Article Number: 6715
CALGreen and the future of building rating systems
By Amber Keenoy, LEED AP, Principal, Star Estimation and Consulting Services
When CALGreen, became a mandatory building code Jan. 1, many architects and designers heralded the first statewide green building code in the country that seeks to establish minimum green building standards. Many local jurisdictions have previously adopted versions of their own green building codes, but CALGreen is unique in its approach and statewide mandatory adoption aspects.
The purpose of CALGreen is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote environmental responsibility, and reduce energy and water consumption. It was modeled after the International Green Construction Code.
But as the requirements of CALGreen take effect this year, many wonder how the new code compares with other established green building standards.
There are approximately 7,500 LEEDcertified buildings in the United States, of which 1,040 are in California, or 15% of all LEED-certified buildings nationwide. So with California enacting a statewide mandatory code specifically for green building, this begs the question, “Will other states also commit to a statewide green building code?” If so, will voluntary green building rating systems go by the wayside as things of the past? Or will rating systems such as LEED have staying power?
CALGreen varies from LEED in the fact it is a mandatory code and does not require third-party verification other than the checks and balances built into the building permitting and inspection processes. LEED, Build it Green and the majority of other voluntary green building systems require third-party verification. CALGreen is less rigid than the LEED rating system, although many CALGreen mandatory measures are close to LEED credits and prerequisites. A small sampling of the similarities:
CALGreen requires a reduction of 20% for indoor water use and wastewater reduction. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Water Efficiency credit Prerequisite 1 requires 20% reduction of indoor water use and WE credit 2 requires the reduction of wastewater by 50%.
CALGreen requires a 50% reduction of construction and demolition waste going to landfill. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Materials and Resources credit 2 requires either 50% or 75% reduction of construction and demolition waste to landfill.
CALGreen requires the use of low-emitting construction and finish materials. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Indoor Environmental Quality credits 4.1 through to 4.6 requires the use of low-emitting construction and finish materials.
CALGreen requires covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Indoor Environmental Quality credit 3.1 requires covering of duct openings, protection of mechanical equipment and protection of absorptive materials from moisture damage.
CALGreen requires reduction of 15% in energy usage when compared to the state’s mandatory energy efficiency standards. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Energy and Atmosphere credit 1 requires optimization of energy performance ranging from 8% to 48% energy reduction.
At a minimum, all new non-residential buildings and residential buildings up to three stories must comply with mandatory CALGreen requirements. Local jurisdictions can enact more stringent requirements if they so choose.
CALGreen should not be confused with a rating system such as LEED. CALGreen is meant to ensure reduction of greenhouse gases and environmental stewardship and should be viewed as a basic set of rules to ensure a minimum standard of environmental responsibility.
California carpet mills, such as Bentley Prince Street, have come out in support of CalGreen but believe it is just a first step. “Bentley Prince Street supports CALGreen because it further institutionalizes best practices in the green building industry,” said Kim Matsoukas, director of sustainability, Bentley Prince Street. “However, we hope that the building industry continues to go above and beyond what is required in CALGreen and push the envelope to further reduce the environmental footprint of our buildings.”
The lingering question is whether CALGreen or a nationwide mandatory green building code will overtake LEED and become the new green building system. The answer is if all states adopted CALGreen or versions of CALGreen, there would still be a need for a more stringent green building rating system.
Many responsible parties involved with the construction process — the building owner, architect, key stakeholders or general public — strive for a way to differentiate their building. Other than the obvious aspects such as the design of the building and function in general terms, people everywhere are more engaged in the environment and more aware of issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, green building and environmental practices. Thus, even with mandatory green building codes such as CALGreen, many people will still desire the differentiation of a higher standard green building such as a LEED Platinum building would provide. CALGreen is meant only to serve as a minimum building code ensuring minimum environmental standards. LEED and other rating systems ensure the highest standards of environmental stewardship are adhered to.
The current CALGreen code is similar to a LEED certified level. Even if all voluntary measures of CALGreen are adopted as mandatory as per the expectation by 2013, it would be similar to requiring a higher LEED Silver level. The largest flaw within CALGreen is it does not apply to all building occupancies (such as additions, alterations or repairs) and as such essentially pertains to new construction. LEED, on the other hand, offers rating systems for all building occupancies and scenarios.
There is a possibility that many years down the road there will be a nationwide mandatory green building code which is more rigid than LEED and other rating systems and covers all building occupancies and types. When or if this ever happens, then rating systems such as LEED will most likely lose their industry clout and eventually become a thing of the past. However, the amount of time and effort it would take for a nationwide mandatory green building code would be quite an undertaking. Thus, for the foreseeable future it is anticipated that LEED and other green building rating systems will remain viable and desirable.
Amber Keenoy, Director of Sustainable Practices for a New Foundation, A nonprofit dedicated to zero landfill use and social responsibility, is Principal of Star Estimation and Consulting Services with 15 years of experience in program management, quantity surveying, sustainability consulting, project management and engineering. She is a LEED accredited professional, founding member of the USGBC California Central Coast Chapter and is actively involved with USGBC National.
When CALGreen, became a mandatory building code Jan. 1, many architects and designers heralded the first statewide green building code in the country that seeks to establish minimum green building standards. Many local jurisdictions have previously adopted versions of their own green building codes, but CALGreen is unique in its approach and statewide mandatory adoption aspects.
The purpose of CALGreen is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote environmental responsibility, and reduce energy and water consumption. It was modeled after the International Green Construction Code.
But as the requirements of CALGreen take effect this year, many wonder how the new code compares with other established green building standards.
There are approximately 7,500 LEEDcertified buildings in the United States, of which 1,040 are in California, or 15% of all LEED-certified buildings nationwide. So with California enacting a statewide mandatory code specifically for green building, this begs the question, “Will other states also commit to a statewide green building code?” If so, will voluntary green building rating systems go by the wayside as things of the past? Or will rating systems such as LEED have staying power?
CALGreen varies from LEED in the fact it is a mandatory code and does not require third-party verification other than the checks and balances built into the building permitting and inspection processes. LEED, Build it Green and the majority of other voluntary green building systems require third-party verification. CALGreen is less rigid than the LEED rating system, although many CALGreen mandatory measures are close to LEED credits and prerequisites. A small sampling of the similarities:
CALGreen requires a reduction of 20% for indoor water use and wastewater reduction. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Water Efficiency credit Prerequisite 1 requires 20% reduction of indoor water use and WE credit 2 requires the reduction of wastewater by 50%.
CALGreen requires a 50% reduction of construction and demolition waste going to landfill. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Materials and Resources credit 2 requires either 50% or 75% reduction of construction and demolition waste to landfill.
CALGreen requires the use of low-emitting construction and finish materials. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Indoor Environmental Quality credits 4.1 through to 4.6 requires the use of low-emitting construction and finish materials.
CALGreen requires covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Indoor Environmental Quality credit 3.1 requires covering of duct openings, protection of mechanical equipment and protection of absorptive materials from moisture damage.
CALGreen requires reduction of 15% in energy usage when compared to the state’s mandatory energy efficiency standards. LEED BD&C version 3.0, Energy and Atmosphere credit 1 requires optimization of energy performance ranging from 8% to 48% energy reduction.
At a minimum, all new non-residential buildings and residential buildings up to three stories must comply with mandatory CALGreen requirements. Local jurisdictions can enact more stringent requirements if they so choose.
CALGreen should not be confused with a rating system such as LEED. CALGreen is meant to ensure reduction of greenhouse gases and environmental stewardship and should be viewed as a basic set of rules to ensure a minimum standard of environmental responsibility.
California carpet mills, such as Bentley Prince Street, have come out in support of CalGreen but believe it is just a first step. “Bentley Prince Street supports CALGreen because it further institutionalizes best practices in the green building industry,” said Kim Matsoukas, director of sustainability, Bentley Prince Street. “However, we hope that the building industry continues to go above and beyond what is required in CALGreen and push the envelope to further reduce the environmental footprint of our buildings.”
The lingering question is whether CALGreen or a nationwide mandatory green building code will overtake LEED and become the new green building system. The answer is if all states adopted CALGreen or versions of CALGreen, there would still be a need for a more stringent green building rating system.
Many responsible parties involved with the construction process — the building owner, architect, key stakeholders or general public — strive for a way to differentiate their building. Other than the obvious aspects such as the design of the building and function in general terms, people everywhere are more engaged in the environment and more aware of issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, green building and environmental practices. Thus, even with mandatory green building codes such as CALGreen, many people will still desire the differentiation of a higher standard green building such as a LEED Platinum building would provide. CALGreen is meant only to serve as a minimum building code ensuring minimum environmental standards. LEED and other rating systems ensure the highest standards of environmental stewardship are adhered to.
The current CALGreen code is similar to a LEED certified level. Even if all voluntary measures of CALGreen are adopted as mandatory as per the expectation by 2013, it would be similar to requiring a higher LEED Silver level. The largest flaw within CALGreen is it does not apply to all building occupancies (such as additions, alterations or repairs) and as such essentially pertains to new construction. LEED, on the other hand, offers rating systems for all building occupancies and scenarios.
There is a possibility that many years down the road there will be a nationwide mandatory green building code which is more rigid than LEED and other rating systems and covers all building occupancies and types. When or if this ever happens, then rating systems such as LEED will most likely lose their industry clout and eventually become a thing of the past. However, the amount of time and effort it would take for a nationwide mandatory green building code would be quite an undertaking. Thus, for the foreseeable future it is anticipated that LEED and other green building rating systems will remain viable and desirable.
Amber Keenoy, Director of Sustainable Practices for a New Foundation, A nonprofit dedicated to zero landfill use and social responsibility, is Principal of Star Estimation and Consulting Services with 15 years of experience in program management, quantity surveying, sustainability consulting, project management and engineering. She is a LEED accredited professional, founding member of the USGBC California Central Coast Chapter and is actively involved with USGBC National.
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