Guide to the (Non-Residential) California Green Building Standards Code
This guide was developed and is distributed by the California Building Standards Commission as a means of introducing the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code, which is Part 11 of the California Building Standards Code in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Part 11 is also known as the CALGreen Code. The contents of this guide will provide information as to the application of the California Green Building Standards Code and how to use it. It is critical to understand that this code became throughout California and applies to most all new building design and construction beginning on January 1, 2011.
Even prior to the development of this guide the Commission staff conducted introductory training throughout California in recognition of the critical importance of the new requirements meant to encourage green building design and green construction practices. This guide should be helpful, but it is not a substitute for studying the code itself. An online version of the CALGreen Code is available through the California Building Standards Commission website: http://www.bsc.ca.gov/ . See page 4 of this guide for information on how to purchase the CALGreen Code, other individual parts of Title 24 or the entire twelve-part set. The California Building Standards Commission issues updated editions of this guide. This update includes changes that were made during the 2010 Intervening Code Adoption Cycle to clarify mandatory and voluntary standards in the 2010 CALGreen Code. They go into effect on July 1, 2012. These are highlighted throughout this guide in a buff tone for ready identification. To be certain you have the most recent edition, check the date shown on the cover against the edition date to be shown on the website of the California Building Standards Commission.