CalGreen 2020 – The Changes
CalGreen 2020 – The Changes
On January 1, 2020 the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code (AKA CalGreen) goes into effect. This article presents all of the 2020 CalGreen changes.
How Did We Get Here?
Development of CalGreen began in 2007 by the California Building Standards Commission. This process resulted in the adoption of the 2008 Green Building Standards Code. The first edition became effective on January 1, 2009.
In keeping with the other state updates, they issued new editions in 2010, 2013, and 2016. The latest edition, the 2019 CalGreen Code, is now available and will become effective on January 1, 2020. The upcoming changes will have a significant impact because they will increase project costs.
New in 2008, the CalGreen Code was slow to be adopted and few jurisdictions were enforcing it as part of the permit submittal.
Subsequently, the 2010 update was the start of state-wide acceptance and enforcement. The new code varied in format and process from the other state code, and this created confusion in the industry.
Following, the 2013 edition added minor changes to the 2010 version. During the intervening three years, the building departments and the construction industry were slowly catching on to the requirements and process required by the regulations.
Finally, current 2016 CalGreen Code made only minor changes to the previous edition. Eventually, local building departments became more familiar with the regulations. At present, many building departments have generated their own compliance checklist. While the variations in checklists from one jurisdiction to the next has caused some confusion, it does indicate progress in acceptance. Meanwhile, enforcement is still lacking in most areas. Few building departments actually follow through on all the required close-out procedures. While some may few this as a positive, the lack of enforcement results in a lack of compliance.
All 2020 CalGreen Code Changes
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You can download a copy of this table here: 2019 CalGreen Code Changes
View the Building Standards Commission information on CalGreen here:
At CalGreen Energy Services we are specialists in CalGreen consulting and permitting. We can educate and guide your team to ensure that the CalGreen process is smooth and transparent. We will work directly with the local code authorities to resolve any issues during the permit and construction process.
While the permit and construction process can be onerous, your CalGreen submittal need not be.
Call us today and let us show you how we can help with your project.
Email: gary@calgreenenergyservices.com
Phone: 707-328-5299
Gary Welch has over 35 years experience in the field of energy analysis and sustainable building design. He is the CEO of CalGreen Energy Services. Gary is an ICC Certified CalGreen Special Inspector / Plans Examiner.
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