CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

What are voluntary tiers and why are they included in CALGreen?

Voluntary tiers in CALGreen are optional, adoptable packages of extra green-building measures (Tier 1 and Tier 2) published in the appendices; a city or county must adopt a tier to make it enforceable locally, and when adopted the tier bundles prerequisites, electives and verification checklists to raise a project above the mandatory baseline. **§ 304.1 / § 304.1.1**

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Voluntary tiers are optional, higher-performance packages of green-building measures (commonly Tier 1 and Tier 2) that jurisdictions may adopt to go beyond CALGreen’s mandatory baseline. The Code states the purpose and adoption mechanism in § 304.1 and § 304.1.1: tiers are intended to promote more sustainable design and may be adopted and enforced locally; agencies may grant modifications where strict compliance is impractical. § 304.1

Voluntary tiers are a jurisdiction-adoptable way to require a package of additional green-building prerequisites and electives that raise a project above CALGreen’s mandatory minimums. § 304.1

Requirements in detail

What a “tier” is (plain definition)

  • Voluntary tiers are structured sets of additional prerequisite and elective green measures (Tier 1 and Tier 2) contained in the appendices (Appendix A4 for residential and Appendix A5 for nonresidential) that a project must meet to claim that tier. § 304.1.1; Appendix A4/A5 summaries.

Who can require them

  • The State publishes the tier measures as voluntary; a city, county or city and county may adopt either tier (or parts of it) and make the tier mandatory in that jurisdiction per the amendment/adoption procedure in § 101.7. When adopted, the local enforcing agency enforces the tier requirements. § 304.1.1; sample adoption language in the appendices.

Flexibility & modifications

  • If strict compliance with a tier threshold presents practical difficulties, the enforcing agency may grant a modification for an individual case after finding the modification is consistent with the measure’s intent; recordkeeping of such actions is required. § 304.1.1

Where the tier measures are found

  • Tier details and verification checklists are in Appendix A4 (residential) and Appendix A5 (nonresidential), specifically Division A4.6 and Division A5.6 (CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2), and checklists A5.602.* for verification. § 304.1.1; A4.6 / A5.6 / A5.601 / A5.602.

Quick decision table (decision-relevant dimensions)

Decision dimension Tier 1 (example threshold) Tier 2 (example threshold) Code Reference
Designated parking for high-efficiency / clean-air vehicles ≈ 35% of spaces ≈ 50% of spaces A5.601 / Division A5.1 § A5.601
Electric vehicle charging provision ≈ 30% of spaces (EV-ready/charging provisions) ≈ 45% of spaces A5.601 / Division A5.1 § A5.601
Cool roof Required for Tier 1 Required for Tier 2; may also be used to meet/exceed energy standards A5.601 note; cool roof requirements in A5.106.11.2 § A5.601
Indoor potable water reduction ≈ 12% reduction (Tier 1) ≈ 20% reduction (Tier 2) — reference ranges in water tables A5.303 / A5.601 § A5.303
Recycled content / material conservation 10% recycled content (or specified product path) 15% recycled content (or specified product path) A5.405 / A5.601 § A5.405
Construction & demolition diversion 65% diversion (Tier 1) 80% diversion (Tier 2) A5.408 / § A5.601
Energy performance (nonresidential healthcare example) Follow latest “Savings By Design” procedures (Tier 1 - healthcare) Exceed Savings By Design by 15% (Tier 2 - healthcare) § 305.1.1 / § 305.1.2 (healthcare tiers)

Notes: table entries are drawn from the appendices’ Tier descriptions and checklists. Exact measure lists, elective counts, and many prescriptive metrics are in Appendix A4/A5. For a full project checklist use A5.602.* verification checklists.

Verification & compliance

  • The appendices include verification checklists (A5.602, A5.602.1, A5.602.2) that define application scope, prerequisites, elective counts and required documentation for Tier 1 and Tier 2 compliance; projects must first meet all Chapter 5 mandatory measures before applying voluntary tier measures. § A5.602 / A5.601.4.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Adoption is local: unless a city/county adopts a tier by ordinance, tier measures remain voluntary. See the model adoption language and sample resolution intended for local adoption. § 304.1.1; sample adoption language in Appendix A4/A5.
  • Health-sector (OSHPD) specifics: some health facility tiers reference different documents (e.g., Savings By Design for healthcare) and use OSHPD-specific adoption language; check § 305.1.1–.2 for healthcare tiers.
  • Where “practical difficulties” exist, local enforcing agencies may grant modifications on a case-by-case basis after findings and recordkeeping. § 304.1.1

Common mistakes

  • Treating tiers as statewide mandatory standards: tiers are published by the State but remain voluntary unless a local jurisdiction adopts them — do not assume a tier applies without checking local ordinances. § 304.1.1
  • Skipping mandatory measures: projects must comply with all Chapter 5 mandatory measures before applying voluntary tier measures; failing to meet mandatory Chapter 5 items invalidates tier compliance. A5.602 verification guidance.
  • Relying on a single elective/measure to claim a tier: tiers combine prerequisites and a required number of electives; count and documentation matter. See Tier checklists A5.602.*.
  • Using outdated reference documents: some tier paths (for example healthcare modeling) reference external procedures (“Savings By Design”) — the code requires the “latest edition” of referenced procedures. § 305.1.1–.2

Worked example — applying Tier 2 to a 20,000 ft² office (nonresidential)

Scenario: A developer in a city that has adopted CALGreen Tier 2 wants to show compliance for a new 20,000 ft² office building.

Step 1 — Meet mandatory baseline:

  • Confirm the project meets all Chapter 5 mandatory measures (site, water, indoor environmental quality, materials, etc.) before attempting Tier 2. See verification checklist A5.602.

Step 2 — Apply Tier 2 prerequisites (examples pulled from A5.601.3 & A5.601.4 summary):

  • Energy: comply with the energy requirements referenced for Tier 2 (A5.203.1.1 and A5.203.1.2.2 for nonresidential performance paths). § A5.601.3.3
  • Parking & EV: provide ≈ 50% designated high-efficiency vehicle parking and ≈ 45% EV-ready/charging capacity as required by the Tier 2 Division A5.1 prerequisites. § A5.601 / A5.106.x
  • Cool roof: include a cool roof meeting the referenced SRI/reflectance requirements (cool roofs are required for Tiers 1 and 2). § A5.601
  • Water: design for approximately 20% indoor potable water reduction relative to baseline (see water-use baseline and Tier tables in Appendix A5). § A5.303 / A5.601

Step 3 — Electives & documentation:

  • Complete the Tier 2 checklist (A5.602.2): mark prerequisites as “Y”, select required number of electives from the divisions (A5.1–A5.5), total the measures and prepare the documentation called for in the checklist (responsible designer declaration, plans, specs). § A5.602.2

Step 4 — Final verification and record:

  • Submit the completed Tier 2 checklist and supporting documents for plan review and include compliance documentation in the project record as required by Section 5.410.x and A5.601.4. § A5.601.4 / A5.602

Related provisions

  • § 304.1 — Voluntary tiers: purpose and high-level rules.
  • § 304.1.1 — Tiers: where they are located, adoption and modification rules.
  • § 305.1 / 305.1.1 / 305.1.2 — CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 (healthcare-specific energy paths).
  • § A5.601 — CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 (nonresidential voluntary tiers details).
  • § A5.602 / A5.602.1 / A5.602.2 — Verification checklists for mandatory measures, Tier 1 and Tier 2.
  • § A5.303 / A5.304 / A5.405 / A5.408 — Example divisions that provide the water, material, and C&D thresholds referenced by tiers.

Code references

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

  • CALGreen § 301.5 High relevance — show source text

    301.5 Health Facilities. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Health facilities under the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) are required to comply with the mandatory measures prescribed in Section 5.304, Outdoor Water Use. Compliance with Section 5.304, as adopted by the Building Standards Commission, is enforced by the local agency having jurisdiction. Evidence of local approval shall be submitted to OSHPD prior to issuance of plan approval or a building permit.

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    GREEN BUILDING

    SECTION 302—MIXED OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS

    302.1 Mixed occupancy buildings. In mixed occupancy buildings, each portion of a building shall comply with the specific green building measures applicable to each specific occupancy.

    Exceptions:

    1. [HCD] Accessory structures and accessory occupancies serving residential buildings shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
    2. [HCD] For the purposes of CALGreen, live/work units, complying with Section 508.5 of the California Building Code, shall not be considered mixed occupancies. Live/work units shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.

    SECTION 303—PHASED PROJECTS

    303.1 Phased projects. For shell buildings and others constructed for future tenant improvements, only those code measures relevant to the building components and systems considered to be new construction (or newly constructed) shall apply.

    303.1.1 Initial tenant improvements. The provisions of this code shall apply only to the initial tenant improvements to a project. Subsequent tenant improvements shall comply with the scoping provisions in Section 301.3 nonresidential additions and alterations.

    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.

  • 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.

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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 § 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.

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL 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 § 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

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    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

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

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

    APPENDIX A4 RESIDENTIAL

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A5 NONRESIDENTIAL

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

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

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

    A5.602.1 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    A5.602.2 CALGreen Verification Guidelines

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

    APPENDIX A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH

  • CGBSC § 2025 Medium relevance — show source text

    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.

    SAMPLE RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE TIER 1 OR TIER 2 PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITIONAL ITEMS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

    ATTACHMENT___.

    SAMPLE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDICES AS A MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD

    CITY OF ________________________

    RESOLUTION # __________________

    RESOLUTION ADOPTING ENHANCED GREEN BUILDING MEASURES FOR NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION.

    WHEREAS, the City/County of ______’s (City or County) General Plan sets forth goals for preserving and improving the natural and built environment of the City/County, protecting the health of its residents and visitors, and fostering its economy; and

    WHEREAS, green building is a holistic approach to design, construction and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants and the community; and

    WHEREAS, green buildings benefit building industry professionals, residents and communities by improving construction quality; increasing building durability; reducing utility, maintenance, water and energy costs; creating healthier homes; and enhancing comfort and livability; and

    WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices have included voluntary tiers to provide a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, and the general public with a range of voluntary green building measures for builders to choose from when constructing homes in California; and

    WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices benefited from extensive input from a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, State agencies, and recognized green building professionals and the practices contained in these guidelines were selected for their viability in today’s market and their ability to promote sustainable buildings and communities; and

    WHEREAS, adoption of the California Green Building Standards Code appendices promotes statewide consistency and predictability for building professionals; and

    NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City/County hereby finds that green building design, construction and operation furthers the goals set forth in the City/County General Plan, including land use, conservation, open space and (include others, if applicable).

    NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that newly constructed residential buildings, alterations or additions to residential buildings shall meet the _______ (Tier 1 or Tier 2) measures contained in the California Green Building Standards Code appendices and the green building design, construction and operation innovative concepts or additions or amendment thereto contained in Attachment _____ to address local environmental conditions; and

    NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council or County Board of Supervisors of the City/County of ___________ adopts the California Green Building Standards Code appendices, as they may be amended from time to time, as a City/County mandatory reference document and directs City/County staff to enforce these green building measures as mandatory standards within the City/County.

    ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

    AYES:

    NOES:

    ABSENT:

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  • CALGreen § 601.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    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,

    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.

  • CALGreen § 101.7. Medium relevance — show source text

    Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
    2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
    3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|1. Green building measures listed in this table may be mandatory if adopted by a city, county, or city and county as specified in Section 101.7.
    2. Required prerequisite for this Tier.
    3. These measures are currently required elsewhere in statute or in regulation.|

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    DIVISION A4.7 – RESIDENTIAL MODEL ORDINANCE

    A4.701.1 General. The voluntary measures of this code are designed and promulgated to be adopted by reference and made mandatory by local ordinance pursuant to Section 101.7. Jurisdictions wishing to adopt the voluntary provisions of this code as an enforceable regulation governing structures and premises should ensure that certain factual information is included in the adopting ordinance and that the measures are appropriate and achievable and are considered to be suitable as mandatory by the city, county, or city and county. The following sample adoption ordinance addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordinance, including the information required for insertion into the code text.

    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.

    SAMPLE RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE TIER 1 OR TIER 2 PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITIONAL ITEMS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

    ATTACHMENT___.

    SAMPLE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDICES AS A MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD

    CITY OF ________________________

    RESOLUTION # __________________

    RESOLUTION ADOPTING ENHANCED GREEN BUILDING MEASURES FOR NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION.

    WHEREAS, the City/County of ______’s (City or County) General Plan sets forth goals for preserving and improving the natural and built environment of the City/County, protecting the health of its residents and visitors, and fostering its economy; and

    WHEREAS, green building is a holistic approach to design, construction and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants and the community; and

    WHEREAS, green buildings benefit building industry professionals, residents and communities by improving construction quality; increasing building durability; reducing utility, maintenance, water and energy costs; creating healthier homes; and enhancing comfort and livability; and

    WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code appendices have included voluntary tiers to provide a city, county, or city and county, building professionals, and the general public with a range of voluntary green building measures for builders to choose from when constructing homes in California; and

  • CALGreen § 1.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    For questions on California state agency amendments, please refer to the contact list on page v.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE iii

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

    LEGEND FOR AGENCY ADOPTIONS

    Unless otherwise noted, state agency adoptions are indicated by the following banners in the section leaders: Department of Housing and Community Development: [HCD]

    California Building Standards Commission, CALGreen: [BSC-CG]

    Division of the State Architect, Structural Safety: [DSA-SS]

    Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development: [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]

    See Chapter 1, Sections 103–106 for applications regulated by the respective state agencies.

    EFFECTIVE USE OF THIS CODE

    The format of this code is common to other parts of the California Building Standards Code and contains building standards applicable to occupancies which fall under the authority of different state agencies. Occupancies and applications under the authority of a specific state agency are identified in Chapter 1, Sections 103 through 106. Sections of this code which are applicable and adopted by each state agency are identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables located at the beginning of each chapter. The following outline is provided as a guide to establish which provisions are applicable to a specific occupancy.

    1. Establish the type of occupancy.

    2. Verify which state agency has authority for the established occupancy by reviewing the authorities list in Sections 103 through

    3. Once the appropriate agency has been identified, find the chapter which covers the established occupancy.

    4. The Matrix Adoption Tables at the beginning of Chapters 4 and 5 identify the required green building measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements of this code for the established occupancy.

    5. Voluntary tier measures are contained in Appendix Chapters A4 and A5. A Checklist containing each green building measure, both required and voluntary is provided at the end of each appendix chapter. Each measure listed in the application checklist has a section number which correlates to a section where more information about the specific measure is available.

    6. The Application Checklist identifies which measures are required by this code and allows users to check-off which voluntary items have been selected to meet voluntary tier levels if desired or mandated by a city, county, or city and county.

    iv 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24

    California State Agency Contact List

    The following state agencies may propose building standards for buildings, structures and applications under their authority for publication in Title 24. Notice of such proposals may be requested from each agency. See Sections 1.2 through 1.14 of the California Building Code (Part 2, T24) for detailed information on the regulatory authority of most state agencies summarized below. Note [agency acronyms] shown in banners/Matrix Adoption Tables in T24.

    Board of State and Community Corrections [BSCC] bscc.ca.gov BSCC-Mail@bscc.ca.gov

    (916) 445-5073 Local Detention Facilities

    Building Standards Commission [BSC, BSC-CG]

    dgs.ca.gov/BSC cbsc@dgs.ca.gov

    (916) 263-0916 State Buildings including UC & CSU Nonresidential Green Buildings Standards

    Department of Consumer Affairs Boards/Bureaus:

    Acupuncture Board [CA]

  • CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-39

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

    APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS

    SECTION A5.601—CALGreen TIER 1 AND TIER 2 Col2 Col3 Col4
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
    Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
    CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)
    CATEGORY ENVIRONMENTAL
    PERFORMANCE GOAL
    TIER 1 TIER 2
    All Minimum Mandatory
    (See Mandatory Checklist)
    Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 1 Checklist)
    Meet all of the provisions
    of Chapter 5 (See Tier 2 Checklist)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Reuse of existing building See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements
    See Section A5.105.1 and Section
    A5.105.2 requirements
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Designated Parking for
    Fuel Efficient Vehicles
    (Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)
    Approx. 35% of total spaces Approx. 50% of total spaces
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Electric Vehicle Charging Approx. 30% of total spaces Approx. 45% of total spaces
    **DIVISION 5.
  • CALGreen § 3-4 Medium relevance — show source text

    302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

    306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

    CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3

    4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

    CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3

    5.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3 5.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 5.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 5.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 5-23 5.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

    CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

    CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL

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

  • CALGreen § 504.4.8 Medium relevance — show source text

    A5.504.4.8

    Product GWP Limits Table 5.409.3

    Referenced Organizations and Standards Chapter 6 Renewable Energy A5.211

    Site Development 4.106, 5.106, A4,106, A5.106 Bicycle parking and changing rooms 5.106.4, A5.106.4.3, Table A5.106.4.3 Bird friendly building design A5.107 Building orientation Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.106.9 Designated parking for clean air vehicles A5.106.5.1 Exterior wall shading A5.106.7 Grading and paving 4.106.3, 5.106.10 Heat island effect – cool roof Tables A4.106.5(1) – (4), A5.106.11.2, Table

    A5.106.11.2 Heat island effect – hardscape alternatives A5.106.11, A5.106.11.1 Landscape design A4.106.3 Light pollution reduction 5.106.8 Low impact development A5.106.3 Reduce parking capacity A5.106.6 Shade trees 5.106.12, A5.106.11.3 Soil analysis and protection A4.106.2 Storm water management A5.106.2 Water permeable surfaces A4.106.4 Site Preservation A4.104, A5.104 Reduce development footprint and optimize open space A5.104.1 Site Selection A4.103, A5.103 Brownfield, greyfield or infill site development A5.103.2 Community connectivity A4.103.2, A5.103.1

    Voluntary Measures 301.1, 306 Voluntary Tiers 304, 305, 306, A4.601, A5.601

    Water Resistance and Moisture Management 5.407, 5.505, A4.407, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407 Moisture control 4.505, 5.407.2, 5.505, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407.9, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.505.2 Weather protection 5.407.1, A5.407.3

    Water Reuse Systems A4.305 Graywater A4.305.1, A5.304.8 Recycled water for landscape irrigation A4.305.3 Recycled water piping A4.305.2 Water Use, Indoor 4.303, 5.303, A4.303, A5.203

    Appliances A4.303.3, A5.303.3, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.210 Dual plumbing A5.303.5 Fixture flow rates 4.303.1, Table A5.303.2.3.1, 5.303.2.3.1, A4.303 Kitchen faucets and dishwashers

    A4.303.1

    Meters 4.303.2, 5.303.1 Multiple showerheads serving one shower 4.303.1.3.2, 5.303.3.3.2 Nonwater urinals and waterless toilets

Frequently asked questions

What exactly makes a tier “voluntary”?

A tier is voluntary at the State level because the Code publishes the measures as optional appendices; a tier becomes mandatory only if a local jurisdiction adopts it by ordinance. § 304.1.1

If my jurisdiction adopted Tier 1, can they require different Tier 1 items?

Yes — local adoptions can amend or adopt the appendices; jurisdictions should follow the local amendment procedures in § 101.7 and are advised to include factual findings in the adopting ordinance. § 304.1.1; sample adoption language in Appendix A4/A5.

Do voluntary tiers change the State energy standards?

No — mandatory energy efficiency standards continue to be set by the California Energy Commission; some tier energy paths may reference external procedures or higher targets (e.g., Savings By Design for healthcare). § 304.1.1 / § 305.1

Can a building that partially meets the electives claim partial compliance?

Checklists include a “Partial Tier” declaration option, but full Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance requires meeting the stated prerequisites and required number of electives; document what was achieved for reviewer consideration. A5.602 verification format (declaration box).

Who documents and signs off on tier compliance?

The responsible designer/documentation author signs the verification checklist and declaration required by the appendices; compliance documentation becomes part of the project record. A5.602 / A5.601.4

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