Green Building is a sustainability-driven approach to construction that reduces environmental impacts, improves efficiency, and creates a healthier environment for building occupants. Green building techniques and materials can be used for both new building construction and remodels.

Green Building practices include:

• Energy and water efficient technologies (such as double-paned windows and low-flow toilets)
• The use of recycled content materials (such as plastic lumber made with recycled plastic containers)
• Construction and Demolition (C&D) plans that recycle materials and reduce waste generated by a construction project

CalGreen

California Green Building Standards Code - referred to as CALGreen - is the first statewide mandatory green building code in the country. CALGreen mandates that all building construction and demolition projects, and certain additions and alteration projects to recycle and/or salvage a minimum 50 percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition (C&D) debris generated during the project.

To view the City’s updated C&D ordinance and additional resources, visit the C&D Recycling Program page. Find more information about CalGreen on the Building Standards Commission website.

Additional Resources

• CalRecycle's Green Building Basics
• Build it Green
• Contra Costa County Green Building Program
• California Building Officials

The City of Martinez encourages all owners and builders to consider a Green Building approach to future building projects. For questions or assistance in determining how to incorporate green building into your project, please contact the City’s Building Division at (925) 372-3550.