVED)

SECTION A4.411 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

A4.411.1 Innovative concepts and local environmental conditions. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code. This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1.

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A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A4.5 – ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

SECTION A4.501—GENERAL (RESERVED)

SECTION A4.502—DEFINITIONS

A4.502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

MERV.

NO ADDED FORMALDEHYDE (NAF) BASED RESINS.

ULTRA-LOW EMITTING FORMALDEHYDE (ULEF) RESINS.

SECTION A4.503—FIREPLACES (RESERVED)

SECTION A4.504—POLLUTANT CONTROL

A4.504.1 Compliance with formaldehyde limits. Use composite wood products made with either California Air Resources Board approved no-added formaldehyde (NAF) resins or ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins.

Note: Documentation must be provided that verifies that finish materials are certified to meet the pollutant emission limits.

A4.504.2 Resilient flooring systems. Resilient flooring systems installed in the building shall meet the percentages specified in this section and 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

Tier 1. At least 90 percent of the total area of resilient flooring installed shall comply.

Tier 2. 100 percent of the total area of resilient flooring installed shall comply.

Exception for Tier 2: An allowance for up to 5 percent specialty purpose flooring may be permitted.

Note: Documentation must be provided that verifies that finish materials are certified to meet the pollutant emission limits in this section.

A4.504.3 Thermal insulation. Thermal insulation installed in the building shall meet the following requirements:

Tier 1. Install thermal insulation that 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).
CALGreen § 5.504.4.4 High relevance — show source text
5**
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Carpet systems|5.504.4.4||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Carpet cushion|5.504.4.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|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)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Composite wood products|5.504.4.5||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Composite wood products: documentation|5.504.4.5.3||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Resilient flooring systems|5.504.4.6||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Resilient flooring: verification of compliance|5.504.4.6.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Tier 2
Prerequisite|Resilient flooring systems, Tier 2 (with verification of
compliance)|A5.504.4.7.1,
A5.504.4.7.2||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Thermal insulation|5.504.4.7||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Verification of compliance|5.504.4.7.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Acoustical ceilings and wall panels|5.504.4.8||||| |**DIVISION 5.

CALGreen § 5.504.4.5. High relevance — show source text

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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

Control Measure (ATCM) for Composite Wood (17 CCR 93120 et seq.) Those materials not exempted under the ATCM must meet the specified emission limits, as shown in Table 5.504.4.5.

TABLE 5.504.4.5—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).

5.504.4.5.1 Early compliance. Reserved.

5.504.4.5.3 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 .).
Exterior grade products marked as meeting the PS-1 or PS-2 standards of the Engineered Wood Association, the Australian AS/NZS 2269 or European 636 3S standards.
Other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency.

5.504.4.6 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#material

5.504.4.6.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that resilient flooring materials meet the pollutant emission limits.

CALGreen § 5.504.4.3 High relevance — show source text
5**
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Paints and coatings|5.504.4.3||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Aerosol paints and coatings|5.504.4.3.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Aerosol paints and coatings: verification|5.504.4.3.2||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Carpet systems|5.504.4.4||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Carpet cushion|5.504.4.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|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)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Composite wood products|5.504.4.5||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Composite wood products: documentation|5.504.4.5.3||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Resilient flooring systems|5.504.4.6||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Mandatory|Resilient flooring: verification of compliance|5.504.4.6.1||||| |DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|DIVISION 5.5
Environmental
Quality
(continued)|Tier 1
Prerequisite|Resilient flooring systems, Tier 1 (with verification of
compliance)|A5.504.4.7,
A5.504.4.7.2||||| |**DIVISION 5.

CALGreen § 504.1 High relevance — show source text

504.1**Duct openings and other related air distribution component
openings shall be covered during construction.||||||| |4.504.2.1Adhesives, sealants and caulks shall be compliant with VOC
and other toxic compound limits.||||||| |4.504.2.2 Paints, stains and other coatings shall be compliant with
VOC limits.||||||| |4.504.2.3 Aerosol paints and coatings shall be compliant with
product weighted MIR limits for ROC and other toxic compounds.||||||| |4.504.2.4Documentation shall be provided to verify that compliant
VOC limit finish materials have been used.|
|||
|
|
| |4.504.3Carpet and carpet systems shall be compliant with VOC limits.||||||| |4.504.480 percent of floor area receiving resilient flooring shall
comply with specified VOC criteria.||||||| |4.504.5Particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and
hardwood plywood used in interior or exterior finish systems shall
comply with low formaldehyde emission standards.|||||||

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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

SECTION A4.602—RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST—continued

FEATURE OR MEASURE	LEVELS APPLICANT TO SELECT ELECTIVE MEASURES	Col3	Col4	VERIFICATIONS ENFORCING AGENCY TO SPECIFY VERIFICATION METHOD	Col6	Col7
FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory	Prerequisites and electives1	Prerequisites and electives1	Enforcing Agency  All	Installer or Designer  All	Third party  All
FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 2	Tier 2	Tier 2
A4.504.1Use composite wood products made with either California Air Resources Board approved no-added formaldehyde (NAF) resins or ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins.						
A4.504.2Install VOC compliant resilient flooring systems. **Tier 1.

CALGreen § 504.4.5.1 High relevance — show source text
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:
1. See Title 17, Section 93120.3(c) and (d), respectively.
2. 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.

A6.504.5.1 Entryway systems. Install permanent entryway systems measuring at least six feet in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates at entryways directly connected to the outdoors.
1. Qualifying entryways are those that serve as regular entry points for building users.
2. Acceptable entryway systems include, but are not limited to, permanently installed grates, grilles or slotted systems that allow cleaning underneath.
3. Roll-out mats are acceptable only when maintained regularly by janitorial contractors as documented in service contract or by in-house staff as documented by written policies and procedures.
A6.504.8 Finish material pollutant control. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Finish materials shall comply with Sections A6.504.4.1 through A6.504.4.5.

A6.504.8.1 Adhesives, sealants and caulks. Adhesives, sealants and caulks used on the project shall meet the requirements of the following standards:
1. Adhesives, adhesive bonding primers, adhesive primers, sealants, sealant primers and caulks shall comply with local or regional air pollution control or air quality management district rules where applicable or SCAQMD Rule 1168 VOC limits, as shown in Tables A6.504.8(1) and A6.504.8(2). Such products also shall comply with the Rule 1168 prohibition on the use of certain toxic compounds (chloroform, ethylene dichloride, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene), except for aerosol products as specified in Subsection 2, below.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A6.1-33
CALGreen § 405.4 High relevance — show source text
1. From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
1. From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.

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

A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

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

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

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

A5.601.3.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 2. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.3.1 and A5.601.3.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 2:
1. From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for fuel efficient vehicles for a minimum of 50 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.2 with footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.3. [1]
d. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
1. From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:
2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
3. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
7. From Division A5.3,
CALGreen § 5.504.4.5.1 High relevance — show source text
Thin medium density fiberboard has a maximum thickness of 5/16 inch (8 mm).|

5.504.4.5.1 Early compliance. Reserved.

5.504.4.5.3 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:
1. Product certifications and specifications.
2. Chain of custody certifications.
3. Product labeled and invoiced as meeting the Composite Wood Products regulation (see CCR, Title 17, Section 93120, et seq .).
4. Exterior grade products marked as meeting the PS-1 or PS-2 standards of the Engineered Wood Association, the Australian AS/NZS 2269 or European 636 3S standards.
5. Other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency.
5.504.4.6 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#material

5.504.4.6.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that resilient flooring materials meet the pollutant emission limits.

5.504.4.7 Thermal insulation . Comply with 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#material

5.504.4.7.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that thermal insulation materials meet the pollutant emission limits.

5.504.4.8 Acoustical ceilings and wall panels . Comply with 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#material

5.504.4.8.1 Verification of compliance. Documentation shall be provided verifying that acoustical finish materials meet the pollutant emission limits.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is the 80% measured against — the whole building or just the rooms with resilient flooring?

It is 80% of the floor area receiving resilient flooring (not the whole building floor area). § 4.504.4.

What test or certification proves a resilient flooring product complies?

Products must meet the CDPH Standard Method (California Specification 01350) (Version 1.2, Jan 2017) or be certified under a CDPH‑recognized program. § 4.504.4.

Which composite wood products are covered and what are some example limits?

Hardwood plywood, particleboard, and MDF are covered. Example formaldehyde limits: hardwood plywood 0.05 ppm, particleboard 0.09 ppm, MDF 0.11 ppm (see code table). § 4.504.5.

What documentation should I keep to prove composite wood compliance?

Keep product certifications/specs, chain‑of‑custody certificates, or labels/invoices indicating compliance with CCR Title 17 § 93120 et seq. and provide them when requested. § 4.504.5.1.

If I want to meet a voluntary tier (e.g., 90% or 100%), where is that specified?

Voluntary Tier requirements (higher percentages) are in the Appendices (for example, A5.504.4.7 sets 90% or 100% thresholds for tiers). Those are voluntary/appendix provisions, not the mandatory Chapter 4 baseline.

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