CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
What energy-performance thresholds apply to Tier 2?
For Tier 2 under CALGreen you must implement two of the listed energy‑efficiency prerequisite measures (e.g., reduce outdoor lighting to ≤90% of the Part 6 allowance) and meet the Tier 2 energy‑budget target (listed as 90% or 85% of the Part 6 calculated allowance) — confirm which percent and any exceptions from the specific A5 performance text and any local ordinance.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Tier 2 projects must “Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section § A5.203.1.1 and Section § A5.203.1.2.2,” as the Tier 2 energy-performance control in § A5.601.3.3. In plain English: for Tier 2 you must (1) select and meet the required number of the Tier prerequisite efficiency measures and (2) meet the more stringent energy-budget performance targets called out in the performance provisions.
The single most important rule: Tier 2 requires meeting the energy prerequisites in § A5.203.1.1 (pick TWO required efficiency measures) and achieving the Tier 2 energy‑budget target(s) in § A5.203.1.2.2 (more stringent percent-of-Part‑6 allowance).
Requirements in detail
1) Prerequisite measures — how many and when
- Tier 2 requires TWO of the Tier efficiency prerequisites to be implemented for all applicable components of the project; Tier 1 requires ONE. This is established in § A5.203.1.1.
- Buildings that are permitted without lighting or mechanical systems still must comply with § A5.203.1.1, but are not required to comply with the mechanical/lighting performance portion in § A5.203.1.2.
2) Energy‑budget / performance thresholds
- Tier 2 sets a more stringent energy‑budget target relative to the Part 6 calculated allowance; the published guidance shows Tier 2 energy budget targets as 90% or 85% of the Part 6 calculated allowance (two possible targets are listed for Tier 2 in the CALGreen tier table). See § A5.203.1.2.2 for the performance approach cross‑reference included by Tier 2.
3) Specific, decision‑relevant thresholds (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | Tier 2 requirement / value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Number of required Tier energy efficiency prerequisites | Two (2) | § A5.203.1.1 |
| Outdoor lighting power (new installations) | ≤ 90% of Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power (Title 24, Part 6 relation) | § A5.203.1.1.1.1 / § A5.203.1.1 |
| Solar water‑heating (where applicable) | Install system with minimum solar savings fraction 0.15 if applicable | § A5.203.1 (table notes) |
| Energy‑budget performance target | 90% or 85% of Part 6 calculated allowance (Tier 2 table lists these two targets) | § A5.203.1.2.2 (table A5.601 summary) |
| Scope (which buildings) | Nonresidential, high‑rise residential, hotels/motels with lighting and/or mechanical systems; additions and new const. included | § A5.203.1 |
Notes: the table in Appendix A5 that illustrates tier targets summarizes the Tier 2 energy budget as “90% or 85%” of the Part 6 allowance; the controlling language that specifies when to use 90% vs 85% is in the performance text and/or footnotes not fully captured in the excerpted table.
Exceptions & special cases
- Buildings without lighting or mechanical systems: only § A5.203.1.1 applies (prerequisite selection); the mechanical/lighting performance rules in § A5.203.1.2 do not apply.
- Solar water‑heating requirement exceptions: the code includes exceptions (for example, buildings with a natural-gas service water heater at specified high efficiency, or roofs with limited annual solar access). Those exception details are shown in the Appendix notes and must be checked where solar water heating is required.
- Local adoption: Appendix A5 measures are voluntary unless a jurisdiction adopts them by ordinance; when adopted locally they become enforceable and the jurisdiction’s ordinance and any energy‑commission findings govern enforcement. See the scope and filing requirements in § A5.201.1.
Common mistakes
- Assuming “Tier 2 = always 85% of Part 6 allowance.” The Appendix shows two Tier 2 targets (90% or 85%); the applicable target depends on the specific performance path/footnote that applies. Consult the A5 performance language and local adoption details.
- Treating Appendix A5 as automatically mandatory — it is voluntary unless the local jurisdiction adopts it via ordinance (see § A5.201.1).
- Failing to count non‑energy prerequisites: § A5.203.1.1 requires selection and compliance with two of the listed efficiency measures — these can include site/lighting/mechanical items from the subsection. Skipping documentation of which two measures were selected is a common enforcement snag.
- Confusing A6 (health‑facility voluntary performance metrics) with A5 nonresidential tiers; A6 contains its own Tier 2 (e.g., exceed Savings by Design by 15% for some healthcare occupancies) and is separate from Appendix A5 Tier 2. Check the correct appendix for your occupancy.
Worked example
Scenario: a nonresidential building is evaluated under Part 6 and the calculated Part 6 energy allowance (baseline) is 100 energy‑budget units (the code uses Part 6 procedures to compute the baseline).
- Tier 2 energy target: use the Tier 2 percentage from Appendix A5 — 90% (or 85%) of the Part 6 baseline. That means the Tier 2 target is either 90 units (if 90% applies) or 85 units (if 85% applies). The Appendix table lists the Tier 2 targets as 90% or 85% of the Part 6 calculated allowance.
- Prerequisite selection: pick TWO qualifying efficiency measures from § A5.203.1.1 (for example: reduce outdoor lighting to ≤ 90% of allowed outdoor lighting power, and include a qualifying solar water‑heating system with SSF ≥ 0.15 if applicable). Meeting both prerequisites is required in addition to hitting the energy‑budget target.
- Outcome: if after design and modeling the proposed building is predicted at 88 energy‑budget units (i.e., 12% better than the Part 6 allowance), it meets a 90% Tier 2 target but must also have implemented the two prerequisite measures and satisfy any applicable exceptions/documentation.
(Important: the example uses rounded representative units to illustrate the percent calculation; for compliance model the actual Part 6 procedures and local adopted interpretations must be followed.)
Related provisions
- § A5.601.3.3 — Tier 2 callout: “Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.”
- § A5.203.1.1 — Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites: ONE required for Tier 1, TWO required for Tier 2; includes outdoor lighting subclauses.
- § A5.203.1.2.2 — Performance approach (energy‑budget targets) referenced by Tier 2 (see Appendix A5 tables for the percent targets).
- § A5.601.3.4 — Tier 2 voluntary measures list (additional voluntary requirements and electives for Tier 2).
- § A5.201.1 — Scope and the procedure for local jurisdictions to adopt Appendix A5 as mandatory (filing with the Energy Commission).
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
- 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.
- 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:
- From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for fuel efficient vehicles for a minimum of 50 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.2 with footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.3. [1]
d. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.
APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
From Division A5.2 comply with TWO 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,
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 § 1-1 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A6.1-1
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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 § 601.2.4 High relevance — show source text
A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:
- 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,
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.
- From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.
1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.
A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.
A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.
A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.
CALGreen § 305.1.2 High relevance — show source text
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.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX Chapter/Section Division 4.2 † X The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
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CALGreen § 201.1 High relevance — show source text
APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.201—GENERAL
A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required findings of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106, prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modifications along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS
A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
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:
CALGreen § 13256-1 High relevance — show source text
2 COP|ISO-13256-1| |Water source water-to-water
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|68ºF entering water|3.7 COP|ISO-13256-2| |Groundwater source water-to-
water
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|50ºF entering water|3.1 COP|ISO-13256-2| |Ground source brine-to-water
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|32ºF entering water|2.5 COP|ISO-13256-2| |a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|TABLE 110.2-C—AIR-COOLED GAS-ENGINE HEAT PUMPS Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 EQUIPMENT TYPE SIZE CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY OR
RATING CONDITIONEFFICIENCY TEST PROCEDUREa Air-cooled gas-engine heat pump
(cooling mode)All capacities 95°F db outdoor air 0.60 COP ANSI Z21.40.4A Air-cooled gas-engine heat pump
(heating mode)All capacities 47°F db/43°F wb outdoor air 0.72 COP ANSI Z21.40.4A a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 43
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
TABLE 110.2-D—WATER CHILLING PACKAGES—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTSa, b Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 EQUIPMENT TYPE SIZE CATEGORY PATH A
**EFFICIENCYa,CALGreen § 106.9 Medium 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 § 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.)
CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text
)_|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 5.1
Planning and Design|Cool Roof to Reduce
Heat Island Effect|Roof Slope < 2:12 SRI 75
Roof Slope > 2:12 SRI 16|Roof Slope < 2:12 SRI 82
Roof Slope > 2:12 SRI 27| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design||1 additional Elective from Division A5.1|3 additional Electives from Division A5.1| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy Efficiency|Energy Performance2a, 2b|Outdoor lighting power 90%
of Part 6 allowance|Outdoor lighting power 90%
of Part 6 allowance| |||If applicable, solar water-heating system
with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15|If applicable, solar water-heating system
with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15| |||Warehouse door seals|Warehouse door seals| |||Comply with day lighting requirements|Comply with day lighting requirements| |||Exhaust heat recovery|Exhaust heat recovery| |||Energy Budget 95% or 90%
of Part 6 calculated value of allowance|Energy Budget 90% or 85%
of Part 6 calculated value of allowance| |DIVISION 5.3
Water Efficiency
and Conservation|Indoor Water Use|12% Savings|20% Savings| |DIVISION 5.3
Water Efficiency
and Conservation||1 additional Elective from Division A5.3|3 additional Electives from Division A5.3| |DIVISION 5.4
Material Conservation
and Resource Efficiency3|Construction Waste Reduction|At least 65% reduction|At least 80% reduction| |**DIVISION 5.California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) Medium relevance — show source text
IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR**|APPLIANCE INPUT RATING LIMITS IN THOUSANDS OF BTU PER HOUR| |VENT
HEIGHT
H
(feet)|CONNECTOR
RISE
R
(feet)|FAN|FAN|NAT|FAN|FAN|NAT|FAN|FAN|NAT| |VENT
HEIGHT
H
(feet)|CONNECTOR
RISE
R
(feet)|Min|Max|Max|Min|Max|Max|Min|Max|Max| |6|1
2
3|262
271
279|293
331
361|183
219
247|325
334
344|373
422
462|234
281
316|447
458
468|463
524
574|286
344
385| |8|1
2
3|285
293
302|316
353
381|191
228
256|352
360
370|403
450
489|244
292
328|481
492
501|502
560
609|299
355
400| |10|1
2
3|302
311
320|335
369
398|196
235
265|372
381
391|429
473
511|252
302
339|506
517
528|534
589
637|308
368
413| |15|1
2
3|312
321
331|380
411
438|208
248
281|397
407
418|482
522
557|266
317
360|556
568
579|596
646
690|324
387
437| |20|1
2
3|306
317
326|425
453
476|217
259
294|390
400
412|538
574
607|276
331
375|546
558
570|664
709
750|336
403
457| |30|1
2
3|296
307
316|497
521
542|230
274
309|378
389
400|630
662
690|294
349
394|528
541
555|779
819
855|358
425
482| |50|1
2CALGreen § 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
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-41
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether the Appendix A5 Tier 2 rules apply in my jurisdiction?
Local governments adopt Appendix A5 measures by ordinance; Appendix A5 is voluntary until adopted locally. See § A5.201.1.
How many prerequisite measures do I need to comply with for Tier 2?
You must implement two of the Tier efficiency prerequisite measures listed in § A5.203.1.1.
What does “energy budget 90% or 85% of Part 6 allowance” mean?
It means Tier 2 sets a performance target equal to 90% or 85% of the energy use allowed by the Part 6 baseline calculation — the Appendix table lists both values for Tier 2; the specific applicability or footnote determining 90% vs 85% must be checked in the performance text/footnotes.
If my project has no HVAC or lighting systems, do I still need to meet § A5.203.1.2?
No — projects permitted without lighting or mechanical systems comply with § A5.203.1.1 only and are not required to comply with § A5.203.1.2.
Are healthcare Tier 2 requirements the same?
Healthcare voluntary standards in Appendix A6 use a separate performance metric (for some healthcare Tier 2 paths they require exceeding Savings By Design by 15%); do not conflate A6 healthcare metrics with A5 nonresidential tier rules.
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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