California has set the national precedent in green building
practices. Every three years the California Building Standards
Commission adopts new and/or updated model codes. The 2010 California
Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which took effect on January
1, 2011, required the diversion of at least 50 percent of the
construction waste generated during most "new construction" projects.
Subsequent amendments have expanded upon what types of construction are
covered.
Effective January 1, 2014, CALGreen mandates permitted new
residential and non-residential building construction, demolition and
certain additions and alteration projects to recycle and/or salvage for
reuse a minimum 50 percent of the nonhazardous construction and
demolition (C&D) debris generated during the project (CALGreen
sections 4.408, 5.408, 301.1.1 and 301.3).
Additions to non-residential buildings or structures of at
least 1,000 square feet or alterations with an estimated construction
cost of at least $200,000 shall divert from landfills at least 50
percent of nonhazardous C&D materials. Additions and alterations to
residential buildings that increase the structure's conditioned area,
volume or size are also required to meet the 50 percent minimum
diversion requirement.
Check with your jurisdiction before beginning your design. For
more information on CALGreen's waste diversion requirements, visit CalRecycle’s C&D Frequently Asked Questions. For quick reference, a table summarizing current and upcoming CALGreen requirements is also available.
