In August 2023, the California Building Standards Commission approved amendments to the state’s green building code, requiring developers to limit the amount of carbon “embodied” in new or remodeled large commercial buildings. This code is the first of its kind in the nation.
The changes, which will take effect in July 2024, target the greenhouse gas emissions from building materials like concrete, steel, insulation and wood. Until 2026, the requirements will apply to new commercial buildings that are 100,000 square feet or larger, and new public schools that are 50,000 square feet or larger. After that, the updated code applies to all new commercial buildings that are at least 50,000 square feet.
Projects can choose from three alternative compliance paths to meet new standards. The first calls for the reuse of at least 45% of an existing structure, the second requires the use of materials that fall within specified emission limits, and the third is a performance-based compliance path that allows the use of a whole building life cycle assessment analysis.