For more information and to download documents, visit http://www.bsc.ca.gov/Home/CALGreen.aspx.

Is it mandatory?

Yes. The CALGreen code applies to all projects within California, regardless of whether the local jurisdiction has formally adopted it. CALGreen is structured with three levels of standards:

1. Mandatory
2. Tier I – voluntary
3. Tier II – voluntary

Pittsburg requires the minimum, state-mandatory standard, but encourages projects that wish to meet one of the higher standards, or “tiers”. 

How do I comply with CALGreen in my new buildings?

Building Division Staff will help you through the process. There are standard forms to demonstrate compliance with the new measures. Sample compliance forms and worksheets are available within the CALGreen code document available for download from the State: http://www.bsc.ca.gov/home/calgreen.aspx.

How does this relate to the other green building standards, like LEED and GreenPoint Rated?

Third party certifications like LEED and GreenPoint Rated are voluntary, and are used to show that a building has achieved standards above and beyond what is required. They are developed with extensive industry and stakeholder input by membership-based organizations. Achieving third party certification demonstrates leadership in the building field and provides quality assurance for buyers. The organizations that administer third party certifications are also expert resources offering training and professional development. LEED is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, and GreenPoint Rated is administered by Build It Green.

Mandatory CALGreen codes require all new construction to incorporate many green practices, bringing them closer to meeting these standards. With a few additional features, new built-to-code buildings can become eligible for these third party certifications. To see a comparison between CALGreen and LEED or GreenPoint Rated, click here. Third party certifications offer a greater benefit to projects than simply complying with CALGreen. Whereas meeting CALGreen is now standard practice and earns no bragging rights, third party certifications are an effective marketing tool for differentiating a green building from others.

The City supports projects that add value to the Pittsburg community and enhance its property values. It encourages builders to pursue third party programs as part of their design process. To streamline the process, the City will accept verification documents that are completed as part of a third-party program that demonstrates compliance with CALGreen as a substitute for CALGreen-specific documentation.

How does this relate to other City efforts?

The City is actively supporting green building efforts in Pittsburg. The City recently collaborated with several agencies in the county, including the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County to offer subsidized Building Performance Institute training to contractors who work on existing homes. This training aims to prepare local contractors to participate in upcoming incentive programs under the State’s Energy Upgrade California program. Learn more at www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/energyupgrade.

If you are interested in receiving updates on Energy Upgrade California in Contra Costa County, subscribe to the listserv.

The City also collaborated with GreenPlumbers USA to bring a 12-week GreenPlumbers course for no cost to plumbers. Sixteen plumbers have taken the course, and future courses may be offered. Water conservation practices will be a large part of CALGreen. To learn more about GreenPlumbers, visit the City’s water conservation pages or http://www.greenplumbersusa.com/.

More Information

To obtain these codes from the State, visit http://www.bsc.ca.gov/home/calgreen.aspx.
To learn more about Build It Green and GreenPoint Rated, visit http://www.builditgreen.org/greenpoint-rated/.

To learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED, visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19.

For questions regarding Pittsburg’s implementation of CALGreen, contact the City’s Building Division: