CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Which voluntary measures are required for Tier 1 (summary by division)?

To qualify for CALGreen Tier 1 a nonresidential project must first meet all Chapter 5 mandatory measures and then follow the Tier 1 prerequisites listed in **§ A5.601.2.4** — notably **35% designated high‑efficiency vehicle parking**, EV provisions, cool roofs, a **12% indoor potable water reduction**, material recycled‑content and **65% C&D waste diversion**, and environmental‑quality limits (90% resilient flooring and low‑emitting insulation), plus required electives; use the Tier 1 checklist to document compliance.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

To achieve CALGreen Tier 1, a project must meet all mandatory Chapter 5 measures and also comply with the specific Tier 1 voluntary measures listed in § A5.601.2.4. Those Tier 1 prerequisites draw from Divisions A5.1 through A5.5 and require a mix of prescribed minimums (for example, 35% designated parking for high‑efficiency vehicles) plus one or more elective measures from each division as specified in § A5.601.2.4 .

The single most important rule: meet Chapter 5 mandatory measures first, then comply with the specific Tier 1 voluntary prerequisites listed in § A5.601.2.4 to qualify for CALGreen Tier 1.

Requirements in detail

Summary table — decision‑relevant dimensions and code references

Division (Appendix A5) Tier 1 required measure(s) – what you must do Key threshold / value (decision‑relevant) Code Reference
A5.1 — Planning & Design Provide designated parking for high‑efficiency vehicles; provide EV charging provisions; meet cool‑roof performance; select one elective from A5.1 Designated parking = 35% of parking capacity; EV provisions per Table A5.106.5.3.1; cool roof emittance/reflectance/SRI per table § A5.601.2.4 and § A5.106.5.1
A5.2 — Energy Efficiency Comply with one of the listed energy items (outdoor lighting OR restaurant service water heating OR dock seals OR daylight power adjustments OR exhaust air heat recovery) Select 1 of items A5.203.1.1.1–.1.5 as applicable § A5.601.2.4 (references A5.2 items)
A5.3 — Water Efficiency & Conservation Achieve the 12% reduction in indoor potable water use; plus one elective from A5.3 12% reduction in indoor potable water use per A5.303.2.3.1 § A5.601.2.4 and § A5.303.2.3.1
A5.4 — Material Conservation & Resource Efficiency Meet minimum recycled content OR use listed products; reduce construction & demolition waste; plus one elective Recycled content 10% (or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for ≥75% by cost); 65% C&D waste diversion § A5.601.2.4, § A5.405.4, § A5.408.3.1
A5.5 — Environmental Quality Meet resilient flooring and thermal‑insulation low‑emitting/no added formaldehyde requirements; one elective from A5.5 Resilient flooring = 90% of resilient flooring; thermal insulation meets 2009 CHPS low‑emitting list (no added formaldehyde) § A5.601.2.4, § A5.504.4.7, § A5.504.4.8

Notes on the table:

  • The list of Tier 1 prerequisites is established in § A5.601.2.4 (see the numbered list of required items for Tier 1) and then points to the specific sections for the technical thresholds.
  • Where § A5.601.2.4 references a technical requirement (e.g., potable water reduction, recycled content, resilient flooring), the controlling technical section (e.g., § A5.303.2.3.1, § A5.405.4, § A5.504.4.7) provides the substantive metric to meet.

Division A5.1 — Planning & Design (Tier 1 specifics)

  • You must provide designated parking for high‑efficiency vehicles equal to 35% of parking capacity per § A5.106.5.1, and provide EV charging infrastructure per the referenced EV table and footnotes; cool roof performance must meet the thermal emittance/solar reflectance/SRI values in § A5.106.11.2 and its table. These are required Tier 1 items listed in § A5.601.2.4.

Division A5.2 — Energy Efficiency (Tier 1 specifics)

  • Select and comply with one of the listed energy measures: outdoor lighting controls, restaurant service water heating, warehouse dock seals, daylight design power adjustments, or exhaust‑air heat recovery — as set out by the A5.2 references in § A5.601.2.4.

Division A5.3 — Water Efficiency (Tier 1 specifics)

  • Achieve a 12% reduction in indoor potable water use per § A5.303.2.3.1 (this requirement is called out as a Tier 1 prerequisite in § A5.601.2.4). You must also select one elective from A5.3.

Division A5.4 — Materials (Tier 1 specifics)

  • Tier 1 requires meeting the recycled content threshold or product substitution option and achieving 65% construction & demolition waste diversion per § A5.405.4 and § A5.408.3.1, as referenced by § A5.601.2.4. Also select one elective from A5.4.

Division A5.5 — Environmental Quality (Tier 1 specifics)

  • For Tier 1, comply with resilient flooring for 90% of resilient flooring areas (§ A5.504.4.7) and thermal insulation low‑emitting/no added formaldehyde requirements (§ A5.504.4.8), plus one elective from A5.5; these are enumerated in § A5.601.2.4.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Tier measures are voluntary statewide; they only apply if the local jurisdiction has adopted Tier 1 (see Section 101.7 administrative/local adoption rules). The Appendix measures themselves are not mandatory unless adopted by the local enforcing agency. The Tier framework and exception rules are explained in § A5.601.1 and Sections 304–306.
  • Where a specific Tier 1 item points to a technical section (for example, A5.303.2.3.1 for water), site‑ or project‑specific compliance paths or local modifications may be available through the enforcing agency’s modification process described elsewhere in the code (see the Voluntary Tiers and modifications text).
  • The Tier 1 list requires selecting some elective measures in addition to prerequisites. If an elective is infeasible for a particular project, document the reason; local agencies may provide relief or modifications on a case‑by‑case basis.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Tier 1 is automatically mandatory. It is voluntary unless adopted locally; projects must still meet Chapter 5 mandatory measures first. Do not skip mandatory Chapter 5 compliance.
  • Counting only prerequisites and forgetting the required number of electives. § A5.601.2.4 requires specific prerequisites plus one or more electives from listed divisions — use the Tier 1 checklist (A5.602.1) to confirm totals.
  • Misapplying the percentages: e.g., using Tier 2 percentages (50% parking, different recycled‑content or waste diversion thresholds) for Tier 1 projects. Verify the Tier 1 numeric thresholds in § A5.601.2.4 and the referenced technical sections.
  • Forgetting to document compliance. The code requires that Tier selection and documentation be included in the project record per the compliance instructions (see A5.601.4 and the verification checklists).

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: New office building with 200 parking spaces and an indoor potable water baseline estimate of 100,000 gallons/year.

  • Parking: 35% of 200 = 70 designated high‑efficiency vehicle parking spaces required under § A5.106.5.1 as called out in § A5.601.2.4. Provide 70 labeled spaces and meet any EV charging table requirements referenced for Tier 1.
  • Water: Achieve 12% reduction in indoor potable water use per § A5.303.2.3.1. From the 100,000 gal/year baseline, required use = 100,000 × (1 − 0.12) = 88,000 gallons/year. Document the strategies (e.g., high‑efficiency fixtures, metering) on the Tier 1 checklist.
  • Materials & waste: Provide documentation showing 10% recycled content (or compliant product substitutions) and 65% diversion of C&D waste per § A5.405.4 and § A5.408.3.1 as cited by § A5.601.2.4. Include invoices/product data and C&D diversion reports in the project record.
  • Environmental quality: Specify resilient flooring so that 90% of resilient flooring installed meets the listed requirement in § A5.504.4.7, and specify thermal insulation compliant with the 2009 CHPS low‑emitting list / no added formaldehyde per § A5.504.4.8.

Use the Tier 1 verification checklist (A5.602.1) to mark each prerequisite and elective and to assemble documentation for plan review and recordkeeping.

Related provisions

  • § A5.601.2.4 — Tier 1 voluntary measures (source list of prerequisites).
  • § A5.106.5.1 — Designated parking for high‑efficiency vehicles (35% for Tier 1).
  • § A5.303.2.3.1 — Indoor potable water reduction (12% requirement referenced for Tier 1).
  • § A5.405.4 — Recycled content / product substitution options for Tier 1.
  • § A5.408.3.1 — Construction and demolition waste diversion requirements (65% for Tier 1).
  • § A5.504.4.7 — Resilient flooring systems requirements (90% for Tier 1).
  • § A5.504.4.8 — Thermal insulation low‑emitting / no added formaldehyde requirements (Tier 1).
  • Tier verification & checklists: A5.602.1 Tier 1 Checklist (use for documentation and count of electives/prereqs).

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 A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. From Division A5.3,

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

    1. From Division A5.4,
  • CALGreen § 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.

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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 § 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.

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    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    1. From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least three elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
    2. From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1.
  • CALGreen § 601.5.2 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

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

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

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    DIVISION A4.6 – TIER 1 AND TIER 2

    SECTION A4.602 RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST

  • CALGreen § 5.508.2 High 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:

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL 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
    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
    5.106.2
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    (continued)
    Mandatory Short-term bicycle parking 5.106.4.1.
  • CALGreen § 601.3.4 High relevance — show source text

    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,

    a. Comply with the 20-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.2. b. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.4,

    a. Comply with recycled content of 15 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 A5.405.4.1. b. Comply with the 80-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.5,

    a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 100 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7.1. Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list and no added formaldehyde in Section A5.504.4.8.1.

    c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division. 6. Comply with three additional elective measures 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.

    A5.601.4 Compliance verification. Compliance with Section A5.601.2 or A5.601.3 shall be as required in Chapter 7 of this code. Compliance documentation shall be made part of the project record as required in Section 5.410.2 or 5.410.3.

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

    a. Comply with recycled content of 15 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 A5.405.4.1. b. Comply with the 80-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.5,

    a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 100 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7.1. Exception: Allowance may be permitted in Tier 2 for up to 5-percent specialty purpose flooring. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list and no added formaldehyde in Section A5.504.4.8.1.

    c. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division. 6. Comply with three additional elective measures 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.

    A5.601.4 Compliance verification. Compliance with Section A5.601.2 or A5.601.3 shall be as required in Chapter 7 of this code. Compliance documentation shall be made part of the project record as required in Section 5.410.2 or 5.410.3.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-43

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

    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A5.602

    CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES MANDATORY MEASURES CHECKLIST

    Application: This checklist shall be used for nonresidential projects that meet one of the following: new construction, 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 do not trigger a Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement:

    Y = Yes (section has been selected and/or included)

    N/A = Not Applicable (code section does not apply to the project mainly used for additions and alterations) 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/A O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Mandatory Deconstruction and reuse of existing structures,
    Scope with Exception
    5.105.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Mandatory Reuse of existing building & Verification of compliance with
    note
    5.105.2 and
    5.105.2.1
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Mandatory Storm water pollution prevention for projects that disturb less
    than 1 acre of land
    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

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    viii 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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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 § 405.4 Medium 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 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 § 507.4.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    507.4.1.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Performance method|5.507.4.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Site features|5.507.4.2.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Documentation of compliance|5.507.4.2.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Interior sound transmission (with note)|5.507.4.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Ozone depletion and greenhouse gas reductions|5.508.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)|5.508.1.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Halons|5.508.1.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmental
    Quality|Mandatory|Supermarket refrigerant leak reduction for retail food
    stores 8,000 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

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

    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL 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.

  • CALGreen § 507.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    5**
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Views|A5.507.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Interior office spaces|A5.507.3.1||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Multi-occupant spaces (with exceptions)|A5.507.3.2||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)|A5.508.1.3||||| |(continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality|Select One|Elective|Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)|A5.508.1.4||||| |Additional
    Measures|Additional
    Measures||Select 1 additional measure from any division|Add section #||||| |Total number of Measures required|Total number of Measures required|Total number of Measures required|Total number of Measures required|15||||| |Total number of Measures selected|Total number of Measures selected|Total number of Measures selected|Total number of Measures selected||||||

    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 A5NONRESIDENTIAL 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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single controlling section that lists all Tier 1 prerequisites?

The Tier 1 prerequisites are summarized in § A5.601.2.4, which lists the required items from Divisions A5.1–A5.5 and points to the technical sections for thresholds.

Is Tier 1 mandatory statewide?

No. Appendix A5 voluntary tiers are not mandatory statewide; local jurisdictions decide whether to adopt Tier 1. See the adoption/administration guidance (Section 101.7 and Appendix A5 introductory notes).

How many electives must I choose?

§ A5.601.2.4 requires specified prerequisites plus one or more electives from each division as listed (the exact count and selection are shown in the Tier 1 checklist A5.602.1). Always use that checklist to confirm the required totals.

Where do I put the documentation to show compliance?

Include the compliance documentation in the project record as required per the code’s compliance verification instructions and the Tier 1 checklist (see A5.601.4 and A5.602.1).

If I meet a higher Tier (Tier 2) requirement, is that acceptable for Tier 1?

Yes — meeting Tier 2 prerequisites would exceed Tier 1. But be careful to reference the correct thresholds; Tier 2 has different numeric requirements (e.g., ~50% parking). § A5.601.3 lists Tier 2 prerequisites.

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