These measures promote the use of alternative energy sources, mined aggregate replacement, and a substitute for potable water in the production of concrete as part of a broader strategy for resource efficiency.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3: Additional means of compliance.
Any of the following measures shall be permitted to be employed for the production of cement or concrete, depending on their availability and suitability, in conjunction with Section A5.405.5.2.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.1: Cement.
The following measures shall be permitted to be used in the manufacture of cement.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.1.1: Alternative fuels.
The use of alternative fuels where permitted by state or local air quality standards.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.1.2: Alternative power.
Alternate electric power generated at the cement plant and/or green power purchased from the utility meeting the requirements of A5.211.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.2: Concrete.
The following measures shall be permitted to be used in the manufacture of concrete.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.2.1: Alternative energy.
Renewable or alternative energy meeting the requirements of Section A5.211.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.2.2: Recycled aggregates.
Concrete made with one or more of the following materials:
1. Blast furnace slag as a lightweight aggregate in unrein- forced concrete.
2. Recycled concrete that meets grading requirements of ASTM C33, Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates.
3. Other materials with comparable or superior environmental benefits, as approved by the designer and enforcing authority.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.2.3: Mixing water.
Water recycled by the local water purveyor or water reclaimed from manufacturing processes and conforming to ASTM C1602, Standard Specification for Mixing Water Used in the Production of Hydraulic Cement Concrete.
CALGreen Code Section A5.405.5.3.2.4: High-strength concrete.
Concrete elements designed to reduce their total size compared to standard 3,000 psi concrete, thereby reducing the total volume of cement, aggregate and water used on the project, as approved by the Engineer of Record.
Intent:
These measures encourage the use of alternative energy sources, mined aggregate replacement and an alternative to potable water in the manufacture of concrete in addition to the provisions of Sections A5.405.5 through A5.405.2.1.1 in an overall approach of conserving energy and materials to achieve resource efficiency.
Compliance Method:
Use any combination of the alternative materials and manufacturing methods listed above. Indicate materials and methods in the construction documents. The contractor should keep all receipts and paperwork to show the enforcing agency which alternate methods of compliance were used in manufacture of cement or concrete.
Enforcement:
Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm in the construction documents any cement or concrete alternatives employed in addition to the provisions in Sections A5.405.2.1.1 through A5.405.5.
On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify documentation of cement or concrete alternatives used on the project.
(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Appendix A5)
