The new California Green Building Code (CALGreen) goes into effect January 1, 2011 and it has a lot people are wondering how this is going to effect the building industry in California. Another big question is now, with this new green code going into effect, do we really need other green building standard, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™)? This presentation that took place last month on “Where Does LEED Fit with the New California Green Building Code?” given by Malcolm Lewis of CTG Energetics for the USGBC-Orange County gives a very good overview of the subject.
LEED vs CALGreen Bottom Line
Direct comparisons between LEED and CALGreen are tough to accomplish in detail. The structures, language and rating levels are very different. In order to achieve LEED certification and CALGreen it will require additional documentation. Here are some of the key points from the presentation:
- Mandatory elements in CALGreen satisfy 10 LEED points according to a CTG Study.
- CALGreen may not satisfy LEED prerequisites.
- Depending on which options you take Tier II in CALGreen may get an additional 25-40 LEED points.
- LEED is a voluntary private green building rating system that is fee based.
- CALGreen is a mandatory code with voluntary components. Extra bureaucratic costs will be a burden passed to local jurisdictions who may pass that on in a processing fee.
Whether you agree with it or not California’s new green building code (CALGreen) is looming on the horizon (going into effect January 1, 2011) and developers, architects, planners, engineers, plan checkers, inspectors, building officials and others involved in designing and approving new construction are scrambling to wrap their arms around the new code and what it means to each tier in the development process. This is the nation’s first mandatory state-wide green building code, intended to encourage more sustainable (more…)
Recent Posts