Month: April 2024

We answer your top questions

The regulations in the 2022 CALGreen Code Supplement become effective July 1. For many, this is a frightening reality check. We are just months away from major changes to the way municipalities, architects, and construction managers approach the built environment in California. At ID360 we are committed to navigating these changes for and with our clients. This FAQ answers our clients’ top questions regarding the CALGreen Code implementation and its impact.

1. What are the requirements for Embodied Carbon Reduction?

Nonresidential commercial building projects over 100,000 square feet and school building projects over 50,000 square feet will be required to comply with one of three pathways:

    • Building Reuse: Reuse at least 45% of an existing structure and exterior. When reuse is combined with new construction, the total addition area using this pathway is limited to double the area of the existing structure. Section 5.105.2
    • Performance: Complete a whole building lifecycle assessment (WBLCA) demonstrating 10% lower embodied carbon emission than a baseline project design Section 5.409.2
    • Prescriptive: Document environmental product declarations (EPDs) for listed materials (steel, glass, mineral wool, concrete) that are on average lower than a specified threshold of global warming potential. Section 5.409.3*

    To note, on January 1, 2026, the square footage threshold will drop to 50,000 square feet and this measures also apply to school projects over 50,000 sf that fall under the purview of the Division of the State Architect (DSA).

    2. Does CALGreen ban certain materials?

    Although CALGreen makes significant headway in reducing Embodied Carbon, there are no banned materials. 

    3. Where can I find the new code language?

    All the changes are currently on the California Building Standard Commission online here: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Rulemaking/2022-Intervening-Cycle

    Amid California’s evolving building codes, ID360 stand as a beacon of expertise and guidance. Navigating the complexities of the upcoming CALGreen update requires a partner with a deep understanding of sustainable practices and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Connect with us for specific questions and concerns. 

    Menlo Park, CA April 02, 2024. ID360, a leading sustainability consulting company, announced today support for the Solar App Plus program for the City of El Cerrito. 

    The goal of this work is to provide technical support to the City of El Cerrito’s Solar App Plus program implementation. The top priority is to ensure the program will achieve long-term goals and ultimately result in new construction and existing building development achieving energy efficiency

    “Solar App Plus is an innovative and forward-thinking program for cities,” said Melanie Jacobson, Principal and Founder of ID360. “El Cerrito is committed to environmental stewardship and its effort to reduce its carbon footprint. Our work with the city will promote renewable energy adoption and sustainability within the local community of El Cerrito.”

    Solar App Plus is a web-based platform that automates solar permitting for local governments and other authorities having jurisdiction. The Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office funded the initial development and commercialization of the tool in 2019.  Solar App Plus makes rooftop solar adoption easier for local governments to quickly and safely approve standardized rooftop projects.

    For the City of El Cerrito, the adoption of the Solar App Plus Program is a testament to its dedication to fostering a clean and sustainable future for its residents. ID360 will assist city staff in developing and implementing this program to meet the City’s sustainability goals. 

    For more information about Solar App Plus or ID360’s work visit www.id360.green.