To reduce the consumption of resources by specifying the use of those materials that have a higher service life, which are reduced-maintenance materials that require a minimum of other material maintenance. It is a measure to make structures that are more durable and require less maintenance in order to increase the service life of the entire building.

Enhanced Durability and Reduced Maintenance

CALGreen Code Section A5.406.1: Choice of materials.

Compared to other products in a given product category, choose materials proven to be characterized by one or more of the following.

CALGreen Code Section A5.406.1.1: Service life.

Select materials for longevity and minimal deterioration under conditions of use.

CALGreen Code Section A5.406.1.2: Reduced maintenance.

Select materials that require little, if any, finishing. For those with surface protection, choose materials that do not require frequent applications of toxic or malodorous finishes.

CALGreen Code Section A5.406.1.3: Recyclability.

Select materials that can be reused or recycled at the end of their service life in the project

Intent:

The intent of this measure is to reduce the consumption of resources by specifying the use of those materials shown to have a longer service life, which are reduced-maintenance materials that require a minimum of other material maintenance. It is a conservation measure to create structures that are more durable and require less maintenance in order to increase the service life of the entire building. This approach requires consideration of all materials and equipment to work together to increase the usable service life of a building.

Compliance Method:

Compliance with this measure relies mainly with the designer and their selection and specification of materials. The building contractor shall retain all receipts, written verification or other documentation that verifies the service life of materials selected from this category. In order to comply with this provision in a meaningful way, it is important for the designer to promote the concept of materials and equipment that have an inherent quality (i.e., increased service life) throughout the project. For example, the selection and use of color-impregnated exterior cement plaster versus wood exterior finish reduces maintenance and increases service life. Using masonry walls without a commensurate increase in the service life of the roof and window systems would not meet the intent of this voluntary regulation. If the designer chooses to create a building with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance, the lifespan of all systems and components must have a reasonably balanced durability.

Enforcement:

The enforcement of this voluntary requirement will require life cycle analysis information to evolve to a level that proves the durability of systems, and the analysis will have lifespan ratings or warrantees in order to evaluate overall building durability. Until that time, the assessed durability will be more subjective. Objectivity in this pursuit is the goal. That is achievable at this time by choosing a 50-year roof rather than one with a 15-year warranty or lifespan, as an example.

Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm in the construction documents that any materials from this section, if used, can be verified to meet the requirements listed above.

On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify installation of all enhanced materials that have been documented.

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