The next mid-code cycle update for the California Building Standards Code, or CalGreen, is scheduled for January 2024 with an effective date of July 2024.  As we wait for the changes to be released, we can review what issues arose during the 15-Day Public Comment period. The 15-Day period is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to provide recommendations for the upcoming code cycle. Organizations like the American Institute of Architects and the California Association of Building Officials, who have a pulse on the codes and their projected impacts will typically submit recommendations and questions. The review period is open to the general public. The public comment period closed in June and the comments submitted are available on the CA.gov website. In this blog, we will cover some of the areas in question.  

Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment 

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the best ways for architects and building professionals to understand the environmental impact and energy use associated with all phases of a building’s life cycle including procurement, construction, operation, and deallocation. 

Comments/Suggestions offered regarding LCA:

• Consideration for when building products and systems are selected for building use with the intention of lowering impacts, the energy consumed, and emissions produced during the actual building occupation. 
• Encourage consideration for use phase impacts when making LCA product and building decisions. 

• Cradle-to-Grave vs. Cradle-to-Gate: designers and building owners do not know who will be renting space and for what purpose. This is also a different definition than in state law.
• How can we be more intentional and accurate when certifying that building material information is accurate? How do we know foreign entities are accurate in reporting carbon impact and how does a building official know if the information provided is accurate?

How will field verification work?

Field verification is an integral part of the building code process. Several questions/concerns were raised about the process.

• Is there a consideration to include a field verification attestation to verify that the Responsible Designer visited the construction site and verified the material? 
• Will this responsibility fall on the building inspector?

Other

• Structural safety implications of new technology in the built environment
• Questions regarding a more measured approach for embodied carbon 

The ID360 Team is following these changes closely. These are just a few of the many comments submitted during the public comment period. To read these documents in detail click here. Follow ID360 for the latest in code changes or check out our Intro to the 2002 California Green Building Code course on ID360 Academy. 

ID360 is proud to announce its partnership with the City of Rohnert Park. ID360 was contracted by the City of Rohnert Park to support the City’s sustainability goals including managing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing and promoting electrification and efficiency programs. This collaboration signifies the City’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener, more resilient future.

Recognizing the urgent need to curb carbon emissions and reduce the environmental impact of construction projects, the City of Rohnert Park is undertaking the development of a cutting-edge Energy Reach Code. This code will set ambitious standards for energy performance, encouraging builders and developers to adopt eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices in their projects. By leveraging ID360’s expertise in the energy sector and extensive experience in developing similar codes for forward-thinking communities, Rohnert Park aims to establish a comprehensive Energy Reach Code that will serve as a model for neighboring regions.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the City of Rohnert Park to create an innovative Energy Reach Code,” said Melanie Jacobson, Founder and Principal of ID360. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with the city’s vision to promote sustainability and resilience, ensuring a brighter future for the City of Rohnert Park residents.”

Throughout the policy development process, ID360 will conduct thorough research and analysis, engage in community outreach, and provide a state-wide cost-effectiveness study to ensure the Energy Reach Code’s practicality and efficiency. This inclusive approach will enable the code to address the unique needs and priorities of the community.

To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

ID360 is proud to announce its partnership with the City of Culver City to develop a groundbreaking local Green Building Standard Ordinance, also known as a “REACH Code.” This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

Culver City is dedicated to fostering environmentally responsible practices and mitigating the impact of climate change. With the increasing need for sustainable building practices, the city has recognized the urgency to establish a comprehensive Green Building Standard Ordinance. Developed in conjunction with ID360’s expertise, this code will provide essential guidelines and incentives for developers and builders to create eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and environmentally-conscious structures. The joint efforts of Culver City and ID360 aim to foster innovation, create a greener building industry, and set new benchmarks for sustainable practices.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the City of Culver City to create a pioneering Green Building Standard Ordinance,” said Melanie Jacobson, Principal and Founder of ID360. “This partnership represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing efforts of the City to protect the environment and promote responsible development.”

ID360’s reputation as a leading consulting firm in the green building sector made them an ideal partner for this endeavor. Their extensive experience developing similar codes for progressive municipalities aligns perfectly with Culver City’s vision for a sustainable future. To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

20th, July 2023 – ID360 is proud to announce its partnership with the Town of Los Altos Hills to support the launch of its Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program. Designed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and promote sustainability, this innovative initiative is set to revolutionize the way residents harness solar power for their homes.

The Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program aims to empower Los Altos Hills residents by providing a user-friendly platform that streamlines the process of transitioning to solar energy. Through this program, homeowners can access comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and financial incentives to support the installation of solar panels on their properties.

Key features of the Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program include:

• Seamless Application Process: The program offers an intuitive online application system, allowing residents to easily navigate through the process of applying for solar panel installation permits, incentive programs, and interconnection agreements. The streamlined process ensures efficiency and reduces administrative burdens for homeowners.
• Personalized Solar Assessments: The program provides personalized solar assessments, utilizing advanced technology to analyze a property’s solar potential. Homeowners will receive detailed reports outlining the estimated energy production, cost savings, and environmental benefits associated with installing solar panels on their homes.
• Expert Guidance: Residents can benefit from the expertise of certified solar contractors and energy consultants who will provide professional guidance throughout the entire process, from initial assessment to system installation. This ensures that homeowners have access to accurate information and can make informed decisions about their solar energy investments.
• Financial Incentives: To encourage the widespread adoption of solar energy, the Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program offers attractive financial incentives such as rebates and tax credits. These incentives help reduce the upfront costs associated with solar panel installation, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all residents.
• Community Impact: By participating in the program, Los Altos Hills residents contribute to the city’s sustainability goals and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The increased adoption of solar energy will not only create a cleaner environment but also enhance the overall resilience and energy independence of the community.

ID360, Founder and Principal, Melanie Jacobson expressed her enthusiasm for the Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program, stating, “We are proud to introduce this pioneering program. By leveraging solar energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and create a more sustainable future. We encourage all Los Altos Hills homeowners to take advantage of this initiative and join us as we support the Town of Los Altos Hills commitment to a greener, cleaner community.”

ID360 was contracted by the town to support its sustainability goals and support the town adopting a local energy reach code ordinance in accordance with the requirements of the California Energy Commission (CEC) for existing building remodel and new building constructions. The ID360 team will collaborate with city staff and stakeholder groups in the creation of new green building and energy policies and guidelines that advance the town’s vision to be a leader in sustainable development.

To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

19th of July, 2023, ID360 has been selected to support the City of San Jose’s Building Electrification and Reach Code Analysis. This marks a critical step in the city’s relentless pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2030.

As one of the largest cities in California, San Jose recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and reduce its environmental footprint. By embarking on the Building Electrification and Reach Code Analysis, the city is taking proactive measures to transition away from fossil fuel-dependent infrastructure and embrace cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.  This comprehensive analysis aims to assess and implement sustainable strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.

“This analysis marks a significant milestone for the City of San Jose towards carbon neutrality, said Melanie Jacobson, Founder and Principal of ID360. “The City is committed to harnessing the power of sustainable solutions to combat climate change and protect the well-being of its residents and future generations. Our team is excited to collaborate with the city staff and support the City’s sustainability goals.”

Together with the ID360 team, the City of San Jose will focus on exploring innovative building electrification techniques and reach codes that encourage the use of renewable energy sources. By incentivizing energy-efficient practices, the City of San Jose aims to drastically reduce carbon emissions associated with new and existing buildings. By collaborating with industry experts, environmental organizations, and community stakeholders, the City of San Jose intends to develop effective policies and incentives that encourage sustainable building practices while ensuring affordability and equitable access for all residents.

This ambitious initiative aligns with the City’s Climate Smart San Jose plan, which sets forth a comprehensive roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Through coordinated efforts and continued engagement with the community, the City of San Jose is poised to lead the charge in creating a more sustainable, resilient, and livable city.

ID360 has a long history of supporting California communities with climate action planning and implementation. ID360’s Climate Action Leadership program conducts a comprehensive audit of existing programs, metrics, ordinances, and interdepartmental coordination efforts related to the fulfillment and implementation of sustainability goals. Through this assessment, ID360 can evaluate the city’s current plans and strategize opportunities for improvement. The review concludes with recommendations for a CAP organizational strategy, and a management system designed to respond to new State legislation, changing priorities, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies using an interdepartmental collaboration model.

To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green