Assembly Bill 828 Takes California One Step Closer to Green Building

On Thursday, May 28th, with support from builders, labor and environmental groups Assembly Bill 828 passed out of the Assembly with 50 "yes" votes out of 80.  The bill explicitly authorizes the participation of expert state agencies in the development of the California Green Building Standards Code. Despite support from all relevant stakeholders, the vote still fell right down the party line.

In July of last year, California became the first state in the nation to develop its own green building code, which will take effect on August 1. This initial version coalesced quickly and set the stage for future codes of its kind, both within California as well as other states. Although the current version is a step in the right direction, clarifying legislation was necessary to ensure that, as the standards are ratcheted up in future versions, the process is informed by agencies like the Air Resources Board, the Integrated Waste Management Board and other environmental and public health agencies. These agencies have been developing 'green' standards for decades and their input is critical to the success of the state green building code.

In addition to structuring the development process for the code, AB 828 ensures that the California Energy Commission maintains its ability to develop and adopt voluntary energy efficiency standards as necessary. The Energy Commission currently retains this authority, but AB 828 formalized it, making it explicit in statute. With said authority the Energy Commission will be able to develop further 'reach' standards for progressive communities who wish to do more than the state minimum. These standards will help to elevate the market drawing it towards more efficient housing, eventually allowing these progressive targets to become achievable mandatory minimums in successive code cycles. California again takes a leap in the right direction, setting precedent within the state and nationally for a more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable future, and encouraging attractive buildings and offices like the one I am sitting in now.