Title 24 is California's Building Standards Code consisting of 12 parts that contain regulations governing the construction of buildings in California.1 Part 11, the California Green Building Standards Code was adopted in 2008.

SUMMARY
Adopted as a part of Title 24 in 2008, these new statewide standards will result in significant improvements in water usage for both commercial and residential plumbing fixtures and target a 50% landscape water conservation reduction. They also drive builders to reduce energy use of their structures by 15% more than today's current standards. The new standards declare the minimum California will accept in environmentally friendly design; local jurisdictions and builders who wish to do more are applauded.

CALIFORNIA'S GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE GOALS
California's new green building standards will result in increased water and energy savings through a combination of more efficient appliances, use of efficient landscapes and more efficient building design and operation. The code also encourages the use of recycled materials in carpets and building materials, and identifies various site improvements including parking for electric vehicles and better storm water plans.

Although initially voluntary, mandatory implementation of measures will be phased in as follows:

• July 1, 2009: The California Energy Commission's Residential Energy Efficiency Standard will become 15-20% more stringent.

• January 2011: Rules concerning moisture control, indoor air quality, and waste takes effect.

• July 2011: Mandatory 20% reduction in building potable water used imposed.

This adjustment period will allow for industry and local enforcement agencies to prepare for, and comply with, the new green building standards.
Moving forward after 2010, the California Green Building Standards Code will be updated on an annual basis to ensure that the latest technology and methods of construction have been incorporated to always maintain a high level of standards.2

WHY IT MATTERS
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings nationwide account for 70% of electricity consumption, 39% of energy usage, 12% of potable water consumption, 40% of raw materials usage, 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and produce 39% of greenhouse gases. Although California's aggressive energy code has already established the State as a leader in energy and the built environment, this first-in-the-nation statewide green building code will add to the State's overall greenhouse gas reductions goal established in AB 32.3

For more information on Title 24 visit http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Code/title24.htm
or visit http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/edusafety/training/ to sign up for a free training with PG&E on energy related updates to Title 24.

1 California Department of General Services: www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Code/title24.htm (last accessed April 22, 2009)
2 California Green Building Standards Code: www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/2009/part11_2008_calgreen_code.pdf (last accessed April 22, 2009)
3 US Green Building Council http://www.usgbc.org/ (last accessed April 22, 2009)