About

The City of Irvine has maintained a longstanding history as a leader in environmental policies and construction. Irvine has demonstrated its commitment to green buildings through the enactment of the City’s Green Building Program, a program that encourages builders to create environmentally sensitive, healthier developments for its residents, businesses and visitors.

In July 17, 2008 the California Building Standards Commission adopted the California Green Buildings Standard Code, which established green building standards as a fundamental part of the California Building Code. In response to this new legislation, the City of Irvine has decided to discontinue the Irvine Build Green Program in favor of adopting the statewide green building code. Although the state had set the mandatory compliance date for all of California for January 1, 2011, Irvine has stayed true to its reputation as a pioneer in green development, choosing to adopt the CALGREEN codes almost a year ahead of schedule. The City adopted an ordinance in conjunction with the State of California’s Green Building Code Standards to promote conservation and resource efficiency for development.

In addition, the City of Irvine strongly encourages its developers to adhere to well-established green building credentials like the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and Build It Green’s GPR (Green Point Rated) program. For answers to your green building questions, click here for Build It Green’s Ask an Expert or call 1-888-40-GREEN or 1-888-404-7336. Most inquiries are answered within two business days.

By endorsing these well-renowned green building programs, the city urges builders to incorporate conservation into home design and building practices, and also allows consumers to easily measure exactly how green these new homes are. Irvine has clearly demonstrated that Green Development is of utmost importance as the city strives to develop superior, long-term investments that will benefit all members of the Irvine community as well as the environment.