Green Building

The goal of the City's Green Building Program is to remove barriers to green construction, and to promote polices and practices that encourage building green.  A green building is sited, designed, constructed and operated to enhance the well being of its occupants, and to minimize the negative impacts on the community and the natural environment.  Green buildings provide healthy, comfortable building interiors, maximize savings through the efficient use of energy and water and limit construction impacts on the natural environment. The City of Berkeley is committed to help green building become "business as usual". 

Green Building Information and Permit Guides:

Green Building Requirements
This webpage lists the different green building requirements and the triggers for each requirement.

Green Home Remodeling Guide 
This webpage is designed to help homeowners, builders and architects navigate the residential building permit process and to help make each project as healthy, energy-and resource-efficient as possible.

Green Building Resources
This webpage provides information on energy efficiency, water conservation, creating a healthy indoor environment and resource conservation.  In addition, it lists the contact information for local green building agencies and other relevant resources.

Home PerformanceTesting and Improvements
Learn how to improve your home's overall performance through building science. Download Home Performance Testing Guide.

Home Graywater Collection Systems
This webpage defines graywater, its benefits and how it can be used.  This webpage also includes links to the new graywater code. Download Guide to Conserving Water Through Rainwater Harvesting and Graywater Reuse

Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Your Home
This webpage provides information about residential rainwater harvesting systems. Download Guide to Conserving Water Through Rainwater Harvesting and Graywater Reuse

Green Roofs
This webpage provides a basic understanding of green roofs, their benefits and components as well as information on permitting requirements. Download the Permit Guide to Living Roofs.

Insulation 
Learn how to insulate your home for energy efficiency and comfort. Download the Insulation Permit Guide.

Healthy Indoor Air Quality with Mechanical Ventilation
Learn how to replace stale indoor air with fresh air to keep your air safe and healthy. Download the Mechanical Ventilation Guide.

Electric Vehicles 
Driving an electric car in the Bay Area reduces about 70% of the greenhouse gases produced by a conventional car. Find out what permits are needed to get a Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) charging system at your home. Download the Residential Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charging System Permit. Or for businesses, learn how you can encourage electric vehicle adoption by participating in the Non-Residential Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charging Station Pilot Program.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems 
Learn how to harness the sun's energy to power your house. Download the Residential Solar PV Permit Guide which explains permits are required also check-out the Solar Permit Checklist.

Solar Thermal Systems 
Learn how solar thermal can supply your hot water needs and can even be used to heat your home. Download the Residential Solar Thermal Hot Water Permit Guide to find out which permits are required to install solar thermal hot water also check-out the Solar Thermal Permit Checklist.

Additional Resources:

California State Green Building Code (CAL Green)
The 2010 California Green Building Standards Code is a code with mandatory requirements for new residential and nonresidential buildings throughout California beginning on January 1, 2011.

Build It Green
A non-profit organization that partners with public agencies, building industry professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, and non-profits to offer education and training, unbiased product information, and technical assistance as it relates to green building. The Build It Green website offers on-line materials regarding sustainable building practices as well as referrals to professionals.

Other Related Topics:

• Energy Efficiency
  The City of Berkeley is committed to promoting an integrated strategy to help Berkeley residents become more energy efficient. Learn how to increase energy efficiency in your home and reduce your household carbon footprint.
  
• Solar
  Solar technology harnesses the abundant energy from the sun and converts the sunlight directly into electricity. Increasing the amount of clean renewable energy is a critical component of the Berkeley community efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Find out how to unleash your solar potential.
  
• Climate Action Plan
  Adopted by the Berkeley City Council on June 2, 2009, the Berkeley Climate Action Plan is the result of the community-based climate action campaign that the Berkeley voters set in motion.  The plan is rooted in the vision for a sustainable Berkeley that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates a local vibrant, healthy community.

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