Differences Between the California Green Building Standards Code and Point-Based Systems

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The CALGREEN Code is a moniker to distinguish the California Green Building Standards Code from California’s many other Building Codes. Unlike point-based certification systems that can be purchased, the CALGREEN Code mandates required field inspections using a public, transparent infrastructure that is stringent, successful, and cost-effective.

The California Building Standards Commission is providing the industry a comprehensive blueprint on how to significantly reduce carbon output, maximize resources, and save property owners thousands of dollars in green certification fees.

Comparison of Issues for

Comparison: Development process/Transparency

  • Cal Green 2010: Public, regulatory; the state code regulations have been developed with a high degree of transparency and included California building industry and environmental group input

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Guidelines have been developed by private entities through with membership driven commentary. Does not have ANSI consensus process approval.

Comparison: Participation in development

  • Cal Green 2010: Open public process that included government officials, building industry, environmental leaders and the public.

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Private committee members

Comparison: Collaboration

  • Cal Green 2010: State agencies; local governments: cities, counties and special districts

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Private committee members

Comparison: Enforcement/Verification of Compliance

  • Cal Green 2010: Field inspections required and will be enforced by government agencies to ensure that construction being completed to code.

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Field inspections not required; paper audit used to award points.

Comparison: Post construction certification required and cost of certification[1]

  • Cal Green 2010: Certificate of occupancy; no additional costs

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Yes:  LEED certification costs: as much as $30,000 to $50,000.

Comparison: Local adoption

  • Cal Green 2010: Mandatory, uniform statewide code, local jurisdictions may amend by law for specified reasons

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Regulated by private entities, local adoption varies widely

Comparison: Membership required

  • Cal Green 2010: No

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Yes

Comparison: Units of Measure

  • Cal Green 2010: Standards—the code contains regulations for building green
  • Point Based Systems Rating: Points-based guidelines on graduated implementation of green practices

Comparison: Authority

  • Cal Green 2010: Statutory

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Non-government, private organizations provide guidelines for fees

Comparison: Rationale

  • Cal Green 2010: To promote local jurisdictions’ adoptions of the code to assist the state in meeting its greenhouse gas reduction goals; water and energy conservation and related resource efficiencies.

  • Point Based Systems Rating: To promote green construction practices and local adoption through the purchase of a points based guidelines system

Comparison: Codes/programs needed for housing, commercial, schools, hospitals

  • Cal Green 2010: One code for all occupancy types – residential, commercials, hospitals, schools

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Various point-rated systems; there is a different set of guidelines for each occupancy covered

Comparison: Additional books necessary for compliance

  • Cal Green 2010: None

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Multiple and costs for each varies

Comparison:  Integrated with other California building codes and regulations

  • Cal Green 2010: Yes

  • Point Based Systems Rating: No

Comparison: Format of Instructional Materials

  • Cal Green 2010: The code language and format follow existing state building code; industry and local jurisdictions familiar with this existing infrastructure

  • Point Based Systems Rating: Guideline language that may require builders and businesses to purchase further LEED consultation and materials during construction