California Green Building Code (CALGreen) – Indoor moisture control

Moisture control is very important for the proper functioning of the building. This helps to protect occupants from adverse health effects. Moisture causes problems for building owners, maintenance personnel and occupants. It is mainly caused due to poor design, construction and maintenance. These issues can be rectified by the techniques that are based on understanding of how water behaves in buildings.

CALGreen Code Section 5.505.1:  Indoor moisture control. 

Buildings shall meet or exceed the provisions of the California Building Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 2, Sections 1202 (Ventilation) and Chapter 14 (Exterior Walls). For additional measures, see Section 5.407.2 of this code.

Intent:

The intent is to direct the code user to other parts of Title 24, in addition to these provisions, intended to reduce the probability of mold and mildew growth, improving air quality for occupants. California Building Code Section 1202 for attic spaces and underfloor ventilation, Chapter 14 for a weather-resistant exterior wall envelope and Section 5.407.2.2, “Entries and openings,” in this code.

Enforcement:

Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm in the construction documents that moisture control and venting features meet Title 24 and are specified and detailed.

On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify that moisture control and venting measures have been incorporated into the building per the construction documents.

Compliance Method:

Include details on the construction documents that address moisture control and ventilation. Understand and install moisture control according to construction documents and manufacturer’s installation recommendations.

Note: Vapor control recommendations for different climate zones may be found at www.buildingscience.com. 

(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)

California Green Building Code (CALGreen) – Indoor moisture control

Moisture control is very important for the proper functioning of the building. This helps to protect occupants from adverse health effects. Moisture causes problems for building owners, maintenance personnel and occupants. It is mainly caused due to poor design, construction and maintenance. These issues can be rectified by the techniques that are based on understanding of how water behaves in buildings.

CALGreen Code Section 5.505.1:  Indoor moisture control. 

Buildings shall meet or exceed the provisions of the California Building Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 2, Sections 1202 (Ventilation) and Chapter 14 (Exterior Walls). For additional measures, see Section 5.407.2 of this code.

Intent:

The intent is to direct the code user to other parts of Title 24, in addition to these provisions, intended to reduce the probability of mold and mildew growth, improving air quality for occupants. California Building Code Section 1202 for attic spaces and underfloor ventilation, Chapter 14 for a weather-resistant exterior wall envelope and Section 5.407.2.2, “Entries and openings,” in this code.

Enforcement:

Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm in the construction documents that moisture control and venting features meet Title 24 and are specified and detailed.

On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify that moisture control and venting measures have been incorporated into the building per the construction documents.

Compliance Method:

Include details on the construction documents that address moisture control and ventilation. Understand and install moisture control according to construction documents and manufacturer’s installation recommendations.

Note: Vapor control recommendations for different climate zones may be found at www.buildingscience.com. 

(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)

California Green Building Code (CALGreen) – Outside air delivery

CALGreen-Fresh Air – Ventilation is the essential process of replacing stale air with fresh air. Proper ventilation in buildings helps curb the spread of allergens and toxins in the air. It helps to moderate internal temperatures, internal humidity, replenishing oxygen, reducing the accumulation of moisture, odours, bacteria, dust, carbon dioxide, smoke and other contaminants that can build up during occupied periods.

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California Green Building Code (CALGreen) – Filters

California Green Building Code CALGreen – Filters – Air Filter system potentially removes solid airborne particles in a specific space, if inhaled in the lungs, it is generally harmful to human health. It protects their occupants against external and internal sources of air contaminants and improve their comfort, health and productivity with clean indoor air. It filters harmful particles such as germs, dust, pollen, powder, mold, fibers, etc.

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California Green Building Code (CALGreen) – Supermarket refrigerant leak reduction

CALGreen Code Section 5.508.2: Supermarket refrigerant leak reduction. 

New commercial refrigeration systems shall comply with the provisions of this section when installed in retail food stores 8,000 square feet or more conditioned area, and that utilize either refrigerated display cases, or walk-in coolers or freezers connected to remote compressor units or condensing units.

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