CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Verification, Checklists, and Making Voluntary Tiers Mandatory

This hub explains where CALGreen prescribes documentation and verification (Chapter 1–3 and Appendix A5 checklists), how Tier 1/2 are structured, and how local jurisdictions can adopt those voluntary tiers as mandatory measures.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This part of CALGreen covers how green‑building measures are documented, verified at plan and field stages, and how the Appendix voluntary tiers (Tier 1 / Tier 2) are organized and enforced when adopted by a jurisdiction. Construction‑document and installation‑verification requirements — including what must be shown on plans and what documentation the enforcing agency may require — are set out in §102 (see §102.2–§102.3) and establish the baseline for submittals and verification methods .

Voluntary tiers and the code’s intent for local adoption are described in Chapter 3 (see §304 and §305), while Appendix A5 (Divisions A5.6 and A5.602 series) contains the CALGreen verification checklists used for mandatory measures and for Tier 1 and Tier 2 compliance (A5.602, A5.602.1, A5.602.2) and explains application thresholds for using those checklists . Appendix A5 also defines the specific Tier requirements (A5.601) and notes how compliance documentation is made part of the project record (A5.601.4) .

Finally, CALGreen anticipates jurisdictions adopting voluntary measures as mandatory: the voluntary tiers are expressly intended for local adoption and the code includes sample adoption language and guidance for making those appendix provisions enforceable under Section 101.7 and related appendix material .

In this section

Code references

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

CALGreen § 602.1 High 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

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

viii 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

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 High 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 § 301.3 High relevance — show source text

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
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	5.106.1 through 5.106.2
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Short-term bicycle parking (with exception)	5.106.4.1.1
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Long-term bicycle parking	5.106.4.1.2 through 5.106.4.1.2.3
DIVISION 5.1 Planning and Design	Mandatory	Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] with Section 5.106.3.1, 5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1 OR Independently Power Allocation Method: Section 5.106.5.3.6 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6	5.106.5.3.1, 5.106.5.3.2, Table 5.106.5.3.1, 5.106.5.3.2.1, 5.106.5.3.2.2, 5.106.5.3.2.3, 5.106.5.3.2.4, 5.106.5.3.3, 5.106.5.3.4 and 5.106.5.3.5 OR 5.106.5.3.3, 5.106.5.3.4, 5.106.5.3.5, 5.106.5.3.6,

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 § 602.2 Medium relevance — show source text

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 A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL 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.

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 2 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 2 measures have been selected to achieve Tier 2 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
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.

CALGreen § 601.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text
A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:
1. From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for high-efficiency vehicles for a minimum of 35 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.1 w/ footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.2. [1]
d. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 2. From Division A5.2 comply with ONE of the following:
1. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
2. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
3. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
4. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
5. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
6. From Division A5.3,
a. Comply with the 12-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.1. b. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
1. From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
1. From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.

1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.

A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.

CALGreen § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-39

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

APPENDIX A5-40 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A5.6 – VOLUNTARY TIERS

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

CALGreen § 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 A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5.602.1

CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

TIER 1 CHECKLIST

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

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 3-3

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

GREEN BUILDING

SECTION 302—MIXED OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS

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

Exceptions:
1. [HCD] Accessory structures and accessory occupancies serving residential buildings shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
2. [HCD] For the purposes of CALGreen, live/work units, complying with Section 508.5 of the California Building Code, shall not be considered mixed occupancies. Live/work units shall comply with Chapter 4 and Appendix A4, as applicable.
SECTION 303—PHASED PROJECTS

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

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

SECTION 304—VOLUNTARY TIERS

304.1 Purpose. Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building’s impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.

304.1.1 Tiers. The provisions of Divisions A4.6 and A5.6 outline means, in the form of voluntary tiers, for achieving enhanced construction levels by incorporating additional measures for residential and nonresidential new construction. Voluntary tiers may be adopted by local governments and, when adopted, enforced by local enforcing agencies. Buildings complying with tiers specified for each occupancy contain additional prerequisite and elective green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each tier. See Section 101.7 of this code for procedures and requirements related to local amendments, additions or deletions, including changes to energy standards.

[BSC & HCD] Where there are practical difficulties involved in complying with the threshold levels of a tier, the enforcing agency may grant modifications for individual cases. The enforcing agency shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the tier impractical and that modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of the measure. The details of any action granting modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.

SECTION 305 [OSHPD 1]— CALGreen TIER 1 AND CALGreen TIER 2

305.1 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 buildings contain voluntary green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.
CALGreen § 3-4 Medium relevance — show source text
302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

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

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

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

CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3

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

CHAPTER 6 REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

CHAPTER 7 INSTALLER AND SPECIAL

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

CALGreen § 5.508.2 Medium relevance — show source text

000 square feet or more|5.508.2
through
5.508.2.6.3||||| |||END OF MANDATORY PROVISIONS||||||

Documentation Author's / Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement □ Mandatory: I attest that this mandatory provisions checklist is accurate and complete.	Col2
Signature:	Signature:
Company:	Date:
Address:	License:
City/State/Zip:	Phone:

2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-47

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

APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5.602.1

CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES

TIER 1 CHECKLIST

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
~~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 § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text

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.

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 A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5.602

CALGreen VERIFICATION GUIDELINES MANDATORY MEASURES CHECKLIST

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
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.

Frequently asked questions

How are the CALGreen checklists used during permitting?

For qualifying projects, enforcing agencies use the CALGreen Mandatory Measures checklist (A5.602) and the Tier 1 / Tier 2 checklists (A5.602.1 / A5.602.2) to confirm selected measures, prerequisites and electives. The checklists specify application thresholds (for example new construction, additions ≥1,000 sq ft, or alterations with valuation ≥ $200,000) and require plan‑sheet, spec or attachment references for each checked item .

Can a city or county make Tier 1 or Tier 2 mandatory?

Yes. The Code contemplates local adoption of the appendix voluntary tiers as mandatory measures; jurisdictions may adopt the tier provisions by ordinance under the local amendment process referenced in §304.1 and Section 101.7. The code even provides sample adoption/resolution language in the appendices to assist jurisdictions considering making tiers mandatory .

What documentation is typically submitted for verification?

Typical submittals include the completed mandatory/tier checklists, construction documents showing location/nature/scope of green features (§102.2–§102.3), and commissioning documentation such as the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), executed installation checklists, Functional Performance Test (FPT) forms and commissioning reports; these items are described in the compliance forms and commissioning guidance in Chapter 8 and the compliance‑forms appendix .

Ask about the CALGreen

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CALGreen

Overview & Scope of Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2

CALGreen Tier 1 — Nonresidential Requirements (performance & prescriptive)

CALGreen Tier 2 — Nonresidential Requirements (higher thresholds)

Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Verification, Checklists, and Making Voluntary Tiers Mandatory

Overview

In this section

Code references

A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

Frequently asked questions

More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Ask about the CALGreen

Related in the CALGreen