California Green Building Code (CALGreen) – Enhanced construction waste reduction

The intent of this measure is to salvage over 65% of all non-hazardous, new construction or demolition waste. The purpose is to reduce the amount of construction waste from new construction and demolition. This would encourage material resource efficiency through reuse and recycling of construction waste products

CALGreen Code Section A5.408.3.1: Enhanced construction waste reduction – Tier 1.

Divert to recycle or salvage at least 65 percent of nonhazardous construction and demolition waste generated at the site. Any mixed recyclables that are sent to mixed-waste recycling facilities shall include a qualified third party verified facility average diversion rate. Verification of diversion rates shall meet minimum certification eligibility guidelines, acceptable to the local enforcing agency.

CALGreen Code Section A5.408.3.1.1: Enhanced construction waste reduction – Tier 2

Divert to recycle or salvage at least 80 percent of nonhazardous construction and demolition waste generated at the site.

CALGreen Code Section A5.408.3.1.2: Verification of compliance.

A copy of the completed waste management report or documentation of certification of the waste management company utilized shall be provided.

Exceptions:

1. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.

2. Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist.

3. Demolition waste meeting local ordinance or calculated in consideration of local recycling facilities and markets.

Intent:

The intent of this measure is to go beyond the mandatory 50-percent salvage of all non-hazardous, new construction or demolition waste. Where local requirements are not more restrictive, requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 are 65 percent and 80 percent, respectively. The objective is to reduce the amount of construction waste from new construction and demolition that would be sent to landfills. An additional purpose is to encourage material resource efficiency through reuse and recycling of construction waste products.

Compliance Method:

Complete a waste management report in order to verify that you are meeting Tier 1 or Tier 2, whichever level of material conservation is chosen.

Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm in the construction documents the level of enhanced construction waste reduction called for by the designer and make sure a report is provided, stating the level intended.

On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify a report or equivalent documentation indicating that at least 65 percent (to meet Tier 1) or 80 percent (to meet Tier 2) of construction waste has been reused/recycled, if option A5.408.3.1 is chosen as a conservation measure. For Tier 1 compliance, verify that a qualified third-party verified facility average diversion rate has been provided.

(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)

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