Green Construction Codes In California

The California Building Standards Commission has adopted a new building code: the code calls for green construction and sets targets for energy efficiency and other green issues.

The new California building code takes effect in 180 days. However, until 2010, the code will be voluntary. Builders have the choice to follow the code. In 2010, the leaders of the commission say that they expect the provisions to become mandatory. The two years during which the code is voluntary is meant to give builders and local governments time to adapt to the new rules. Builders who have yet to embrace green building will need to research new methods, while local governments will need to adapt their local building codes to meet the statewide standard.

The new code covers a variety of building standards. In addition to energy efficiency targets, it sets mandates for lower levels of water consumption, dual plumbing systems for potable and recyclable water, recycling of construction waste, and environmentally-sensitive construction materials.

California's Building Standards Commission has taken a significant step in a new direction. Their new code is the first statewide green building code in the U.S. It's also a direct result of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's direction to the commission to develop green building standards and his return of a bill last year to the California Assembly that would have revamped building standards without considering green building practices.

Commission Chair Rosario Marin said in a press release: “The commission should be commended for bringing everyone to the table including representatives of the construction and building trades industry, environmental groups and labor organizations, and achieving something no other state has been able to."

Photo — Mischiru