California green building code: a small step forward

Currently, there is no precedent for a California ‘green’ building standard as compared to a traditional building standard. But the state is on the cusp of adopting a state-wide California Green Building Standards Code (CGBSC), which outline both mandatory and voluntary energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency and air-quality building standards. 

The ground-breaking code, which would apply to all buildings in the state, would serve as new mandatory minimum construction practices. Although the code will improve construction practices, many, including Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), think the green building code could be more stringent.

Defining a common goal
NRDC has been thoroughly engaged in the development of the CGBSC since the first version was adopted in July 2008, and has been instrumental in bringing multiple parties to the table before the second round of revisions, which will become effective in the summer of 2010.

Although the first version of the code was praised on all sides as a step in the right direction, the code did not go far enough. Without a definition of ‘green,’ a common goal, or a mandate for implementation, it was incredibly difficult to reach consensus on the CGBSC. How can a group agree on something when everyone has a different goal? This question drove NRDC to work to bring the right people together, try to reach consensus while navigating the various agendas and to develop something worthy of the hype.

To accomplish this, NRDC approached the development of the CGBSC from two directions. First, the organization sponsored a bill, AB 828, to outline the future development process for the standard. AB 828 would require the agencies charged with developing the code to seek input from a handful of agencies with expertise in the field of green building.

The second approach was an attempt to reach consensus in the regulatory sphere. With constructive support from the Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, which were each tasked with the mission of developing the commercial and residential portions of the code without a mandate defining such a code, NRDC encouraged proactive, collaborative development.