California adopts mandatory green building code

The California Building Standards Commission unanimously adopted yesterday the first-in-the-nation mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) requiring all new buildings in the state to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Taking effect on Jan. 1, 2011, the regulations are designed to achieve major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use.

"With this first-in-the nation mandatory green building standards code, California continues to pave the way in energy efficiency and environmental protection. Today's action lays the foundation for the move to greener buildings constructed with environmentally advanced building practices that decrease waste, reduce energy use and conserve resources," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "The code will help us meet our goals of curbing global warming and achieving 33 percent renewable energy by 2020 and promotes the development of more sustainable communities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in every new home, office building or public structure," according to a Jan. 13 Window & Door article.

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