This document summarizes information on green building codes, programs, rating systems, and concepts in California. It discusses California's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and require zero net energy homes by 2020-2030. It also describes several green building rating systems, including LEED, Green Point Rated, One Planet Communities, and the 2030 Challenge. The document emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic, lifecycle approach to green building that considers impacts beyond code minimums, such as embodied energy, pollution, and effects on future generations.

1. GREEN BUILDING CODES, PROGRAMS & RATING SYSTEMS

2. California Climate Policy AB32 “California Global Warming Solutions Act” Reduce CA Greenhouse Gas Emissions to 1990 Levels by 2020 CEC, CPUC to require (Title 24): All new residential construction zero net energy by 2020 All new commercial construction zero net energy by 2030

3. Many Green Building Rating Systems Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

4. Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009 Credit: SERA Architects, Portland, Oregon

5. Lifecycle of Buildings - Think in Terms of Flow Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009 Materials Energy Water Money Air Site Waste Heat & Light Waste Water Wasted Money Material Waste Pollution

6. Big Problems Hidden in Plain View Looking at buildings through codes has been like looking through a microscope, with individual building-related risks filling the field of view. Beyond this limited scope of concern are much greater generalized risks for everyone and future generations that can't be seen through that lens. Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

7. Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2008 Risk - The Bigger Picture… Risk - Through the Microscope of Codes… Risks to Future Generations Climate Impact Resource Depletion Fire Safety Structural Integrity Means of Egress Light Ventilation Heat Water & Wastewater Electrical & Gas Energy Efficiency Fire Safety Structural Integrity Means of Egress Light Ventilation Heat Water & Wastewater Electrical & Gas Energy Efficiency Dependence on Non-Renewable Energy Embodied Energy Pollution Loss of Habitat Loss of Biodiversity Toxicity of Materials Nutrification of Water Loss of Agricultural Land Increased Transportation Heat Island Effect Externalized Costs to Society

8. Risk - The Bigger Picture… Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

9. Risk - We Need to Balance them All…

10. Huge Risks are Falling Through the Cracks… Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

11. The Current Situation… Typically we have a maze of regulations & agencies, with jurisdictional levels, and differing goals and standards. The gaps externalize risks to the future and to the commons. The overlaps complicate enforcement, and often allow each agency to avoid full responsibility. Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

12. The Current Situation… Regulations are reactions to serious, persistent problems requiring official action. We don't get them when problems are small, manageable or avoidable. We haven't designed in a forward-looking capability to address emergent risks or new kinds of risk... so the main navigational tool in the regulatory arena is the rear view mirror… Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

13. These are Questions to Be Addressed What Risk? Where? To Whom? When? How Long? How? How Much? Is It Reversible? Is It Necessary? At What Cost and to Whom? (not just monetary) Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

14. Appropriate Technology The lowest or simplest level of technology that can do the job well… And that doesn't make people or their communities dependent on systems over which they have no control. Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

15. Responsibility for Unintended Consequences Doing things as locally as possible, as simply as possible, and doing as little as possible of those things that we know are harmful or about which our knowledge and understanding is limited. Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

16. Rethinking Long-Standing Assumptions Traditional, non-industrial materials & building systems were rejected because of labor-intensity not because they're inferior or dangerous. Lack of support for research, testing, and the development of standards makes it hard to gain approval for their use. Development Center for Appropriate Technology - 2009

17. Life Cycle Assessment

18. California Green Building Code Chapter 1 – 101.2 Purpose – establishes the CA GBC as a means to improve public health, safety and general welfare by …….building concepts having a positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices.

19. CA GBC Section 101.7 ….view these standards as minimal Green Building Standards and that local government entities retain their discretion to exceed the standards established by this code.

20. How does the CA GBC work? The CA GBC is a collection of green building “best practices.” It does NOT determine if a building is green. It is NOT a rating system.

21. Green building Rating Systems LEED Green Point Rated One Planet 2030 Architecture Challenge

22. LEED Third-party certification program and nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

23. Rating Systems and Awards LEED Rating Systems New Construction Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Commercial Interiors Core & Shell Schools Retail Healthcare Homes Neighborhood Development LEED for New Construction Awards Certified 26-32 points Silver 33-38 points Gold 39-51 points Platinum 52-69 points

24. LEED for HOMES

25. Total Possible Points – LEED NC

27. Petaluma

28. Alameda

29. Palo Alto

30. San Francisco

31. Monterey (City)

32. San Jose

33. San Mateo (City)

34. Sonoma (City)

35. Napa Cities

36. Marin Cities

37. Sacramento (City)

38. Brisbane

39. Atherton

40. Hillsborough

41. Gilroy

42. Lodi

43. Davis

45. Ratings reflect practices ABOVE code in CA

46. Resources for local govt. policies & incentives

47. Quantifies environmental benefits

49. REMEMBER………. The pointis not about getting points. It’s about doing the right thing!

50. One Planet Communities

51. Sonoma Mountain Village

52. 2030 Architecture Challenge All new buildings, developments and major renovations designed for 50% energy use compared to average in region (or country) for that building type. Fossil fuel reductions increased to: 60% in 2010 70% in 2015 80% in 2020 90% in 2025 Carbon-neutral by 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate)

53. Living Building Challenge asks designers to exceed LEED - to design a completely energy, water, climate, and chemically neutral building.

54. informed by the eco-region’s characteristics generates all of its own energy with renewable resources captures and treats all of its water on site that uses resources efficiently, AND for maximum beauty.

55. Net Zero - Passive House

57. Minimize Space Heating

59. Superinsulation

60. Elimination/mitigation of thermal bridges

61. High performance windows and doors

62. Optimized passive solar design

63. Airtight shell with mechanical ventilation and heat recoveryThe Passive House Approach

64. What You Can Do! Identify what aspects of green building are important to you. Ask your local supplier to stock green building materials . Continue greening your lives one step at a time.

65. Special thanks to the following organizations whose materials were reflected in the presentation: and… Development Center for Appropriate Technology www.dcat.net

66. BREAK

67. Readings for Site, Land & Water Use GREEN FROM THE GROUND UP Chapter 16 Landscaping

68. We did not inherit the Earth from our parents. We are borrowing it from our children. Chief Seattle