New California Green Building Code - Role Model for the Nation?
On August 1, 2009 the California Green Building Code (CalGreen Code) went into effect. This code was adopted by the California Building Standards Commissions last year and is the first of its kind in the nation. The code aims to standardize practices for reducing the immense environmental impact of buildings and building related energy consumption in many ways.
The CalGreen Code requires the energy performance to exceed the 2007 California Energy Code by at least 15%. Equipment and appliances used must be EnergyStar rated. The energy systems that are installed need to be monitored in a way that allows to show hourly, daily, monthly and annual energy consumption and these records must be retained for a period of up to 2 years. In addition, at least 1% of the electric power for the building must be generated through on-site renewable energy sources. The code also addresses the water consumption issues. Outdoor water consumption must be reduced by 50% and indoor consumption must be reduced by 20%. Besides cutting electricity and water consumption, the code requires builders to use less resource -intensive building materials.
The new CalGreen Code applies to State-owned buildings, low-rise buildings, schools, historic buildings and hospitals. The application of the code is voluntary at this point. However, it is part of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's initiative as a step towards more advanced green building standards. The code will become mandatory in 2010.
It remains to be seen whether the California code will have an effect on similar legislation in other states.
