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