The Goal of Palo Alto green building regulation is to design, build, and operate a new generation of efficient, environmentally responsible, and healthy buildings. The ordinance is based on the California Green Building Code developed by the California Building Standards Commission. The City believes that the practice of green building can have a significant impact on reducing energy, water, and natural resource consumption, and improve Palo Alto citizens' well-being through improved indoor air quality and comfort. City Staff works in collaboration with the Green Building Advisory Group, a multi-disciplinary stakeholder group, to focus on continuous improvement of the green building requirements. Download the Green Building Vision Statement here.
PALO ALTO ORDINANCE COMPARED TO CALIFORNIA STATE REQUIREMENTS
California requires applicable projects to meet the California Green Building Code Mandatory Provisions ("CALGreen Mandatory") found in Title 24, Part 11. "CALGreen Mandatory" includes green building thresholds in the areas of site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, green materials, and indoor air quality. The California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, is also referenced within the California Green Building Code. The state has developed higher green building thresholds for those cities who are leaders in environmental sustainability and wish to elect higher standards. These thresholds are entitled " CALGreen Tier 1" and "CALGreen Tier 2". These tiers require increased levels of green building design, particularly in the areas of water and energy, and are in addition to the "CALGreen Mandatory" requirements. Click here to learn more about the CALGreen Tiers.
PALO ALTO GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS
The City has adopted green building regulation that is more stringent than the State's requirements. For non-residential projects, the City has adopted CALGreen Tier 1 for tenant improvements and renovations and CALGreen Tier 2 for new construction. For residential projects, the City uses Build It Green's Green Point Rated Program. Green Point Rated is a green building certification program that includes the residential components of CALGreen Mandatory. For smaller residential projects, only certain green building requirements are triggered. Click here to learn more about the green building requirements and compliance process. Green Building related ordinances:
The Palo Alto Green Building Ordinance requires applicants to incorporate sustainable design, construction, and operational requirements into most single-family residential, multi-family residential, and non-residential projects. The outcome of the ordinance results in reduced energy and water operational costs and an in increased indoor air quality for building owners and occupant.
LEARN ABOUT SOME OF OUR GREEN BUILDINGS AROUND TOWN!
Green Point Rated Homes Map: The Green Point Rated Homes Map is owned and operated by Build It Green. The link contains an interactive map of Green Point Rated registration and certification efforts in the City.
Green Building Information Gateway: The Green Building Information Gateway is owned and operated by the U.S. Green Building Council. The database contains a listing of green building activities related to LEED® Registration and Certification, ENERGY STAR® Plants and Buildings, Transit Score®, and Walking Score®.
