In an effort to meet its ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in the next 12 years, California recently became the first state in the nation to adopt green building standards, albeit optional ones, for all new construction. The new California Green Building Standards Code, unanimously adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, will become effective on a voluntary basis beginning January 15, 2009, until a mandatory edition of the code is enacted, expected in 2010. The adjustment period will allow for industry, local enforcement agencies, and environmental groups to prepare for, comply with, and undoubtedly further negotiate the stringency of these statewide green building standards before they become mandatory.

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