Greenerade

CALGreen Section: 5.106.10 Grading and Paving.  Construction plans shall indicate how site grading or a drainage system will manage all surface water flows to keep water from entering buildings. Examples of methods to manage surface water include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.   Swales ; 2.   Water collection and disposal systems; 3.   French drains., 4.  Water retention gardens

5.   Other water measures which keep surface water away from buildings and aid in groundwater recharge

 

Intent:

The intent of this code provision is to ensure that newly constructed project sites are planned and developed to keep surface water from entering the building, to extend the longevity of the exterior building walls, to prevent mold and keep moisture from entering the exterior wall and perimeter slabs.

 

Change for 2012: This provision is being modified slightly to emphasize means of compliance. Grading and paving plans, typically required by enforcing agencies, will show how this is to be accomplished, and a list of methods for managing flows, aligned with the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) section, has been added.

 

Existing Law or Regulation:

There is NO current law or regulation for this code provision. However, there are some code sections in the California Building Code (for example Section 1805.3.4 Foundation elevation) that address sloping grades away from buildings but does not address how all surface water flows will be managed on site.

 

Compliance Method:

Show on the construction documents (site plan or grading plan) how site grading and/or a drainage system will manage all surface water flows to keep water from entering the building. This is particularly critical on sloped sites.

 

Suggestion: Show on the grading plan, in addition to draining the water away from the exterior walls, how surface water will be managed on site. Methods include but are not limited to, those now listed in the regulation.

 

Enforcement:

Plan Intake: The reviewer and/or plan checker should review the grading plan and confirm that there are slopes away from the building and adequate measures to manage surface water flows. In addition, the reviewer should ensure that the plans indicate protection from water intrusion for buildings located on sloped sites or having flood plain requirements.

 

On-Site Enforcement: The inspector should review the permit set of plans to verify that all grading and/or drainage systems have been installed as specified on the approved plans and specifications.

CALGreen Section: 5.710.10 Grading and Paving. Construction plans shall indicate how site grading or a drainage system will manage all surface water flows to keep water from entering buildings. Examples of methods to manage surface water include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.     Swales

2.     Water collection and disposal systems

3.     French drains

4.     Water retention gardens

5.     Other water measures which keep surface water away from buildings and aid in groundwater recharge

 

Exception:  Additions and alterations not altering the drainage path.

 

Intent:

The intent of this section, including BMP aligned with HCD, has been included for compliance where grading and paving occur as part of an addition or alteration project altering the drainage

path, protecting those structures from surface water.

 

This provision intends to emphasize means of compliance. Grading and paving plans, typically required by enforcing agencies, will show how this is to be accomplished, and a list of methods for managing flows, aligned with the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) section, has been added.

 

 

Compliance and Enforcement: See § 5.106.10 of this guide

5.303.2 20% reduction in indoor water use. 

Include residential lavatory faucets in table and clarification for showerheads.

CALGreen Section: 5.303.2  20 percent savings. A schedule of plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings that will reduce the overall use of potable water within the building by 20 percent shall be provided. The reduction shall be based on the maximum allowable water use per plumbing fixture and fittings as required by the California Building Standards Code. The 20 percent reduction in potable water use shall be demonstrated by one of the following methods.

1. Prescriptive method. Each plumbing fixture and fitting shall not exceed the maximum flow rate at ≥20 percent reduction as specified in Table 5.303.2.3, or

2. Performance method. A calculation demonstrating a 20% reduction in the building “water use baseline” as established in Table 5.303.2.2 shall be provided.

[Tables 5.303.2.2 and 5.303.2.3 are not shown for clarity, but these footnotes have been added to the tables:

Footnotes for Table 5.303.2.2:

2 Refer to Table A, Chapter 4, California Plumbing Code, for occupant load factors.

(a)  Shower use by occupants depends on the type of use of a building or portion of a building, e.g., total occupant load for a health club, but only a fraction of the occupants in an office building as determined by the anticipated number of users.

(b)  Nonresidential kitchen faucet use is determined by the occupant load of the area served

by the fixture.

 

Footnotes for Table 5.303.2.3:

1 Lavatory Faucets Residential shall not have a flow rate less than 0.8 gpm at 20 psi.

2 Kitchen faucets may temporarily increase flow above the maximum rate, but not above 2.2 gpm @ 60 psi and must default to a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gpm @ 60 psi.

3 Where complying faucets are unavailable, aerators rated at .35 gpm or other means may be

used to achieve reduction.

 

Intent :

The intent of this code provision is to reduce the overall use of potable water within the building by 20 percent. Governor Schwarzenegger issued a proclamation in 2009 making 20 percent water use reduction a statewide goal.

 

Change for 2012: 5.302.2. 20 percent savings, Table 5.303.2.2, and Table 5.303.2.3. CBSC is proposing the modification of these sections and tables in response to comments from CARB and to coordinate language with HCD. Changes include clarifications to prescriptive and performance measures, identification of baseline flow rates in the tables, deletion of the word “Indoor” from the title of Table 5.303.2.2, and correction of the duration of a nonresidential shower in the table.

and

Proposed also are footnotes to Table 5.303.2.2 clarifying number of occupants to be considered shower or kitchen faucet users in commercial applications. Being deleted is footnote 2 to Table 5.303.2.2, which referenced the California Energy Commission Appliance Efficiency Standards in Title 20 as the source of most baseline flow rates, as superfluous, since the baseline flow rates are shown in the tables. Proposed for Table 5.303.2.3 is a new footnote to advise code users of means of compliance for nonresidential faucets, the baseline of which is also the lowest flow rate currently available from manufacturers.

 

Existing Law or Regulation:

AB 715 (Stats 2007, c. 499) modified the Health and Safety Code to allow only high-efficiency toilets and urinals to be sold or installed after January 1, 2014.

 

Compliance Method:

Demonstrate a 20 percent reduction in potable water use by using one of the following methods:

1. Prescriptive Method: Refer to Table 5.303.2.3 and select the plumbing fixtures and fittings with the reduced flow rates.

OR

Performance Method: Refer to Table 5.303.2.2 and provide a calculation demonstrating a 20 percent reduction in the building “water use baseline” as established in the table.

 

Suggestion: For the Prescriptive Method, provide a note on the plans and specify the fixtures and fittings that meet the requirement. For the Performance Method, provide a plumbing calculation on the plans demonstrating an overall 20 percent water use reduction.

 

Sample worksheets are included in Chapter 8 of the code and in Part 4 of this Guide.

 

Enforcement:

Plan Intake: The reviewer and/or plan checker should review the plans and specifications to confirm that either the prescriptive or performance method has been submitted and check for

the 20 percent water reduction compliance. If the performance method is used, review the

water calculations showing the 20 percent reduction.

 

On-Site Enforcement: The inspector should review the permit set of plans to verify that the specified water efficient plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings are installed. If the performance method was used, the inspector will verify that fixtures or systems used to reduce overall water use by 20 percent have been installed. The inspector may review the fixture specifications to verify compliance or accept a self-certification form.

CALGreen Section: 5.407.1 Weather protection. Provide a weather-resistant exterior wall and foundation envelope as required by California Building Code Section 1403.2 (Weather Protection) andCalifornia Energy Code Section 150, (Mandatory Features and Devices), manufacturer’s installation instructions, or local ordinance, whichever is more stringent.

 

Intent:

The intent of this code provision is to provide a weather-resistant exterior wall and foundation envelope as currently required by California Building Codes. This measure is to spotlight those existing code provisions and increase the integrity and longevity of the structure.

 

Existing Law or Regulation:

Currently this code provision is regulated by California Building Code Section 1403.2 (Weather Protection) and California Energy Code Section 150, (Mandatory Features and Devices for low-rise residential) and some local ordinances.

 

Compliance Method:

Design Team: Determine local conditions that may affect the amount of moisture that might penetrate the envelope due to weather, wind-driven rain or exposure to salt spray, etc. For example, the protection measures in Section 150 of the energy code are required for Climate Zones 14 & 16, in the mountains. Design and detail exterior wall systems to reflect local findings, specifying appropriate materials and vapor retardance. Show on the plans and specifications.

 

Suggestion: Pay particular attention to openings and changes of material in detailing exterior wall systems.

Contractor:  Install any exterior wall system in accordance with architectural details and manufacturer’s installation instructions.

 

Suggestion: Systems like exterior insulation and finish systems, if not installed to manufacturer’s installation instructions, have the potential for moisture penetration and condensation that may lead to mold, structural failure, and increased liability.

 

Enforcement:

Plan Intake: The reviewer and/or plan checker should review the construction documents to confirm that the exterior wall and foundation envelope meets the California Building Code Section 1403.2 (Weather Protection) and California Energy Code Section 150, (Mandatory Features and Devices for low-rise residential) and/or local ordinances are being met.

 

On-Site Enforcement: The inspector should review the permit set of plans to verify that the exterior wall and foundation envelope as specified on the approved plans and specifications are installed.

 

SECTION 5.713 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

 

CALGreen Section: 5.713.7.1 Weather protection. Provide a weather-resistant exterior wall and foundation envelope as required by California Building Code Section 1403.2 (Weather Protection) andCalifornia Energy Code Section 150, (Mandatory Features and Devices), manufacturer’s installation instructions, or local ordinance, whichever is more stringent.

 

Intent:

CBSC adopted this section from the new construction section to provide clarity to the code user requiring weather protection to additions and alterations, preventing damage to the structure and mold contamination. The section refers to regulations already in place.

 

 

Compliance and Enforcement: See § 5.407.1 of this guide

CALGreen Section: 5.408. 1 Construction waste management. Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 50 percent of the non-hazardous construction waste in accordance with Section 5.408.1.1, 5.408.1.2 or 5.408.1.3; or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent.

 

5.408.1.1 Construction waste management plan. Where a local jurisdiction does not have a construction and demolition waste management ordinance that is more stringent, submit a construction waste management plan that:

1. Identifies the construction waste materials to be diverted from disposal by efficient usage, recycling, reuse on the project, or salvage for future use or sale.

2. Determines if construction waste materials will be sorted on-site (source-separated) or bulk mixed (single stream).

3. Identifies diversion facilities where construction waste material collected will be taken.

4. Specifies that the amount of construction waste materials diverted shall be calculated by weight or volume, but not by both.

 

5.408.1.2 Waste management company. Utilize a waste management company that can provide verifiable documentation that the percentage of construction waste material diverted from the landfill complies with this section.

 

Note:  The owner or contractor shall make the determination if the construction waste material will be diverted by a waste management company.

 

Exceptions to 5.408.1.1 and 5.408.1.2:

1. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris

2. Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.

3. Demolition waste meeting local ordinance or calculated in consideration of local recycling facilities and markets, where demolition of an existing structure(s) is necessary for the

construction of a new structure.

 

5.408.1.3 Waste stream reduction alternative. The combined weight of new construction disposal that does not exceed 2 lbs/s.f. of building area may be deemed to meet the 50% minimum requirement as approved by the enforcing agency.

 

5.408.1.4 Documentation. Documentation shall be provided to the enforcing agency which demonstrates compliance with Section 5.408.1.1 through 5.408.1.3. The waste management plan shall be updated as necessary and shall be accessible during construction for examination by the enforcing agency.

 

Notes:

 

1. Sample forms found in “A Guide to the California Green Building Standards Code (Nonresidential)” located at: http://www.bsc.ca.gov/CALGreen/default.htm may be used to assist in documenting compliance with the waste management plan.

2. Mixed construction and demolition debris (C&D) processors can be located at the

CaliforniaDepartment of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

 

 

5.408.2 Isolated jobsites. The enforcing agency may make exceptions to the requirements of this section when jobsites are located in areas beyond the haul boundaries of the diversion facility.

 

Intent:

Since construction waste makes up about 27% of the waste stream inCalifornia, this code provision is reducing the amount of construction waste from new construction that would be

sent to the landfills, thereby extending the life of the landfills. Its purpose is also to

encourage material resource efficiency through re-use and recycling of construction waste products.

 

Change for 2012: CBSC is proposing combining three sections into one, 5.408.1 Construction waste management, to provide clarity to the code user. Terms are being

coordinated to mean the same things.  Options for utilization of an approved waste management company and a waste stream reduction alternative for efficient construction methods are added to provide more methods of compliance. Exceptions are broadened to recognize that 50% of demolition waste may not be recyclable locally.

 

Existing Law or Regulation:

AB 939 (Stats. 1989, c. 1095) mandated a 50% diversion of all waste by 2000, but the

CALGreen regulation targets 50% of new construction waste that makes up a smaller percentage of the total waste stream. There are some local jurisdictions that have ordinances in place that have requirements for this provision.

 

Compliance Method:

1.   Determine if a local construction waste management ordinance is in place in your jurisdiction and comply with the more stringent requirement

2.   Determine what local hauling and recycling facilities are available in your area to establish the most economically feasible option for recycle and/or salvage of construction debris. If there is no facilities in your area, use Exception 2 and work with the local enforcing agency to establish an acceptable alternate.

3.   If applicable to the project, e.g., where walls are framed off-site or panelized wall systems are employed that reduce site waste significantly, the waste stream alternative may be appropriate. Document the weight of total waste compared to the building area, which may considered the gross square footage of each floor and the roof as approved by the enforcing agency.

4.   Include for recycling the following materials: carpet, wood, aggregate, paint, shingles, wallboard or any other materials that have recyclable value. For more information on various materials visit the C&D Publications link on the CALRecycle website, the Construction Waste Management (CWM) Worksheet provided in Part 4 of this Guide, or as required by local ordinance.

 

Note: The demolition debris provision may be applicable in the CALGreen code if an EXISTING building is going to be completely torn down and a NEW building built on the same site, where both are considered to be part of the same project. This would be determined on a case by case basis. Local market conditions may determine the level of diversion of demolition debris acceptable to the local enforcing agency.

 

Enforcement:

Plan Intake: The reviewer and/or plan checker should review the plans, specifications and/or forms to confirm that a construction waste management plan has been included with the plan submittal or that and Exception 2 has been approved by the enforcing agency.

 

On-Site Enforcement: The inspector should review the approved construction waste management plan or Exception 2 to verify that the plan is being followed or that an exception is being used. The inspector may ask for haul tags and/or reports from the contractor to verify compliance with the 50 percent waste reduction. Verification by documentation from a waste management company or recycling facility is acceptable.

 

Suggestion: Building departments are strongly urged to work with their jurisdictions’ Recycling Coordinators to determine if local conditions warrant exemptions and to identify appropriate means of alternate compliance.

 

 

CALGreen Section: 5.713.8.1 Construction waste management. For additions and remodels recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 50 percent of the non-hazardous construction waste in accordance with Section 5.713.8.1.1 or 5.713.8.1.2; or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent.

 

[The provision in Division 5.4 for a waste stream alternative is eliminated from this subsection, with the balance of subsections unchanged from those in Division 5.4]

 

Intent:

The intent of this measure is to ensure that construction waste is diverted away from landfills and re-used or recycled at a rate of at least 50% of total construction waster, either in conformance

with local ordinance, a construction Waste Management Plan (WMP) or utilization of a waste management company certifying to a 50% diversion.

 

Change for 2012: CBSC adopted this section and subsections as modified for the new construction division, to provide clarity to the code user. The pounds-per-square-foot alternative is not included here, because more demolition waste is expected with additions or alterations than with new construction; however, there is more potential for reuse of materials. Other than that, this proposal recognizes that waste generated from additions and alterations should be recycled at the same rate as for new construction. The exception for demolition debris is maintained for those circumstances where, due to local facilities and markets, demolition may be recycled at other than a 50% rate.

 

Compliance and Enforcement: See § 5.408.1 and subsections of this guide

CALGreen Section: 5.410.1 Recycling by occupants. Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are identified for the depositing, storage, and collection of non- hazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals.

5.410.1.1 Sample ordinance. Space allocation for recycling areas shall comply with Chapter

18, Part 3, Division 30 of the Public Resources Code. Chapter 18 is known as theCalifornia

Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991 (Act).

Note: A sample ordinance for use by local agencies may be found in Appendix A of the document at the Cal Recycle’s web site.

 

Intent:

The intent of this code provision is to direct attention to existing law to provide areas for recycling by occupants, including collection and loading of recyclable materials.

 

Existing Law or Regulation:

Currently there is a requirement for a model ordinance in Chapter 18, Part 3, Division 30 of the Public Resources Code. Chapter 18 is known as the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991 (Act) that can be used for statewide application.

 

Compliance Method:

1. Determine if a local recycling ordinance is in place in your jurisdiction and comply. If no ordinance; then use the model recycling ordinance.

2. Show on the plans (site and/or floor plans) readily accessible areas and signage for those areas that serve the entire building for recycling of non-hazardous materials by

occupants.

3. In accordance with the model ordinance, recycling areas shall be secure; be protected from the elements, such as rain; and be adequately separated from occupied spaces for protection against impacts such as noise, odor and pests.

4. Where feasible, recycling areas should be located adjacent to solid waste collection areas.

 

Note: A sample ordinance for use by local agencies may be found in Appendix A of the document at the CalRecycle web site.

 

Enforcement:

Plan Intake: The reviewer and/or plan checker should review the plans and confirm that the appropriate recycling areas and signage for those areas have been provided on the plans.

 

On-Site Enforcement: The inspector should review the permit set of plans to verify that the recycling areas and signage for those areas on the plans and specifications are installed

 

 

CALGreen Section: 5.713.10.1 Recycling by occupants. If not provided on the existing site and where site conditions permit, provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are identified for the depositing, storage, and collection of non-hazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals in accordance with one of the following:

1.   For additions or alterations by on owner or a tenant conducted within a 12-month period under single or multiple permits resulting in an increase of 30% or more in floor area

2.   For additions or alterations by an owner or a tenant for which multiple permits are applied within a 12-month period resulting in an increase of 30% or more in floor area

3.   As required by a lawfully enacted local recycling ordinance, if more restrictive.

 

[Balance of subsections are identical to those in Division 5.4]

 

Intent:

CBSC adopted and amended this section from the new construction division to provide clarity to the code user regarding the establishment of recycling areas for occupants, if not provided on

site, in the event of an addition or alteration. It clarifies its application only to certain additions and alterations. This conforms to the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991.

 

 

 

Compliance and Enforcement: See § 5.410.1 & § 5.410.1.1 of this guide