Plumbtile's Blog

Remodeling to Cal-Green Standards

October 28, 2011 at 11:41 am plumbtile Leave a comment

Plumbtile would like to remind all contractors and homeowners: If you are building or remodeling in California, you must check the new requirements of Cal-Green. These standards were updated in 2010 and are published every 3 years. It is important to note that your city or county may enforce more restrictive guidelines than what is required according to Cal-Green standards.

Cal-Green standards are set to ensure that all building construction in the state of California works to enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Cal-Green standards address the planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality of all construction projects.

In regards to plumbing, the Cal-Green standards code applies to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances where connected to a water or sewage system. Although it states that it is for new construction, Plumbtile has found some cities are enforcing it for remodel as well. Check with your city inspectors to confirm.

These standards work to ensure that proper drainage is in place in order to protect the building from having water enter the property. Also, a green building must have products that are 15% more energy efficient than the standard state requirements. All plumbing fixtures must show a reduction of water usage by 20% from standard requirements. And, all plumbing fixtures must meet the standards as outlined in the Cal-Green code as well.

These standards require that at least 50% of the materials used during construction be recycled or reused in order to further protect our environment. So, it is important that you be familiar with how your construction team is disposing of materials throughout the construction process in order to maintain Cal-Green standards. Adhesives, sealants, and caulks must also comply with local or regional air pollution control or air quality in order to meet these standards.

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