CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 thresholds, prerequisites, elective counts and application checklist

If you want to claim CALGreen Tier 1 or Tier 2 for a residential project, first meet all mandatory code measures, then follow the Tier checklists: comply with the specific prerequisites listed per Division (e.g., permeable paving, cement reduction, EV charging, resilient flooring, energy subsections) and pick the number of elective measures required by each Division as shown in **§ A4.601.4.2** (Tier 1) or **§ A4.601.5.2** (Tier 2), and document everything on the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist in **§ A4.602**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

In plain English: to claim Tier 1 or Tier 2 voluntary status a project must first meet all mandatory CALGreen requirements, then meet the prerequisite measures listed for the chosen Tier and select the elective measures in the counts specified for each Division. The scope and voluntary nature are stated in § A4.601.1 ; the Tier‑specific prerequisites and electives are listed in § A4.601.4.2 (Tier 1) and § A4.601.5.2 (Tier 2) . Use the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist in § A4.602 to document selections and verifications .

To achieve CALGreen Tier 1 or Tier 2 you must (1) meet all mandatory measures, (2) comply with the Tier prerequisites called out by division, and (3) select the required number of electives from the divisions — then document everything on the A4.602 checklist. See § A4.601.1, § A4.601.4.2, § A4.601.5.2 and § A4.602.

Requirements in detail

Key defined terms (first use)

  • Tier 1 — voluntary tier with specific prerequisites and elective counts defined in § A4.601.4.2.
  • Tier 2 — more stringent voluntary tier with its own prerequisites and elective counts defined in § A4.601.5.2.
  • Prerequisite measures — required measures for a Tier that must be met in addition to mandatory code items (see each Tier section). § A4.601.2 and the Tier sections explain prerequisites.
  • Elective measures — additional selectable measures; Tier sections specify how many electives to select from each Division. § A4.601.3 and the Tier sections apply.

Summary table — per-division prerequisites and elective counts

The code lists prerequisites and the minimum number of electives by Division for each Tier. The table below summarizes the decision‑relevant items pulled directly from the Tier sections.

Division / Decision dimension Tier 1 — Required prerequisites (examples) Tier 1 — Elective count (examples) Tier 2 — Required prerequisites (examples) Tier 2 — Elective count (examples) Code Reference
A4.1 Planning & Design Topsoil protection, 20% permeable paving, cool roof, Tier 1 EV charging At least 2 elective measures from A4.1 Topsoil protection, 30% permeable paving, cool roof, Tier 2 EV charging At least 4 elective measures from A4.1 § A4.601.4.2 • § A4.601.5.2
A4.2 Energy Efficiency For new low‑rise: comply with A4.203.1 family of requirements (and specified Tables) — (energy has prescribed performance/prereqs; see section) For new low‑rise: comply with A4.203.1 family (Tier 2 applies higher stringency) — (see energy provisions for required performance measures) § A4.601.4.2 • § A4.601.5.2
A4.3 Water Efficiency — At least 2 elective measures from A4.3 — At least 3 elective measures from A4.3 § A4.601.4.2 • § A4.601.5.2
A4.4 Materials & Resource Efficiency 20% cement reduction, 10% recycled content, 65% construction waste diversion At least 2 elective measures from A4.4 25% cement reduction, 15% recycled content, 75% construction waste diversion At least 4 elective measures from A4.4 § A4.601.4.2 • § A4.601.5.2
A4.5 Environmental Quality 90% compliant resilient flooring, Tier 1 thermal insulation At least 1 elective measure from A4.5 100% compliant resilient flooring, Tier 2 thermal insulation / NAF insulation At least 1 elective measure from A4.5 § A4.601.4.2 • § A4.601.5.2
Documentation / checklist Use the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist to show selected electives and verification method — Use the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist to show selected electives and verification method — § A4.602

Notes:

  • The Tier sections combine prerequisites (specific mandatory items for the tier) and elective counts (how many optional measures to choose from each Division). See § A4.601.4.2 for Tier 1 specifics and § A4.601.5.2 for Tier 2 specifics.
  • Energy measures (A4.2) are referenced by section numbers (A4.203.1, Table A4.203.1.1, etc.) rather than a simple numeric elective count; follow the energy subsections cited in the Tier text.

How the A4.602 checklist is used (application checklist)

  • The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist (Section § A4.602) is the required form to indicate which electives and prerequisites are selected and the verification method (enforcing agency, installer/designer, or third‑party). It includes plan/spec cross‑reference columns and the designer’s attestation/signature block.
  • The checklist shows per‑feature whether the selection is Mandatory, Tier 1, or Tier 2, and provides checkboxes for documentation and verification. Use this checklist to demonstrate compliance to the enforcing agency.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Voluntary unless locally adopted — Appendix A4 Tier measures are not mandatory statewide; they become mandatory only if adopted by the local enforcing agency under Section § A4.601.1.
  • Local additions allowed — The enforcing agency may add prerequisite measures to address local environmental conditions under Section 101.7, and those may appear on the Innovative Concepts / Local Environmental Conditions portion of the checklist. The Tier text explicitly references this authority.
  • Practical difficulty / modifications — Where practical difficulties exist, an enforcing agency may approve modifications for individual cases provided the intent of the tier is preserved (see the voluntary tiers/administration discussion).
  • Tier 2 stringency — The code warns that Tier 2 measures are very stringent and jurisdictions should confirm feasibility before adopting Tier 2 as mandatory. See § A4.601.5.

Common mistakes

  • Counting electives incorrectly by looking for an overall “total elective” instead of following the per‑Division counts listed in § A4.601.4.2 and § A4.601.5.2. The Tier language allocates elective minimums per Division rather than a single summed number for the Appendix.
  • Failing to meet all mandatory CALGreen measures (Chapters 4 and 7 as applicable) before attempting to claim a Tier; each Tier section reiterates that mandatory measures must be met first. See § A4.601.4.1 and § A4.601.5.1.
  • Not documenting selections or verification method on the § A4.602 checklist (applicants must check boxes, reference plans/specs, and provide the designer/developer attestation).
  • Assuming energy requirements are only “electives” — energy sections reference mandatory energy performance subsections (A4.203.1 etc.) and specific efficiency measures; follow the energy subsection citations in the Tier text.

Worked example — concrete scenario (numbers)

Scenario: A builder of a new low‑rise single‑family project wishes to document Tier 1 compliance.

Step 1 — Mandatory baseline

  • Verify all mandatory measures in Chapter 4 (Divisions 4.1–4.5) and Chapter 7 are satisfied per § A4.601.4.1.

Step 2 — Tier 1 prerequisites (pull from § A4.601.4.2)

  • A4.1: Topsoil protection; 20% permeable paving; cool roof; Tier 1 EV charging; plus at least 2 electives from A4.1.
  • A4.2: For new low‑rise, comply with A4.203.1 family (energy compliance) — and meet the stated efficiency measures (including at least two of the listed efficiency measures where required).
  • A4.3: Select at least 2 elective measures from Division A4.3.
  • A4.4: 20% cement reduction, 10% recycled content, 65% construction waste reduction, and at least 2 electives from A4.4.
  • A4.5: 90% resilient flooring compliant, Tier 1 thermal insulation per A4.504.3, and at least 1 elective from A4.5.

Step 3 — Elective accounting (example math)

  • From the Tier text the builder must pick:
    • A4.1: 2 electives
    • A4.3: 2 electives
    • A4.4: 2 electives
    • A4.5: 1 elective
  • The builder therefore identifies and documents those 7 elective selections on the checklist (noting that several Tier items are prerequisites, not electives). (The code specifies the per‑Division counts in § A4.601.4.2; it does not present a single aggregate “Tier 1 total” number beyond those per‑Division minima — use the checklist to document selections.)

Step 4 — Document on A4.602

  • On the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist (§ A4.602) the applicant checks the Tier 1 boxes for prerequisites, marks which elective measures are selected, attaches plan/spec references, and signs the attestation. That completed checklist is the primary compliance submittal piece.

Related provisions (select list)

  • § A4.601.1 — Scope: voluntary nature and adoption by local agencies.
  • § A4.601.2 — Prerequisite measures and reference to the A4.602 checklist.
  • § A4.601.3 — Elective measures general rule for Tiers.
  • § A4.601.4.1 — Tier 1: mandatory measures requirement.
  • § A4.601.4.2 — Tier 1: full list of prerequisites and elective minimums (see table above).
  • § A4.601.5.1 — Tier 2: mandatory measures requirement.
  • § A4.601.5.2 — Tier 2: full list of prerequisites and elective minimums (see table above).
  • § A4.602 — Residential Occupancies Application Checklist: form, verification columns, and attestation.

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 509.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION A4.509 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

    A4.509.1 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.

    APPENDIX A4-20 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A4.6 – TIER I AND TIER 2

    SECTION A4.601—GENERAL

    A4.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating additional green building measures. 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.

    A4.601.2 Prerequisite measures. Tier 1 and Tier 2 thresholds require compliance with the mandatory provisions of this code and incorporation of the required prerequisite measures listed in Section A4.601.4.2 for Tier 1 and A4.601.5.2 for Tier 2. Prerequisite measures are also identified in the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist in Section A4.602.

    As specified in Section 101.7, additional prerequisite measures may be included by the enforcing agency to address specific local environmental conditions and may be listed in the Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions portions of the checklist.

    A4.601.3 Elective measures. In addition to the required measures, Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings must incorporate at least the number of elective measures specified in Sections A4.601.4.2 and A4.601.5.2.

    A4.601.4 Tier 1. To achieve Tier 1 status a project must comply with the following:

    A4.601.4.1 Mandatory measures for Tier 1. 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.

    A4.601.4.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 1. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 1 status:

    1. From Division A4.1, Planning and Design. 1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 20 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 1 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.1.
    2. From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1.
  • CALGreen § 101.7 High relevance — show source text

    As specified in Section 101.7, additional prerequisite measures may be included by the enforcing agency to address specific local environmental conditions and may be listed in the Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions portions of the checklist.

    A4.601.3 Elective measures. In addition to the required measures, Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings must incorporate at least the number of elective measures specified in Sections A4.601.4.2 and A4.601.5.2.

    A4.601.4 Tier 1. To achieve Tier 1 status a project must comply with the following:

    A4.601.4.1 Mandatory measures for Tier 1. 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.

    A4.601.4.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 1. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 1 status:

    1. From Division A4.1, Planning and Design. 1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 20 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 1 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least two 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.

    3. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.3.

    4. 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.

    5. 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.

  • 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 A4 — RESIDENTIAL 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 § 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-21

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    APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL 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.

    APPENDIX A4-22 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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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 § 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

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

  • CALGreen § 304.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    SECTION 306 [DSA-SS]—VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

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

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

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

    3-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 4 – RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

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

  • CALGreen § 504.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    APPENDIX A4-28 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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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 § 403.1 Medium relevance — show source text

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

    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
    MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
    Foundation Systems
    A4.403.1A Frost-protected Shallow Foundation (FPSF) is designed
    and constructed.
    A4.403.2Cement use in foundation mix design is reduced.
    Tier 1. Not less than a 20 percent reduction in cement use.
    **Tier 2.**Not less than a 25 percent reduction in cement use.    		 2 2
    Efficient Framing Techniques
    A4.404.1 Beams and headers and trimmers are the minimum size to
    adequately support the load.
    A4.404.2Building dimensions and layouts are designed to minimize
    waste.
    A4.404.3Use premanufactured building systems to eliminate solid
    sawn lumber whenever possible.
    A4.404.4 Material lists are included in the plans which specify
    material quantity and provide direction for on-site cuts.
    Material Sources
    A4.405.1 One or more of the following building materials, that do not
    require additional resources for finishing are used:
    1. Exterior trim not requiring paint or stain
    2. Windows not requiring paint or stain
    3.
  • CALGreen § 602.2 Medium relevance — show source text
    Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement
    Check the appropriate box(es) for the list below.
    □ Mandatory: I attest that the mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete.
    □ Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected meet or exceed the total number required
    to achieve Tier 1 compliance.
    □ Partial Tier 1 compliant: I attest that the total number of voluntary measures selected do not meet the total number
    required to achieve Tier 1 compliance: however, partial Tier 1 compliance has been achieved.    		 Col2
    Signature:
    Company: Date:
    Address: License:
    City/State/Zip: Phone:

    APPENDIX A5-54 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602.2

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

    TIER 2 CHECKLIST

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

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

    Instructions:

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

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

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

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

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

    [N] = New construction pursuant to Section 301.3

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

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS    		 Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception    		 5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
    note    		 5.105.2 and 5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)    		 Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb
    less than 1 acre of land    		 5.106.1 through
    5.106.
  • CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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

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

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

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

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

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE vii

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

    viii 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION

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

    |Adopting

Frequently asked questions

What is the single most important step to achieve Tier 1 or Tier 2?

Follow the Tier sentence: meet all mandatory measures, satisfy the Tier prerequisites, and select the required elective measures — then document everything on the § A4.602 checklist.

Are Tier measures mandatory statewide?

No — Appendix A4 Tier measures are voluntary unless a city or county adopts them under § A4.601.1. Check with your local enforcing agency.

Where do I show which electives I chose?

On the Residential Occupancies Application Checklist in § A4.602; it has checkboxes, verification method columns and a designer’s attestation block.

Does the code give a single “total electives” number for a Tier?

No. CALGreen specifies per‑Division elective minima in § A4.601.4.2 (Tier 1) and § A4.601.5.2 (Tier 2). Use those Division counts and the A4.602 checklist to show compliance.

What if a jurisdiction wants to require additional Tier items?

An enforcing agency may add additional prerequisites tied to local conditions under Section 101.7; those additions would be included on the local checklist/innovative concepts portion.

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