CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Division A4.2 — Energy Efficiency

Division A4.2 presents voluntary residential energy-efficiency performance measures (EDR and prerequisite/electives) intended to exceed Title 24 standards unless adopted locally.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Division A4.2 of the CALGreen Appendix A (residential voluntary measures) focuses on energy-efficiency provisions intended to encourage exemplary building performance beyond the mandatory State energy code; the division is located in Appendix A4 (see the A4 index) and begins with a general scope in §A4.201.1 .

The division establishes a performance approach for newly constructed buildings (see §A4.203) that includes an Hourly Source Energy Rating (EDR) requirement and a set of prerequisite/elective measures (for example, roof/duct insulation, high‑performance walls, compact hot‑water distribution, drain‑water heat recovery, heat‑pump systems, and battery controls) to achieve the targeted reductions in source energy (§A4.203.1.1, §A4.203.1.2) . It also requires consultation with the local electric service provider when reduced EDR targets rely on oversized PV systems (§A4.203.1.3) .

Division A4.2 is voluntary statewide unless a local jurisdiction elects to adopt its provisions as local mandatory standards — local adoption must follow the California Energy Commission and Building Standards Commission procedures (Title 24, Part 1 / Part 6) described in §A4.201.1 and related administration sections .

In this section

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 601.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    A4.601.5.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 2. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 2 status.

    1. From Division A4.1, Planning and Design.

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    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 30 percent permeable paving requirements in Section A4.106.4. 1.3. Comply with the cool roof requirements in Section A4.106.5. 1.4. Comply with the Tier 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.1. 2. From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1. For newly constructed low-rise residential buildings, comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Sections A4.203.1, A4.203.1.1, Table A4.203.1.1, A4.203.1.2 and A4.203.1.3.

    1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least three elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
    2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1. Comply with the 25 percent cement reduction requirements in Section A4.403.2. 4.2. Comply with the 15 percent recycled content requirements in Section A4.405.3.1. 4.3. Comply with the 75 percent reduction in construction waste in Section A4.408.1. 4.4. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.4.
    3. From Division A4.5, Environmental Quality. 5.1. Comply with the 100 percent resilient flooring systems requirements in Section A4.504.2. 5.2. Comply with the thermal insulation requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.504.3. 5.3. Comply with at least one elective measure selected from Division A4.5.

    Note: The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist contained in Section A4.602 may be used to show which elective measures are selected.

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    DIVISION A4.6 – TIER 1 AND TIER 2

    SECTION A4.602 RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST

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

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

    APPENDIX A4 RESIDENTIAL

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A5 NONRESIDENTIAL

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

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

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

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

  • CALGreen § 108.1 High relevance — show source text

    108.1** Items in this section are necessary to address innovative
    concepts or local environmental conditions.||||||| |Item 1|
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    | |Item 3||||||| |ENERGY EFFICIENCY||||||| |General||||||| |4.201.1 Building meets or exceeds the requirements of the_California_
    _Building Energy Efficiency Standards_3.||2|2|||| |Performance Approach for Newly
    Constructed Buildings||||||| |**A4.203.1.1 Hourly Source Energy Rating (EDR1).**EDR1 ratings for
    building design shall be computed by Energy Compliant software and
    shall reduce the EDR1 required by the software by the compliance
    margins specified in Table A4.203.1.1.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.2 Prerequisite options.In addition, a minimum of two of
    the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through
    A4.203.1.2.8 will be required to be met.
    · Roof Deck Insulation or Ducts in Conditioned Space.
    · High-performance Walls.
    · Compact Hot Water Distribution System.
    · Drain Water Heat Recovery.
    · High Performance Vertical Fenestration.
    · Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Management.
    · Battery Storage System Controls.
    · **Heat Pump Space and Water Heating.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.3 Consultation with local electric service provider.**Local
    jurisdictions considering adoption of reduced EDR targets based on
    using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems larger than required by the
    California Energy Code shall consult with the local electric service
    provider to ensure that that PV system sizing required to comply with
    the EDR targets will be acceptable to the local electric service
    provider.||2|2||||

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    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    SECTION A4.602—RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST—continued

  • CALGreen § 203.2 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

    A6.203.2 Energy performance. It is the intent of this code to encourage green buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

    A6.203.2.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen [Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By](http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf) Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf.

    A6.203.2.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.

    SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

    A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances. All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.

    A6.204.4 Commissioning. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building’s energy related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construction documents.

    The owner and designer shall designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and oversee the completion of the commissioning process activities. The owner shall document the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The design team shall develop the Basis of Design (BOD). The CxA shall review these documents for clarity and completeness. The owner and design team shall be responsible for updates to their respective documents, develop and incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction documents and develop and implement a commissioning plan. The CxA shall verify the installation and performance of the systems to be commissioned, verify that training and operation and maintenance documentation have been provided to the owner’s operations staff and complete a commissioning report.

    Commissioning process activities shall be completed for the following energy-related systems, at a minimum:

    1. Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical and passive) and associated controls.
    2. Lighting and daylighting controls.
    3. Domestic hot water systems.
    4. Renewable energy systems (wind, solar, etc.).
    5. Building envelope systems.

    A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The expectations and requirements of the building shall be documented by the owner and the designer before the design phase of the project begins. This shall be reviewed by the CxA. At a minimum, this documentation shall include the following:

    1. Environmental and sustainability goals.
    2. Energy efficiency goals.
    3. Indoor environmental quality requirements.

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

    1. Equipment and systems expectations.
    2. Building occupant and O&M personnel expectations.
  • CALGreen § 203.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    In addition, a minimum of two of
    the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through
    A4.203.1.2.8 will be required to be met.
    · Roof Deck Insulation or Ducts in Conditioned Space.
    · High-performance Walls.
    · Compact Hot Water Distribution System.
    · Drain Water Heat Recovery.
    · High Performance Vertical Fenestration.
    · Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Management.
    · Battery Storage System Controls.
    · **Heat Pump Space and Water Heating.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.3 Consultation with local electric service provider.**Local
    jurisdictions considering adoption of reduced EDR targets based on
    using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems larger than required by the
    California Energy Code shall consult with the local electric service
    provider to ensure that that PV system sizing required to comply with
    the EDR targets will be acceptable to the local electric service
    provider.||2|2||||

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    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL 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
    WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
    Indoor Water Use
    4.303.1Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings
    (showerheads, faucets and pre-rinse spray valves) installed in
    residential buildings shall comply with the prescriptive requirements
    of Sections 4.303.1.1 through 4.303.1.4.5.
    4.303.2 Submeters for multifamily building and dwelling units in
    **mixed-use residential/commercial buildings.
  • CALGreen § 3.1. High relevance — show source text
    1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
    2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1. Comply with the 20 percent cement reduction requirements in Section A4.403.2. 4.2. Comply with the 10 percent recycled content requirements in Section A4.405.3.1. 4.3. Comply with the 65 percent reduction in construction waste in Section A4.408.1. 4.4. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.4.
    3. From Division A4.5, Environmental Quality. 5.1. Comply with the 90 percent resilient flooring systems requirements in Section A4.504.2. 5.2. Comply with the thermal insulation requirements for Tier 1 in Section A4.504.3. 5.3. Comply with at least one elective measure selected from Division A4.5.

    Note: The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist contained in Section A4.602 may be used to show which elective measures are selected.

    A4.601.5 Tier 2. To achieve Tier 2 status a project must comply with the following.

    Note: The measures necessary to achieve Tier 2 status are very stringent. Cities, counties, and cities and counties considering adoption of Tier 2 as mandatory should carefully consider the stringency of each measure and ensure that the measures are achievable in their location.

    A4.601.5.1 Mandatory measures for Tier 2. The project shall meet or exceed all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 4, Divisions 4.1 through 4.5 and Chapter 7 as applicable.

    A4.601.5.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 2. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 2 status.

    1. From Division A4.1, Planning and Design.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-21

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    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 30 percent permeable paving requirements in Section A4.106.4. 1.3. Comply with the cool roof requirements in Section A4.106.5. 1.4. Comply with the Tier 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least four elective measures selected from Division A4.1. 2. From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1. For newly constructed low-rise residential buildings, comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Sections A4.203.1, A4.203.1.1, Table A4.203.1.1, A4.203.1.2 and A4.203.1.3.

    1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least three elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
    2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1.
  • CALGreen § 110.3.4.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    110.3.4.1 [HCD 1] Moisture content verification. Moisture content of framing members shall be verified in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Chapter 4, Division 4.5.

    [A] 110.3.5 Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C connection protection inspection. In buildings of Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction, where connection fire-resistance ratings are provided by wood cover calculated to meet the requirements of Section 2304.10.1, inspection of the wood cover shall be made after the cover is installed, but before any other coverings or finishes are installed.

    [A] 110.3.6 Lath and gypsum panel product inspection. Lath and gypsum panel product inspections shall be made after lathing and gypsum panel products, interior and exterior, are in place, but before any plastering is applied or gypsum panel product joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

    Exception: Gypsum panel products that are not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly.

    [A] 110.3.7 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface waterproofing. Where balconies or other elevated walking surfaces have weather-exposed surfaces, and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.

    Exception: Where special inspections are provided in accordance with Section 1705.1.1, Item 3.

    [A] 110.3.8 Fire- and smoke-resistant penetrations. Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.

    [A] 110.3.9 Energy efficiency inspections. Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with Chapter 13 and shall include, but not be limited to, inspections for: envelope insulation R- and U-values, fenestration U-value, duct system R-value, and HVAC and water-heating equipment efficiency.

    [A] 110.3.10 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.9, the building official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety.

    [A] 110.3.11 Special inspections. For special inspections, see Chapter 17.

    [A] 110.3.12 Final inspection. The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the building permit is completed.

    [A] 110.3.12.1 Flood hazard documentation. If located in a flood hazard area, documentation of the elevation of the lowest floor or the elevation of dry floodproofing, if applicable, as required in Section 1612.4 shall be submitted to the building official prior to the final inspection.

    110.3.12.2 [HCD 1] Operation and maintenance manual. At the time of final inspection, a manual, compact disc, web-based reference or other media acceptable to the enforcing agency shall be placed in the building in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Chapter 4, Division 4.4.

    [A] 110.4 Inspection agencies. The building official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies, provided that such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.

  • CALGreen § 106.8.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to automated mechanicalaccess open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.

    A4.106.8.2.2 Technical requirements. The EV spaces required by Section A4.106.8.2 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.2.2.1.1, 4.106.4.2.2.1.2, and 4.106.4.2.5.

    SECTION A4.107 (RESERVED)

    SECTION A4.108 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

    A4.108.1 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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    APPENDIX A4-8 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A4.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    SECTION A4.201—GENERAL

    A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required approval of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modification along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement. (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/build- ing-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency

    SECTION A4.202—DEFINITIONS

    A4.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    ENERGY BUDGET.

    LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).

    RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.

    SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.

    SECTION A4.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS

  • CALGreen § 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    ii. Reserved.

    iii. Neon or cold cathode lamps with transformer or power supply efficiency greater than or equal to the following: a. A minimum efficiency of 75 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is less than 50 mA; or

    b. A minimum efficiency of 68 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is 50 mA or greater. The ratio of the output wattage to the input wattage is at 100 percent tubing load.

    iv. Reserved.

    v. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a power supply having an efficiency of 80 percent or greater; or Exception to Section 170.2(e)7Bv: Single voltage external power supplies that are designed to convert 120 volt AC input into lower voltage DC or AC output, and have a nameplate output power less than or equal to 250 watts, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20). Exception 1 to Section 170.2(e)7: Unfiltered incandescent lamps that are not part of an electronic message center (EMC), an internally illuminated sign or an externally illuminated sign. Exception 2 to Section 170.2(e)7: Exit signs. Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations. Exception 3 to Section 170.2(e)7: Traffic signs that meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Sections 1601(m), 1602, 1602.1, 1603, 1604(m), 1605, 1605.1(m), 1605.2(m), 1605.3(m), 1606, 1607, 1608, and 1609.

    (f) Photovoltaic requirements—three habitable stories or fewer . All multifamily buildings up to three habitable stories shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system or newly installed PV modules meeting the minimum qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA11. The annual electrical output of the PV system shall be no less than the smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 170.2-C, or the total solar access roof area (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or SARA multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs. A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports, and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.

    B. SARA does NOT include:

    i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by obstructions. For steep-sloped roofs, only shading from existing permanent natural or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to trees, hills and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access calculations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features, shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

    ii. Occupied roof areas as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. iii. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: a. Other state building code requirements, or b. Local building code requirements if local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.

  • CALGreen § 8-6 Medium relevance — show source text

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Worksheet (WS-9) 5.409.2 and A5.409.2 Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Construction Waste Management (CWM) Plan . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Construction Waste Management (CWM) Worksheet. . . . . . 8-9 Construction Waste Management (CWM) Acknowledgment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 Title 23, Waters, California Code of Regulations . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Commissioning Referenced Standards for Non-energy Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13 IES TM-15-11 Table A-1, Table 130.2-A and Table 130.2-B Uplight and Glare Ratings Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

  • CALGreen § 409.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
    solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
    3.
    Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|

    A5.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by local government as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating addi

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    tional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions and alterations. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.

    A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1

    A5.601.2.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

    A5.601.2.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

    A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.1.

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

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

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

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. From Division A5.3,

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

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A6.1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

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

    DIVISION A6.1 – SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN

    SECTION A6.106—SITE DEVELOPMENT

    A6.106.9 Building orientation. Locate and orient the building as follows:

    1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and south.
    2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust, sand, snow and leaves, with building orientation and landscape features. Note: For information on sun angles and shading, visit: http://www2.aud.ucla.edu/energy-design-tools/.

    Calculations may be made using the Solar-2 tool.

    DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    SECTION A6.202—DEFINITIONS

    A6.202.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.

    ENERGY STAR. A joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products and practices.

    SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

    A6.203.2 Energy performance. It is the intent of this code to encourage green buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

    A6.203.2.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen [Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By](http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf) Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf.

    A6.203.2.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.

    SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

    A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances. All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.

    A6.204.4 Commissioning. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building’s energy related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construction documents.

    The owner and designer shall designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and oversee the completion of the commissioning process activities. The owner shall document the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).

Frequently asked questions

Are A4.2 measures mandatory for my project?

No — Appendix A4 (including Division A4.2) contains voluntary residential measures. They become mandatory only if a city or county adopts them locally and obtains the requisite California Energy Commission/Building Standards Commission approvals described in §A4.201.1 and related administrative guidance .

What compliance paths does Division A4.2 use?

The division uses a performance approach centered on the Hourly Source Energy Rating (EDR) and associated compliance margins (§A4.203.1.1), plus prerequisite/elective measures (roof insulation, high‑performance walls, compact hot‑water systems, drain‑water heat recovery, heat‑pump strategies, battery controls, etc.) in §A4.203.1.2; it also includes coordination rules such as §A4.203.1.3 for PV sizing and utility consultation .

How does A4.2 relate to CALGreen Tiers?

Measures from Division A4.2 are used as prerequisite and elective options when jurisdictions or projects pursue CALGreen Tier levels in Appendix A4 (Tier 1 / Tier 2), where selected A4.2 requirements can form part of the Tier prerequisites or electives for higher green performance .

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