CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
CALGreen Tier 1 — Nonresidential Requirements (performance & prescriptive)
CALGreen Tier 1 for nonresidential buildings is a voluntary tier that requires Chapter 5 mandatory compliance plus Appendix A5/A6 Tier 1 prerequisites and electives, offering both performance and prescriptive paths.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
CALGreen Tier 1 for nonresidential buildings is the voluntary “green building” tier that sits above the mandatory Chapter 5 requirements and offers two compliance pathways: a performance path and a prescriptive path. Tier 1 projects must meet all Chapter 5 mandatory measures and then satisfy the Tier 1 prerequisites and elective measures in Appendix A5 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) or the voluntary performance standards in Appendix A6, depending on the chosen route. See §305.1.1 for the Tier 1 intent and the requirement to follow the referenced Savings By Design procedures for certain occupancies .
Practically, Tier 1 is implemented through Appendix A5’s Tier structure—A5.601 explains prerequisites and elective packages for Tier 1 and Tier 2, and A5.602 provides the Tier 1 verification checklist and worksheets used for documentation and enforcement (§A5.601.2.1; §A5.602) . For energy, CALGreen’s voluntary performance approach and the prescriptive alternative are found in Appendix A6: the performance path is laid out in §A6.203 (CALGreen Tier 1 performance expectations) and the prescriptive measures (including commissioning and ENERGY STAR equipment) are described in §A6.204 .
Key places to start in the code: Chapter 5 (Nonresidential mandatory measures) for baseline requirements, Appendix A5 (Divisions A5.1–A5.6) for Tier 1 prerequisites/electives and checklists (§A5.601, §A5.602), and Appendix A6 (especially §A6.203 and §A6.204) for the performance vs prescriptive approaches and commissioning guidance .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 409.4 High 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 A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL 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:
- 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:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
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.
- From Division A5.4,
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:
- Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical and passive) and associated controls.
- Lighting and daylighting controls.
- Domestic hot water systems.
- Renewable energy systems (wind, solar, etc.).
- 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:
- Environmental and sustainability goals.
- Energy efficiency goals.
- Indoor environmental quality requirements.
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APPENDIX A6.1 — VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]
- Equipment and systems expectations.
- Building occupant and O&M personnel expectations.
CALGreen § 5.105.2 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Combined addition(s) to existing building(s) of two times the area or more of the existing building(s) is not eligible to meet compliance with Section 5.105.2 or Section A5.105.2.
A5.409.2 Whole building life cycle assessment. Projects shall meet the minimum requirements of Section A5.409.2 for Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance.
A5.409.2.1 Tier 1. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment meeting the requirements of Section 5.409.2 and performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044, excluding operating energy, demonstrating a minimum 15-percent reduction in global warming potential (GWP) as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of all parts of the California Building Standards Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall exclude the reused elements. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
A5.409.2.2 Tier 2. Projects shall conduct a cradle-to-grave whole building life cycle assessment meeting the requirements of Section 5.409.2 and performed in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, excluding operating energy, demonstrating a minimum 20-percent reduction in GWP as compared to a reference baseline building of similar size, function, complexity, type of construction, material specification, and location that meets the requirements of all parts of the California Building Standards Code currently in effect. Software used to conduct the whole building life cycle assessment, including reference baseline building, shall have a data set compliant with ISO 14044, and ISO 21930 or EN 15804, and the software shall conform to ISO 21931 and/or EN 15978. The software tools and data sets shall be the same for evaluation of both the baseline building and the proposed building.
Exception: For projects that include building reuse, the reference baseline building shall not be of new construction and shall retain existing materials. The percent reduction in GWP shall be achieved through the design and construction of new project elements.
A5.409.2.3 Verification of compliance. A summary of the GWP analysis produced by the software and Worksheet WS-7 signed by the design professional of record shall be provided in the construction documents as documentation of compliance. A copy of the whole building life cycle assessment which includes the GWP analysis produced by the software, in addition to maintenance and training information, shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual and shall be provided to the owner at the close of construction. The enforcing agency may require inspection and inspection reports in accordance with Sections 702.2 and 703.1 during and at completion of construction to demonstrate substantial conformance. Inspection shall be performed by the design professional of record or third party acceptable to the enforcing agency.
A5.409.3 Product GWP compliance—prescriptive path. Each product that is permanently installed and listed in Table A5.409.3 shall have a Type III environmental product declaration (EPD), either product-specific or factory-specific.
CALGreen § 106.9 High relevance — show source text
FEATURE OR MEASURE COMPLIANCE LEVELS Col3 Col4 NOTES FEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenVOLUNTARY
CALGreenFEATURE OR MEASURE Mandatory
CALGreenTier 1 Tier 2 Tier 2 DIVISION A6.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION Site Development SECTION 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. DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures A6.203.1 Energy performance. [OSHPD 1]
**A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
“Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent. SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures **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. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
**A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
**A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
**A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.CALGreen § 409.4 High relevance — show source text
Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
3.
Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|1.
Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring.
2.
Solar water-heating system requirement for newly constructed restaurants as per A5.203.1.1.2.
Exceptions:
a. Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
b. Buildings where greater than 75 percent of the total roof area has annual solar access that is less than 70 percent. Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
3.
Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|1.
Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring.
2.
Solar water-heating system requirement for newly constructed restaurants as per A5.203.1.1.2.
Exceptions:
a. Buildings with a natural gas service water heater with a minimum of 95-percent thermal efficiency.
b. Buildings where greater than 75 percent of the total roof area has annual solar access that is less than 70 percent. Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
solar insolation without shade. 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 A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL 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.
CALGreen § 1-1 Medium relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A6.1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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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:
- When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and south.
- 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).
CALGreen § 8-3 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 8 COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND
REFERENCE MATERIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Worksheet (WS-1) Baseline Water Use: Baseline Water Use Calculation Table . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
Worksheet (WS-2) Water Use Reduction: 12-, 20- or 25-Percent Reduction Water Use Calculation Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4
Worksheet (WS-3) 5.105.2 Building Reuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4 Worksheet (WS-4) 5.409.2 Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5 Worksheet (WS-5) 5.409.3 Product GWP Compliance—Prescriptive Path: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5
Worksheet (WS-6) A5.105.2 Building Reuse Tier 1 and Tier 2:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Worksheet (WS-7) A5.409.2 Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Worksheet (WS-8) A5.409.3 Product GWP Compliance—Prescriptive Path:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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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 GOALTIER 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 DesignReuse of existing building See Section A5.105.1 and Section
A5.105.2 requirementsSee Section A5.105.1 and Section
A5.105.2 requirementsDIVISION 5.1
Planning and DesignDesignated 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 DesignElectric Vehicle Charging Approx. 30% of total spaces Approx. 45% of total spaces **DIVISION 5. CALGreen § 203.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[OSHPD 1]**
**A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
“Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.||||| |SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures||||| |**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. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
**A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
**A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
**A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.**A commissioning plan describing how the project will be
commissioned shall be started during the design phase of the building project and shall
include as a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.3.
A6.204.4.4 Functional performance testingshall demonstrate the correct installation and
operation of each component, system and system-to-system interface in accordance with
the approved plans and specifications.
**A6.204.4.5 Post construction documentation and training.**A systems manual and
systems operations training are required.
**A6.204.4.5.1 Systems manual.**The systems manual shall be delivered to the building
owner and facilities operator and shall include the items listed in Section A6.204.4.5.1.
A6.204.4.5.2 Systems operations training. The training of the appropriate maintenance
staff for each equipment type and/or system shall include as a minimum items listed in
Section A6.204.4.5.2.
**A6.204.4.6 Commissioning report.**A complete report of commissioning process activities
undertaken through the design, construction and postconstruction phases of the building
project shall be completed and provided to the owner.||
|
|| |**A6.204.6 Building orientation and shading.CALGreen § 5.508.2 Medium relevance — show source text
000 square feet or more|5.508.2
through
5.508.2.6.3||||| |||END OF MANDATORY PROVISIONS||||||Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement
□ Mandatory: I attest that this mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete.Col2 Signature: Signature: Company: Date: Address: License: City/State/Zip: Phone: 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-47
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A5.602.1
CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES
TIER 1 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 1 voluntary measures.
Note: All applicable mandatory requirements in Chapter 5 shall be met prior to applying Tier 1 voluntary measures.
Instructions:
Comply with all Tier 1 prerequisite measures from the various categories shown on the table below.
Add a “ Y ” to all mandatory and Tier 1 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 1 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 1 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 1 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
DIVISIONSCol2 SECTION TITLE CODE
SECTIONY N O PLAN SHEET,
SPEC OR
ATTACHDIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
Scope with Exception5.105.1 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 land5.106.1 through
5.106.2DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)Mandatory Short-term bicycle parking 5.106.4.1. CALGreen § 5-26 Medium relevance — show source text
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NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
dance with this section by trained personnel with experience on projects of comparable size and complexity. For I-occupancies that are not regulated by OSHPD or for I-occupancies and L-occupancies that are not regulated by the California Energy Code Section 100.0 Scope, all requirements in Sections 5.410.2 through 5.410.2.6 shall apply.
Note: For energy-related systems under the scope (Section 100) of the California Energy Code, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls, indoor lighting systems and controls, as well as water heating systems and controls, refer to California Energy Code Section 120.8 for commissioning requirements.
Commissioning requirements shall include:
- Owner’s or owner representative’s project requirements.
- Basis of design.
- Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents.
- Commissioning plan.
- Functional performance testing.
- Documentation and training.
- Commissioning report.
Exceptions:
Unconditioned warehouses of any size.
Areas less than 10,000 square feet used for offices or other conditioned accessory spaces within unconditioned warehouses.
Tenant improvements less than 10,000 square feet as described in Section 303.1.1.
Open parking garages of any size, or open parking garage areas, of any size, within a structure.
Note: For the purposes of this section, unconditioned shall mean a building, area or room which does not provide heating and/or air conditioning.
Informational Note:
- Functional performance testing for heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and lighting controls must be performed in compliance with the California Energy Code.
5.410.2.1 Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR). [N] The expectations and requirements of the building appropriate to its phase shall be documented before the design phase of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following:
- Environmental and sustainability goals.
- Building sustainable goals.
- Indoor environmental quality requirements.
- Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after hours operation.
- Equipment and systems expectations.
- Building occupant and operation and maintenance (O&M) personnel expectations.
5.410.2.2 Basis of Design (BOD). [N] A written explanation of how the design of the building systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project. The Basis of Design document shall cover the following systems:
Renewable energy systems.
Landscape irrigation systems.
Water reuse systems.
5.410.2.3 Commissioning plan. [N] Prior to permit issuance a commissioning plan shall be completed to document how the project will be commissioned. The commissioning plan shall include the following:
- General project information.
- Commissioning goals.
- Systems to be commissioned. Plans to test systems and components shall include: a. An explanation of the original design intent. b. Equipment and systems to be tested, including the extent of tests.
c. Functions to be tested.
d. Conditions under which the test shall be performed. e. Measurable criteria for acceptable performance. 4. Commissioning team information. 5. Commissioning process activities, schedules and responsibilities. Plans for the completion of commissioning shall be included.
CALGreen § 304.1 Medium 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
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.)
Frequently asked questions
What must a project meet before pursuing Tier 1?
Before adopting Tier 1 measures a project must comply with all mandatory measures in Chapter 5; Tier 1 then requires meeting the Tier 1 prerequisites and selected electives in Appendix A5 (see §A5.601.2.1) .
How do the performance and prescriptive paths differ?
The performance path for Tier 1 uses the Appendix A6 performance criteria (see §A6.203.1.1), which requires modeled energy or other performance targets; the prescriptive path lists specific measures (lighting, commissioning, ENERGY STAR appliances, etc.) in §A6.204 that can be followed instead .
How is Tier 1 compliance documented and verified?
Compliance uses the Tier 1 checklist and worksheets in Appendix A5 (A5.602 and supporting worksheets in Chapter 8) and the enforcing agency verifies documentation per the procedures in A5.602 and Chapter 7 guidance .
More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
- Administration (Chapter 1)
- Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
- Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
- Definitions (Chapter 2)
- Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
- Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
- Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
- Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
- Compliance verification, construction documents & checklists (Section 102, Chapter 7, Appendix checklists)
- Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)
- Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
- Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications (Chapter 7)
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Overview & Scope of Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2
CALGreen Tier 2 — Nonresidential Requirements (higher thresholds)
Verification, Checklists, and Making Voluntary Tiers Mandatory
Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)