CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

What are the practical differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2?

Tier 1 and Tier 2 are voluntary CALGreen tiers that sit above the mandatory Chapter 5 measures: Tier 1 requires a defined set of prerequisites, one energy‑measure path and lower thresholds (for example ≈35% designated parking), while Tier 2 requires stricter energy compliance, more or stronger elective measures and higher thresholds (for example ≈50% designated parking); both require Chapter 7 verification and local adoption makes them enforceable.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

In plain English: Tier 1 and Tier 2 are voluntary CALGreen “reach” levels that require a project to first meet all Chapter 5 mandatory measures and then comply with additional Tier prerequisites and a set of voluntary measures. § A5.601.2 specifies the Tier 1 prerequisites and required energy path; § A5.601.3 specifies the Tier 2 prerequisites, a stricter energy path, and additional voluntary measures; and § A5.601.4 requires that compliance be documented per Chapter 7 and Sections 5.410.2/5.410.3.

The single most important practical rule: a project must meet all Chapter 5 mandatory measures first; Tier 1 then adds a defined set of prerequisites and a smaller number/lesser thresholds of voluntary measures, while Tier 2 raises those thresholds and requires more or stronger voluntary measures (see § A5.601.2, § A5.601.3).

Requirements in detail

How energy performance differs (prerequisite energy paths)

  • Tier 1: must comply with the energy efficiency requirements in § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2.1.
  • Tier 2: must comply with the energy efficiency requirements in § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2.2 (a stricter A5.203.1.2 path).
  • Important operational detail: § A5.203.1.1 defines that to comply for Tier 1 you must select ONE of the listed efficiency measures; to comply for Tier 2 you must select TWO of those measures (so Tier 2 increases the number of efficiency measures required).

Voluntary measures and quantitative thresholds

Below is a decision-focused snapshot comparing the most common, project-impacting thresholds that actually differ between the tiers.

Decision dimension Tier 1 (what you must provide) Tier 2 (what you must provide) Code Reference
Energy path Comply with § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2.1 Comply with § A5.203.1.1 and § A5.203.1.2.2 § A5.601.2.3, § A5.601.3.3
Outdoor/parking — designated parking for high‑efficiency vehicles ≈ 35% of spaces (designated per A5.106.5.1) ≈ 50% of spaces Table A5.601 / § A5.601.2.4 and § A5.601.3.4
EV charging provision (approx. design guidance) ≈ 30% of spaces (per A5.106.5.3.1 guidance table) ≈ 45% of spaces (per A5.106.5.3.2 guidance table) Table A5.601 / § A5.601.2.4 and § A5.601.3.4
Cool roof Required for compliance with both Tier 1 and Tier 2 (meet thermal emittance, reflectance/SRI values in A5.106.11.2) Same requirement — cool roof required; Tier 2 may use it toward energy performance goals § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Indoor potable water reduction 12% reduction (per § A5.303.2.3.1) — Tier 1 lists this as a required choice from A5.3 Tier 2 requires more/stronger selections from Division A5.3 (Tier 2 calls for TWO measures or more from A5.2/A5.3 per its prerequisites) — see Tier text § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Recycled content / C&D waste Tier 1 example: 10% recycled content OR two qualifying products per A5.405.4 (75% by cost) Tier 2 example: 15% recycled content and higher construction & demolition waste diversion (e.g., 80% reduction per A5.408.3.1) plus more elective measures § A5.601.2.4 / § A5.601.3.4
Materials / “Buy Clean” (embodied carbon) Table A5.409.3 lists Tier 1 maximum GWP limits Table A5.409.3 lists lower (stricter) Tier 2 maximum GWP limits for the same products Table A5.409.3 in Division A5.4 (Buy Clean)
Verification/documentation Same process but must follow Tier checklist and Chapter 7 documentation requirements Same — Tier 2 documentation required per checklist and Chapter 7 § A5.601.4 (verification)

Notes on the table: the Appendix A5 tables are drafting aids and the precise elective selections and how many are required are listed step‑by‑step in the Tier checklists (A5.602.1 for Tier 1 and A5.602.2 for Tier 2).

How the “elective” / count system works (prerequisites vs electives)

  • Both tiers require meeting all Chapter 5 mandatory measures first. After that:
    • Tier 1: meet the Tier 1 prerequisites and then select the prescribed number of electives from listed divisions (example: from A5.2 you must pick ONE of certain items). § A5.601.2.1–.4.
    • Tier 2: meet Tier 2 prerequisites and select a larger number of or stricter electives (example: from A5.2 you must pick TWO of certain items). § A5.601.3.1–.4.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Appendix measures are voluntary statewide unless a local jurisdiction adopts them — the Appendix does not become mandatory unless adopted locally (see § A5.601.1 and adoption rules in § 101.7). If your local ordinance adopts a tier, it becomes enforceable locally.
  • The enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases when strict compliance is impractical; the agency must document the finding that a strict application is impractical (see SECTION 304).
  • Some specific exceptions are spelled out in the Division text (for example, Tier 2 allows an up to 5% specialty-purpose flooring exception for resilient flooring, and there are exceptions to solar water‑heating requirements under certain conditions) — consult the specific Division/section text for the exception language.

Common mistakes

  • Treating Tier 1/Tier 2 as statewide mandatory requirements — they are Appendix voluntary tiers unless adopted locally (§ A5.601.1).
  • Counting only prerequisites and forgetting the required number of electives on the Tier checklist — use A5.602.1 (Tier 1 checklist) and A5.602.2 (Tier 2 checklist) to verify selection counts.
  • Assuming Tier 1 and Tier 2 energy requirements are identical — Tier 2 requires the more stringent path in § A5.203.1.2.2 (and often two efficiency measures instead of one). Always reference § A5.203.1.1–.2 for the precise energy choices.
  • Overlooking verification/documentation: both tiers must be documented as part of the permit record and will be checked per Chapter 7 and Section 5.410.2/5.410.3. Omitting that paperwork can cause compliance failure. § A5.601.4.

Worked example — 200‑space office building (concrete, quick math)

Assumptions: new nonresidential project with 200 parking spaces, pursuing a voluntary tier.

  • Parking designations:
    • Tier 1: ≈ 35% designated for fuel‑efficient vehicles = 200 × 0.35 = 70 spaces (per Table A5.601 / § A5.601.2.4). EV charging guidance ≈ 30%60 EV charging‑capable spaces.
    • Tier 2: ≈ 50% designated for fuel‑efficient vehicles = 200 × 0.50 = 100 spaces. EV charging guidance ≈ 45%90 EV charging‑capable spaces.
  • Energy measure choices (based on § A5.203.1.1):
    • Tier 1 must adopt ONE of the listed efficiency measures that applies to the project (e.g., outdoor lighting power reduction).
    • Tier 2 must adopt TWO, so the same project might adopt outdoor lighting reduction plus daylight design power adjustments to meet the Tier 2 prerequisite.
  • Materials/waste example: if the owner opts to meet Division A5.4 requirements:
    • Tier 1 could meet 10% recycled content by cost or use two qualifying recycled products per Table A5.405.4.
    • Tier 2 would instead need 15% recycled content and higher C&D diversion (e.g., 80% per A5.408.3.1) plus additional elective measures.

These are the kinds of discrete, countable decisions (spaces, percent reductions, number of electives) that determine whether the project achieves Tier 1 or Tier 2.

Related provisions (quick navigation)

  • § A5.601.1 — Scope & adoption (Appendix measures are voluntary unless adopted locally).
  • § A5.601.2 — CALGreen Tier 1 (prereqs, energy path, voluntary measures list).
  • § A5.601.3 — CALGreen Tier 2 (prereqs, energy path, voluntary measures list).
  • § A5.601.4 — Compliance verification; documentation per Chapter 7 and Sections 5.410.2/5.410.3.
  • § A5.203.1.1 — Energy efficiency: Tier 1 vs Tier 2 prerequisite measure counts.
  • § A5.106.5.1 — Designated parking for fuel‑efficient vehicles (used by Tier 1 & 2).
  • § A5.106.11.2 — Cool roof requirements (both tiers).
  • § A5.303.2.3.1 — Indoor potable water reduction (12% example used in Tier 1).
  • Table A5.409.3 — Buy Clean product GWP limits (Tier 1 vs Tier 2 values).
  • A5.602.1 / A5.602.2 — Tier 1 and Tier 2 verification checklists (use these to confirm your selections).

Code references

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

  • 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

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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 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 § 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

  • 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.

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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 § 409.4 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

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

    A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

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

    3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    6. From Division A5.3,

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

    1. From Division A5.4,
  • CALGreen § 409.4 Medium 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 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.

  • 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 § 409.3 Medium relevance — show source text

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

    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    TABLE A5.409.3—PRODUCT GWP LIMITS, TIER 1 AND TIER 2 Col2 Col3 Col4
    BUY CLEAN CALIFORNIA
    PRODUCT CATEGORY1
    TIER 1
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE
    GWP VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)
    TIER 2
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE
    GWP VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)
    UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
    Hot-rolled structural steel sections 1.52 1.01 MT CO2e/MT
    Hollow structural sections 2.57 1.71 MT CO2e/MT
    Steel plate 2.24 1.49 MT CO2e/MT
    Concrete reinforcing steel 1.34 0.89 MT CO2e/MT
    Flat glass 2.15 1.43 kg CO2e/MT
    Light-density mineral wool board insulation 5.00 3.33 kg CO2e/1 m2
    Heavy-density mineral wool board insulation 12.24 8.16 kg CO2e/1 m2
    Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3 Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3 Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3 Concrete, Ready-Mixed2, 3
    CONCRETE PRODUCT CATEGORY TIER 1
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
    VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)
    TIER 2
    MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE GWP
    VALUE (unfabricated)
    (GWPallowed)
    UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
    up to 2499 psi
    386 257 kg CO2e/m3
    2500~~-~~3499 psi
    419 279 kg CO2e/m3
    3500~~-~~4499 psi
    485 323 kg CO2e/m3
    4500~~-~~5499 psi
    567 378 kg CO2e/m3
    5500~~-~~6499 psi 601 401 kg CO2e/m3
    6500 psi and greater 685 456 kg CO2e/m3
    Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2 Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2 Concrete, Lightweight Ready-Mixed2 **Concrete,
  • CALGreen § 203.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    ENERGY BUDGET.

    GEOTHERMAL.

    LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).

    PROCESS.

    RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.

    SOLAR ACCESS.

    SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.

    SECTION A5.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

    A5.203.1 Energy efficiency. Nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings that include lighting and/or mechanical systems shall comply with Sections A5.203.1.1 and A5.203.1.2. Newly constructed buildings and additions are included in the scope of these sections. Buildings permitted without lighting or mechanical systems shall comply with Section A5.203.1.1 but are not required to comply with Section A5.203.1.2.

    A5.203.1.1 Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites. To comply with Tier 1, ONE of the following efficiency measures is required for all applicable components of the building project. To comply with Tier 2, TWO of the following efficiency measures are required.

    A5.203.1.1.1 Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting requirements are described below.

    A5.203.1.1.1.1 Newly installed outdoor lighting power shall be no greater than 90 percent of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power, and general hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7(b)1 shall have a color temperature no higher than 3000K. The Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculation is specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7, Requirements for Outdoor Lighting.

    Exception to Section A5.203.1.1.1.1:

    1. The color temperature requirement is not applicable to the applications identified in the exceptions to Section 140.7(a) of Title 24, Part 6, nor to the applications identified as “specific applications” in Section 140.7(b)2 and Table 140.7-B of Title 24, Part 6.

    A5.203.1.1.1.2 Outdoor pole-mounted and arm-mounted luminaires shall be installed with tilting not greater than 10 degrees, or the outdoor luminaires shall be installed with arm-mount or tenon-mount capable of tilting less than or within 10 degrees.

    Exceptions to Section A5.203.1.1.1.2:

    1. Lighting for building facades, public monuments, public art, statues and vertical surfaces of bridges.
    2. Lighting not permitted by a health or life safety statute, ordinance or regulation to be a cutoff luminaire.
    3. Temporary outdoor lighting.
    4. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard.
    5. Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways, and traffic signage lighting, including lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right-of-way. Luminaires that illuminate the public right of way including publicly-maintained or utility-maintained sidewalks and bikeways.
    6. Lighting for sports and athletic fields and children’s playgrounds.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-13

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

    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. Lighting for industrial sites, including but not limited to, rail yards, maritime shipyards and docks, piers and marinas, chemical and petroleum processing plants, and aviation facilities.
  • CALGreen § 103.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    A5.103.2.1 Brownfield redevelopment. Develop a site documented as contaminated by means of an ASTM E1903-11 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment or on a site defined as a brownfield by a local, state or federal government agency. The site must be fully remediated in accordance with EPA regulations to the level required of the anticipated land use.

    SECTION A5.104—SITE PRESERVATION

    A5.104.1 Reduce development footprint and optimize open space. Optimize open space on the project site in accordance with Sections A5.104.1.1, A5.104.1.2 or A5.104.1.3.

    A5.104.1.1 Local zoning requirement in place. Exceed the zoning’s open space requirement for vegetated open space on the site by 25 percent.

    A5.104.1.2 No local zoning requirement in place. Provide vegetated open space area adjacent to the building equal to the building footprint area.

    A5.104.1.3 No open space required in zoning ordinance. Provide vegetated open space equal to 20 percent of the total project site

    area.

    SECTION A5.105—DECONSTRUCTION AND REUSE OF EXISTING STRUCTURES

    A5.105.1 Scope. Projects with the area limits specified shall comply with Section A5.105.2 to achieve Tier 1 or Tier 2 compliance.

    1. Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the combined altered floor area is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section A5.105.2, Section A5.409.2, or Section A5.409.3.
    2. Addition(s) to existing building(s) where the total floor area combined with the existing building(s) is 50,000 square feet or greater shall comply with either Section A5.105.2, Section A5.409.2, or Section A5.409.3. 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 A5.105.2.
    3. Alteration(s) to existing building(s) where the aggregate floor area is less than 50,000 square feet shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2 or Section 5.409.3 for Tier 1 compliance, and either Section A5.105.2.1, Section A5.409.2.1, or A5.409.3 Tier 1 requirements for Tier 2 compliance.
    4. Addition(s) to an existing building where the total floor area combined with the existing building(s) is less than 50,000 square feet shall comply with either Section 5.105.2, Section 5.409.2 or Section 5.409.3 for Tier 1 compliance, and either Section A5.105.2.1, Section A5.409.2.1, or A5.409.3 Tier 1 requirements for Tier 2 compliance. 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.

    A5.105.2 Reuse of existing building. Projects that include the reuse of an existing building shall meet the minimum requirements of Section A5.105.2.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to follow Tier 1 or Tier 2 statewide?

No. Appendix A5 tiers are voluntary statewide unless a local government adopts them into its ordinance. See § A5.601.1 for scope and local adoption rules.

Is the cool‑roof requirement different between tiers?

No — a cool roof is required for compliance with both Tier 1 and Tier 2; the relevant values are in § A5.106.11.2 and cited in each tier’s voluntary measures list.

How many elective measures do I need to pick?

The exact number depends on the Division and the Tier. Use the Tier checklists A5.602.1 (Tier 1) and A5.602.2 (Tier 2) to count prerequisites plus electives for your project.

If I meet Tier 1, am I automatically meeting Tier 2?

No. Tier 2 raises thresholds (percentages, number of required measures, stricter GWP limits) and requires additional or stronger elective compliance beyond Tier 1; consult § A5.601.3.

Where do I submit the documentation to show compliance?

Compliance documentation follows Chapter 7 procedures and must be included in the project record as required in Section 5.410.2 or 5.410.3; see § A5.601.4.

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