California Green Building Code Is Now In Effect-Mandatory in 2010
The California Green Building Code went officially into effect on August 1, 2009. It did so without much fanfare. But, is this the future for Building Code's across the country? The CalGreen Code will be mandatory in 2010, giving developers a one year transition period to ensure compliance.
The code applies to all State-owned buildings, low-rise buildings, schools, historic buildings and hospitals. The highlights of the code require: all energy performance to exceed the 2007 California Energy Code by at least 15%. All equipment and appliances must be EnergyStar rated. All energy systems must be monitored showing hourly, daily, monthly and annual energy consumption and retained for up to 2 years. At least 1 percent of the electric power for the building must be generated on-site by renewable sources. Indoor water consumption must be reduced by 20% and outdoor water use must be reduced by 50% and in some cases potable water must be eliminated completely.
"101.7 City, county, or city and county amendments, additions
or deletions. It is the intent of the California Building
Standards Commission, by adopting this code, to set minimum
Green Building Standards that may, at the discretion of any
local government entity, be applied."
The state green building code must be adopted by a local agency to become effective for private sector buildings. Even so, an agency would need to separately seek CEC approval for adoption of requirements beyond the state energy code.
The energy monitoring provision applies to state buildings.