California Adopts Nation's First Mandatory Green Building Standards

On January 12, the state of California adopted the nation’s first mandatory green building standards. Effective January 1, 2011, all new buildings must comply with the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN). The California Air Resources Board estimates that the mandatory provisions will curb greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 3 million metric tons in 2020, helping the state reach its goal of 33 percent GHG reduction this decade.

 

Among other provisions, CALGREEN will require 20 percent mandatory reduction in indoor water use, separate water meters for nonresidential buildings’ indoor and outdoor water use, diversion of 50 percent of construction waste from landfills, mandatory inspections of energy systems for nonresidential buildings over 10,000 square feet, and the use of low-pollutant emitting interior finish materials such as paints, carpet, vinyl flooring and particle board.

 

More Information: CALGREEN Primer | Governor’s Press Release | Myths vs. Facts | CA Building Standards Commission