CalGreen Legislation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CalGreen?
California’s Green Building Standards Code, also known as CalGreen, is the nation’s first mandatory green building code. In essence, it requires many new buildings in the State of California to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. The comprehensive regulations will achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use. The Code has both residential and non-residential components.
Why was it introduced?
CalGreen is a statewide mandate established to reduce construction waste, make buildings more efficient in the use of materials and energy, and reduce environmental impact during and after construction.
According to Governor Schwarzenegger, “The code will help us meet our goals of curbing global warming and achieving 33 percent renewable energy by 2020; and promotes the development of more sustainable communities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in every new home, office building or public structure.”
Where does it take effect?
The residential portion of the code applies to newly constructed, low-rise residential structures, three stories or less. Remodels and existing homes are not required to follow the building code.
CalGreen Residential applies to the following types of low-rise residential structures:
-Hotels, motels, lodging houses
-Apartment houses, condominiums
-One- and two-family dwellings, townhomes, factory-built housing
-Dormitories, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing
-Other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities
-Accessory buildings, facilities and uses related to the above residential uses
The non-residential portion of the code applies to state-owned buildings, state university and community college buildings, public elementary and secondary schools and privately-owned buildings used for retail, office and medical services.
What are the requirements of CalGreen?
CalGreen will require that newly constructed buildings in California included in the code reduce water consumption by 20 percent, divert 50 percent of construction waste from landfills and install low pollutant-emitting materials. It also requires separate water meters for nonresidential buildings’ indoor and outdoor water use. The mandatory code provisions will become the baseline of regulated green construction practices in the country’s most populous state.
When will it be implemented?
The overall legislation takes effect on January 1, 2011.
The Residential plumbing portion of CalGreen takes effect July 1, 2011.
The Non-Residential plumbing portion of CalGreen takes effect January 1, 2011.
What does the water conservation aspect entail?
CalGreen requires a reduction of overall use of potable water within a building by 20 percent. To demonstrate the 20 percent reduction to the building water use baseline,a performance calculation must show a combined reduction for only the lavatory faucets, showerheads, water closets and urinals. The twenty percent reduction calculation is compared to the baseline water use calculation for only those same fixture types. For non-residential only, the performance calculation includes kitchen faucets.
CalGreen only affects the installation of products, however, not the actual sale of “full-flow” products (like AB1953).
Which Moen products help meet the CalGreen legislation?
Residential:
- Lavatory Faucets –Moen’s entire portfolio of lavatory faucets flow at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) and are certified to meet WaterSense® requirements.
- Showering – Moen offers a wide range of showerheads at both a 1.75 gpm and 2.0 gpm flow rate, offering flexibility in meeting the CalGreen requirement.
- Kitchen Faucets – If individuals wish to meet the voluntary Tier 1 requirement, Moen Eco-Performance aerators and Hydrolock® adapters are available for residential kitchen faucets.
Non-residential:
- Showerheads– Moen Commercial has Eco-Performance shower systems available, which currently include a 1.6 gpm showerhead and/or handheld shower. New WaterSense-certified 1.5 gpm models will be introduced early in 2011, which feature a 40 percent reduction in flow rate.
- Water Closets and Urinals –MPower electronic flush valves are preset to flow at rates ranging from 0.125 (pint) to 0.5 gallon per flush (GPF) for urinal valves; and 1.28 gpf for closet valves -- which meets and exceeds the CalGreen requirements. Moen’s Dual Flush models provide a 1.0 gpf for liquid waste and a full 1.6 gpf for solid waste, depending on how long the user remains in the sensor range.
Are there any national implications?
At this time, only the State of California will be affected by CalGreen.
Where can I go for more information?
There are a number of websites which can provide additional information, including:
-The Housing and Community Development (HCD) of California website:
-The California Building Standards Commission’s website:
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About Moen
Moen, the 2010 EPA WaterSense® Manufacturer Partner of the Year, offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed, on-trend kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, bath accessories, showerheads, and stainless steel sinksfor residential and commercial applications.As a WaterSense partner, Moen has aligned its priorities with the goals of the U.S. EPA, working to protect the future of our nation's water supply through the introduction and ongoing support of water-efficient products, programs and practices, while keeping consumers’ needs top-of-mind.
Customers have come to rely on Moen, the #1 faucet brand in North America, to deliver dependable products and service. Moen is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO, aleading consumer brands company.
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