HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.1 Adding a Low Carbon Concrete Requirement to the City’s Green Building Code in Coordination with the City’s Climate Action PlanII
DUBLIN
CALIFORNIA
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Agenda Item 6.1
DATE: September 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Linda Smith, City Manager
SU B.ECT : Adding a Low Carbon Concrete Requirement to the City's Green Building
Code in Coordination with the City's Climate Action Plan
Prepared by: Nelson Pureco, Plan Check Engineer, and Shannan Young,
Environmental & Sustainability Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider introducing an ordinance amending the City's Green Building Code
to add a requirement for the use of low carbon concrete and adopting a related resolution. The
low carbon concrete requirements are in alignment with the City of Dublin Climate Action Plan
2030 and Beyond, Measure MM-2, Reduce the Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated
with Building Materials.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Take the following actions: 1) adopt the Resolution Approving Findings Regarding the Need for
Local Amendments to Provisions in the California Green Building Standards Code as Adopted by
the City; and 2) INTRODUCE the Ordinance Approving Amendments to the Dublin Municipal Code
Chapter 7.94 (Green Building Code) to Amend Section 7.94.050 (Definitions) and to Add Section
7.94.085 (Low Carbon Concrete) and Section 7.94.120 (Low Carbon Concrete).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost associated with implementing the Ordinance is estimated to be approximately $85,000 to
$140,000 per year for additional plan check and inspection time commitments. The costs may
decrease over time as applicants become familiar with the requirements. These increased costs
are accounted for in the City's Master Fee Schedule adopted in June 2024.
Page 1 of 4
1
DESCRIPTION:
Background
The City of Dublin adopted the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond (CAP 2030) on September
15, 2020 (Resolution 100-20). CAP 2030 includes five strategies with 22 measures intended to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and to put the City on
the path to reach carbon neutrality by 2045. The five strategies in CAP 2030 are:
Strategy 1 - Renewable and Carbon Free Electricity
Strategy 2 - Building Efficiency and Electrification
Strategy 3 - Sustainable Mobility and Land Use
Strategy 4 - Materials and Waste Management
Strategy 5 - Municipal Leadership
Included under Strategy 4 is Measure MM-2, Reduce the Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(GHG) Associated with Building Materials. The embodied GHG emissions of a building are carbon
dioxide or other GHGs generated by making and transporting building materials to a site,
including mining, refining, and shipping. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute', 11 percent of
global GHG emissions are generated during the lifecycle of building materials and concrete
production is responsible for approximately 8 percent of global carbon emissions. Although CAP
2030 did not quantify the embodied GHG emissions from the consumption of building materials,
the inclusion of Measure MM-2 acknowledges the importance of addressing embodied emission to
achieve the 2045 carbon neutrality goal.
Concrete is composed of an aggregate blend and cement. The GHG emissions associated with
concrete can be reduced by minimizing cement use to the extent possible or by using cement
alternatives called supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). These include but are not
limited to fly ash, slag, and glass pozzolans. Based on conversations with local ready -mix suppliers,
Staff understands these cement alternatives to be locally available and have cost parity with
cement. These low carbon concrete mixes are not new. The State of California Department of
Transportation incorporated SCMs into the 2010 document "Guidelines for the Design &
Inspection of Concrete" and noted that SCMs are cost effective and provide benefits to the
strength, workability, permeability, and durability of concrete.
Based on Staff's research and in alignment with the goals of CAP 2030, Staff proposes to amend
the City's Green Building Code to add a requirement for the use of low carbon concrete.
Analysis
The proposed Ordinance would add Sections 7.94.085 and 7.94.120 to Chapter 7.94, Green
Building Code, of the Dublin Municipal Code (DMC).
The requirements are based on the low carbon concrete code adopted in 2019 by Marin County,
who partnered with several entities and conducted robust stakeholder engagement to develop a
1 The Rocky Mountain Institute is an independent, non -partisan, non-profit organization of experts across disciplines
working to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve lives.
Page 2 of 4
2
regionally replicable building code amendment.
Requirements would be applicable to all projects that require a building permit and that use
ready -mix concrete. Projects that use bagged concrete, shotcrete, gunite, stucco, and asphaltic
concrete (asphalt) would be exempt. Projects would demonstrate compliance with the low carbon
concrete code by either using the cement limit equation or through the embodied carbon pathway.
When using the embodied carbon method, the carbon in the concrete mix shall not exceed the
values, as demonstrated via an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the concrete mix. An
EPD is a document that provides third -party verification of life -cycle analysis of products and
goods.
If an applicant is unable to meet the limits, the applicant has the option to use an alternative
compliance pathway to demonstrate reduced equivalent carbon emissions reductions from the
remaining portions of the project. If the applicant is unable to provide sufficient evidence to
demonstrate equivalent carbon emissions reductions, the Ordinance allows for the assessment of
penalties based on the social cost of carbon as established by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency. The Ordinance includes the calculation for assessing penalties. The current
social cost of carbon is set at $190 per metric ton of carbon dioxide.
The initial implementation of the proposed Ordinance would be an education and outreach effort
led by the Public Works Department in conjunction with the Community Development
Department. To ensure a successful launch of the low carbon concrete code, Staff recommends
adoption with an effective date of January 1, 2025.
The proposed modifications as described in Section 7.94.085 and 7.94.120 are necessary to limit
carbon emissions associated with concrete construction, while ensuring adequate strength and
durability for the intended use. Low carbon concrete is available locally and can be incorporated
into projects occurring in the City. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the use of low
carbon concrete helps mitigate climate change and its negative effects such as extreme heat,
droughts, intense storms, and flooding that may occur in the City, making these amendments
reasonably necessary for local climatic reasons.
In calendar year 2023, 2,903 building permits were issued. Of those permits, 11.6 percent (338
permits) would have been subject to this ordinance while 17.2 percent (499 permits) would
require further review to determine if the project met an exemption. Therefore, at least 71.2
percent of permits issued met an exception and would not require a review for compliance.
Based on the time it takes to review applications and enforce requirements during the plan check
and inspection process, Staff estimates that the new requirements will add 45 minutes to the
review time for smaller buildings, such as a single-family detached dwelling, to as much as four
hours for a large commercial project. Review and inspection times will likely decrease over time
as applicants, owners, contractors, and developers become more familiar with the standards.
The effect on residential projects depends on the scope of the project. See examples listed below:
• No Effect:
o Work that is exempt from a Building permit
Page 3 of 4
3
o Water heater replacement permits
o Heating and air conditioning replacement permits
o Electrical permits
• Possible Minor Effect:
o Repair work
o New swimming pool permits without a concrete deck around the pool
o Retaining walls
• Moderate Effect:
o New swimming pools with a concrete deck
o Small additions
o Accessory structures
o New landscaping permits with concrete pathways
• Full Effect:
o New buildings
o Accessory Dwellings Units
o Additions
Lastly, in order to amend our local Building Code, the City has to make certain legal findings that
support the amendments to the State Code. Attached to this item is a resolution that makes those
findings.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Two community meetings were held on April 10, 2024 to inform stakeholders of the potential
Ordinance and requirements. A combined 20 people attended, including both contractors and
developers. A few questions were addressed regarding the documentation and the timeframe of
the process.
In accordance with State law, a public notice was published in the East Bay Times and posted at
several locations throughout the City. The City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Resolution Approving Findings Regarding the Need for Local Amendments to Provisions in the
California Green Building Standards Code as Adopted by the City
2) Exhibit A to the Resolution - California Green Building Standards Code Findings
3) Ordinance Approving Amendments to the Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 7.94 (Green Building
Code) to Amend Section 7.94.050 (Definitions) and to Add Section 7.94.085 (Low Carbon
Concrete) and Section 7.94.120 (Low Carbon Concrete)
4) Underline Version of the Proposed Amendments to Chapter 7.94 of the Dublin Municipal Code
Page 4 of 4
4
Attachment I
RESOLUTION NO. XX-24
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AS ADOPTED
BY THE CITY
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 18938 makes provisions published in the
California Building Standards Code pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922 applicable
to all occupancies throughout the State and effective one hundred and eighty days after
publication by the California Building Standards Commission (the "Commission"), or at a later date
established by the Commission; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and
18941.5 establish the authority for a city to adopt and make local amendments and modifications
to the building standards in the California Building Standards Code to establish more restrictive
building standards than those contained in the California Building Standards Code; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and
18941.5 permit a city to make such local amendments and modifications as the city determines
are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and
18941.5 require a city, before making any amendments and modifications to the California
Building Standards Code, make an express finding that such amendments and modifications are
reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, under Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7, changes pursuant to Health
and Safety Code Section 17958.5 may not become effective until the required findings, and the
changes, have been filed with the California Building Standards Commission; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 50022.2 permits enactment of City Ordinances
that adopt codes or statutes, including codes of the State of California, by reference; and
WHEREAS, the Dublin City Council held a properly noticed public hearing on September
3, 2024, at which time all interested parties had an opportunity to be heard; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Dublin intends to adopt an Ordinance adopting
by reference provisions of the California Building Standards Code, with local amendments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the reasons for proposed changes to the
California Building Standards Code set forth below, attached hereto and hereinafter incorporated
by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby adopt the
findings (Exhibit A), declare, and find that the local amendments to the provisions of the California
Building Standards Code set forth below are reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
Reso. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 1 of 12
5
geologic, or topographical conditions in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7
as further set forth below.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution, including items shown below,
and Ordinance No. xx-24, Approving Amendments to the Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 7.94
(Green Building Code) to Amend Section 7.94.050 (Definitions) and to Add Section 7.94.085 (Low
Carbon Concrete) and Section 7.94.120 (Low Carbon Concrete) shall be filed with the California
Building Standards Commission in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7.
GREEN BUILDING CODE
Sections:
7.94.050
7.94.085
7.94.120
Chapter 7.94
Section 202, Chapter 2, Definitions — Amended.
Section 4.420, Division 4.4, Chapter 4, Low Carbon Concrete — Added.
Section 5.420, Division 5.4, Chapter 5, Low Carbon Concrete — Added.
Section 7.94.050 of the Dublin Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
7.94.050 Section 202, Chapter 2, Definitions — Amended.
The following definitions are hereby added to Section 202 of the State Code to read as follows:
ALL -ELECTRIC BUILDING. A building that contains no combustion equipment or plumbing for
combustion equipment within the building or building property lines, and instead uses electric
appliances for service.
ASPHALTIC CONCRETE. Commonly called asphalt, bituminous asphalt concrete,
and bituminous mixture), consists of any composite material composed of mineral aggregate
adhered with a binder and commonly used to surface roads and parking lots.
CALTRANS AUTHORIZED MATERIALS LIST. Cementitious Materials for use in concrete as
updated from time to time. This list includes blended cement, Portland cement, fly ash, pozzolan,
metakaolin pozzolan, silica fume, and slag materials.
CARBON CURE CONCRETE. A technology that introduces recycled CO, into fresh concrete to
reduce its carbon footprint without compromising performance. Once injected, the CO, undergoes
a mineralization process and becomes permanently embedded.
COMMERCIAL FOOD HEAT -PROCESSING EQUIPMENT. Equipment used in a food
establishment for heat -processing food or utensils and that produces grease vapors, steam,
fumes, smoke, or odors that are required to be removed through a local exhaust ventilation
system, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.
COMBUSTION EQUIPMENT. Any equipment or appliance used for space heating, water
heating, cooking, clothes drying and/or lighting that uses fuel gas.
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 2 of 12
6
CONCRETE. Any approved combination of mineral aggregates bound together into a hardened
conglomerate in accordance with the requirements of this code. Concrete as defined in this
Chapter does not include asphaltic concrete.
CO2. Carbon Dioxide.
CO2 INJECTION. The process of injecting CO2 into the cement mixture rather than water for
purposes of curing the product.
ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE. A device that produces heat energy to create a warm
environment by the application of electric power to resistance elements, refrigerant compressors,
or dissimilar material junctions, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION. Present quantified environmental information
on the life cycle of a product based on the results of a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment
(LCA) to enable comparisons between products fulfilling the same function. Environmental
Product Declarations must conform to International Organization for Standardization 14025
accreditation and European Standard EN 15804, or International Organization for Standardization
21930 accreditation, and have at least a "cradle to grave" scope (which covers product life cycle
from resource extraction to the factory).
FUEL GAS. A gas that is natural, manufactured, liquefied petroleum, or a mixture of these.
GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG). Any gas that has the property of absorbing infrared
radiation (net heat energy) emitted from Earth's surface and reradiating it back to Earth's surface,
thus contributing to the greenhouse effect. GHG gasses include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous
oxides, and water vapor.
PLAIN CONCRETE. Concrete that contains no steel reinforcement in the form of rods, bars, or
mesh or containing not more than two tenths of one percent of reinforcing.
READY -MIX CONCRETE. Concrete that is batched for delivery from a central plant instead of
being mixed on the job site. Each batch of ready -mixed concrete is tailor-made according to the
specifics of the contractor and is delivered to the contractor in a plastic condition, usually in the
cylindrical trucks often known as cement mixers.
REINFORCED CONCRETE. Concrete in which reinforcing steel in the form of rods, bars, or
mesh —is inserted into the concrete to absorb the tensile, shear, and sometimes compressive
stresses in a concrete structure.
SECONDARY CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS (SCM'S). Materials that include, but are not
limited to, ground granulated blast furnace slag (ggbs), fly ash, metakaolin pozzolan, pozzolan,
silica fume, and Belterra clay.
UPFRONT EMBODIED CARBON (EMBODIED CARBON). The emissions, including
greenhouse gasses, released before the built asset is used. The release of emissions occurs in
material extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and installing building materials on site. Upfront
embodied carbon also includes operational and end -of -life emissions associated with materials.
Section 7.94.085 is hereby added to the Dublin Municipal Code to read as follows:
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 3 of 12
7
7.94.085 Section 4.420, Division 4.4, Chapter 4, Low Carbon Concrete -Added.
A new Section 4.420 is added to read:
4.420 Low Carbon Concrete Requirements.
4.420.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards and requirements for
the composition of concrete, as defined herein, that maintains adequate strength and
durability for the intended application and at the same time reduces greenhouse gas
emissions associated with concrete composition.
4.4.20.1.2 Applicability. The requirements of this section shall only be applicable to
projects that require a building permit.
4.420.3 Compliance. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall be
demonstrated through any of the compliance options in Sections 4.420.3.2 through
4.420.3.5.
Table 4.420.3: Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Pathways
Cement limits
for use with any compliance
method
4.420.3.2 through 4.420.3.5
Embodied Carbon limits
for use with any compliance
method
4.420.3.2 through 4.420.3.5
Minimum
specified
compressive
strength f'c , psi
Maximum ordinary Portland
cement content, Ibs/yd3 (1)
Maximum embodied carbon kg
CO2e/m3, per Environmental
Product Declaration
up to 2500
362
260
2501-3000
410
289
3001-4000
456
313
4001-5000
503
338
5001-6000
531
356
6001-7000
594
394
Greater than
7000
657
433
up to 3000 light
weight
512
578
Up to 4000 light
weight
571
626
4001-5000 light
weight
629
675
Notes (1) Portland cement of any type per ASTM C150.
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 4 of 12
8
4.420.3.1 Allowable Increases
(1) Approved Cements. The maximum cement content may be increased
proportionately above the tabulated value when using an approved cement, or
blended cement, demonstrated by approved Environmental Product Declaration to
have a plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration lower than 1040 kg
CO2e/metric ton. The increase in allowable cement content is:
1040 / plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration %.
(2) Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Allowances. Cement or Embodied Carbon
limits shown in Table 4.420.3 can be increased by 30% for concretes demonstrated
to the Building Official as requiring high early strength. Such concretes may include
but are not limited to, precast or prestressed concrete; beams and slabs above
grade; and shotcrete.
4.420.3.2 Cement Limit Method — Mix
Cement content of a concrete mix using this method shall not exceed the value shown in
Table 4.420.3. Use of this method is limited to concrete with specified compressive strength
not exceeding 5,000 psi.
4.120.3.3. Cement Limit Method — Project
Total cement content shall be based on total cement usage of all concrete mix designs
within the same project. Total cement content for a project shall not exceed the value
calculated according to Equation 4.420.3.3.
Equation 4.420.3.3:
Z(Cemn)(Vn) 5 Z(Cemiim)(vn)
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
Cemn = the cement content for mixture n, kg/m3 or lb/yd3
Cemiim = the maximum cement content for mixture n per Table 4.420.3, kg/m3 or
lb/yd3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
Calculations may use yd3 or m3 but must keep the same units throughout.
4.420.3.4 Embodied Carbon Method — Mix
Mix embodied carbon of a concrete mix, based on an approved Environmental Product
Declaration, shall not exceed the value given in Table 4.420.3.
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 5 of 12
9
4.420.3.5 Embodied Carbon Method — Project
Total embodied carbon of all concrete mix designs within the same project (EC proj) shall
not exceed the project limit (EC allowed) determined using Table 4.420.3 and Equation
4.420.3.5.
Equation 4.420.3.5:
Z(ECn )(vn) <_ Z(ECiim )(vn )
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
ECn = the embodied carbon content for mixture n, per mixture Environmental
Product Declaration, kgCO2e/m3
ECiim = the maximum embodied carbon content for mixture n per Table 4.420.3,
kgCO2e/m3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
4.420.3.6 Verification and Enforcement
Prior to the approval of the building permit application involving the placement of concrete,
the permit applicant shall submit a completed Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to
the Building & Safety Division. If the permit applicant has not secured a concrete supplier
at the time the permit application is submitted, the applicant may complete the Low -Carbon
Concrete Compliance Form to calculate the maximum allowable cement and embodied
carbon and shall certify by signature that they will meet maximum allowable limits at the
time of construction.
As a condition of such building permits, and prior to approving construction inspections and
prior to placement of concrete, the permit applicant shall submit batch certificates and/or
Environmental Product Declarations with an updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance
Form to the Building & Safety Division. The batch certificates and/or Environmental Product
Declarations, and the updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form shall be reviewed
for compliance by the Building & Safety Division prior to performing further inspections or
pouring concrete.
When deviations from compliance with this section occur, the Building Official or their
designee, is authorized to require the permit applicant to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions from the portions of remaining construction of the project to demonstrate
alternative compliance with the intent of this chapter and payment of associated
administrative fees. If the permit applicant is unable to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions, the Building & Safety Division reserves the right to penalize the permit
applicant for the excess embodied carbon used in the project. Excess embodied carbon
shall be determined by the amount of embodied carbon content in the project greater than
ECiim per Equation 4.420.3.5, in metric tons. The maximum penalty shall be determined as
follows:
Pm = (ECx)($190) + A
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 6 of 12
10
Where,
Pm = the maximum penalty ($)
ECX = the total excess embodied carbon content in the project, in metric tons determined
from Equation 4.420.3.5.
$190 = penalty per metric ton of excess embodied carbon ($/metric ton)
A = Building and Safety Administrative Fee ($), refer to the City's Master Fee Schedule.
For projects involving placement of concrete by, or on behalf of, the City of Dublin the City
Project Manager for the project, or their designee, shall maintain accurate records of the
total volume (in cubic yards) of all concrete placed, as well as the total compliant volume
(in cubic yards) of all concrete placed.
4.420.3.7 Exemptions
(a) Projects exempt from permits. Projects that do not require a building permit per
Chapter 7.28, shall not be subject to the requirements in section 4.420
(b) Projects that do not involve the placement of ready -mix concrete.
(c) Asphaltic concrete is not considered as concrete for the purposes of section 4.420
(d) Due to lack of commercial availability of low -carbon concrete options, shotcrete,
gunite, and stucco are exempt from embodied carbon requirements.
(e) Small projects as approved by the Building Official.
(f) Hardship or infeasibility exemption. If an applicant for a project subject to section
4.420 believes that circumstances exist that make it a hardship or infeasible to meet the
requirements of section 4.420, the applicant may request an exemption as set forth below.
In applying for an exemption, the burden is on the applicant to show hardship or
infeasibility. The applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards
for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a
hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. Circumstances that
constitute hardship or infeasibility may include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) There is a lack of commercially available material necessary to comply with
section 4.420;
(2) The cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the overall cost of the
project;
(3) Compliance with the requirements would impair the historic integrity of buildings
listed on a local, state or federal list or register of historic structures as regulated by
the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8).
(g) Granting of an exemption. If the Building Official determines that it is a hardship or
infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 4.420 and that granting
the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the California
Green Building Standards Code, the Building Official shall determine the maximum feasible
threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. In making this
determination, the Building Official shall consider whether alternate, practical means of
achieving the objectives of section 4.420 can be satisfied. If an exemption is granted, the
applicant shall be required to comply with section 4.420 in all other respects and shall be
required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the
Building Official.
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 7 of 12
11
(h) Denial of exception. If the Building Official determines that it is reasonably possible
for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 4.420, the request shall be
denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing within 60 days after
receipt of the request for exemption. The project and compliance documentation shall be
modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
Section 7.94.120 is hereby added to the Dublin Municipal Code to read as follows:
7.94.120 Section 5.420, Division 5.4, Chapter 5, Low Carbon Concrete -Added.
A new Section 5.420 is added to read:
5.420 Low Carbon Concrete Requirements.
5.420.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards and requirements
for the composition of concrete, as defined herein, that maintains adequate strength and
durability for the intended application and at the same time reduces greenhouse gas
emissions associated with concrete composition.
5.4.20.1.2 Applicability. The requirements of this section shall only be applicable to
projects that require a building permit.
5.420.3 Compliance. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall be
demonstrated through any of the compliance options in Sections 5.420.3.2 through
5.420.3.5.
Table 5.420.3: Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Pathways
Cement limits
for use with any compliance
method
5.420.3.2 through 5.420.3.5
Embodied Carbon limits
for use with any compliance
method
5.420.3.2 through 5.420.3.5
Minimum
specified
compressive
strength f'c , psi
Maximum ordinary Portland
cement content, Ibs/yd3 (1)
Maximum embodied carbon kg
CO2e/m3, per Environmental
Product Declaration
up to 2500
362
260
2501-3000
410
289
3001-4000
456
313
4001-5000
503
338
5001-6000
531
356
6001-7000
594
394
Greater than
7000
657
433
up to 3000 light
weight
512
578
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 8 of 12
12
Up to 4000 light
weight
571
626
4001-5000 light
weight
629
675
Notes (1) Portland cement of any type per ASTM C150.
5.420.3.1 Allowable Increases
(1) Approved Cements. The maximum cement content may be increased
proportionately above the tabulated value when using an approved cement, or
blended cement, demonstrated by approved Environmental Product Declaration to
have a plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration lower than 1040 kg
CO2e/metric ton. The increase in allowable cement content is:
1040 / plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration %.
(2) Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Allowances. Cement or Embodied Carbon
limits shown in Table 5.420.3 can be increased by 30% for concretes demonstrated
to the Building Official as requiring high early strength. Such concretes may include
but are not limited to, precast or prestressed concrete; beams and slabs above
grade; and shotcrete.
5.420.3.2 Cement Limit Method — Mix
Cement content of a concrete mix using this method shall not exceed the value shown in
Table 5.420.3. Use of this method is limited to concrete with specified compressive strength
not exceeding 5,000 psi.
5.120.3.3. Cement Limit Method — Project
Total cement content shall be based on total cement usage of all concrete mix designs
within the same project. Total cement content for a project shall not exceed the value
calculated according to Equation 5.420.3.3.
Equation 5.420.3.3:
Z(Cemn)(vn) < Z(Cemiim)(vn)
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
Cemn = the cement content for mixture n, kg/m3 or Ib/yd3
Cemiim = the maximum cement content for mixture n per Table 5.420.3, kg/m3 or
Ib/yd3
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 9 of 12
13
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
Calculations may use yd3 or m3 but must keep the same units throughout.
5.420.3.4 Embodied Carbon Method — Mix
Mix embodied carbon of a concrete mix, based on an approved Environmental Product
Declaration, shall not exceed the value given in Table 5.420.3.
5.420.3.5 Embodied Carbon Method — Project
Total embodied carbon of all concrete mix designs within the same project (EC proj) shall
not exceed the project limit (EC allowed) determined using Table 5.420.3 and Equation
5.420.3.5.
Equation 5.420.3.5:
Z(ECn )(vn) <_ Z(ECiim )(vn )
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
ECn = the embodied carbon content for mixture n, per mixture Environmental
Product Declaration, kgCO2e/m3
ECim = the maximum embodied carbon content for mixture n per Table 4.420.3,
kgCO2e/m3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
5.420.3.6 Verification and Enforcement
Prior to the approval of the building permit application involving the placement of concrete,
the permit applicant shall submit a completed Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to
the Building & Safety Division. If the permit applicant has not secured a concrete supplier
at the time the permit application is submitted, the applicant may complete the Low -Carbon
Concrete Compliance Form to calculate the maximum allowable cement and embodied
carbon and shall certify by signature that they will meet maximum allowable limits at the
time of construction.
As a condition of such building permits, and prior to approving construction inspections and
prior to placement of concrete, the permit applicant shall submit batch certificates and/or
Environmental Product Declarations with an updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance
Form to the Building & Safety Division. The batch certificates and/or Environmental Product
Declarations, and the updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form shall be reviewed
for compliance by the Building & Safety Division prior to performing further inspections or
pouring concrete.
When deviations from compliance with this section occur, the Building Official or their
designee, is authorized to require the permit applicant to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions from the portions of remaining construction of the project to demonstrate
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 10 of 12
14
alternative compliance with the intent of this chapter and payment of associated
administrative fees. If the permit applicant is unable to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions, the Building & Safety Division reserves the right to penalize the permit
applicant for the excess embodied carbon used in the project. Excess embodied carbon
shall be determined by the amount of embodied carbon content in the project greater than
ECiim per Equation 4.420.3.5, in metric tons. The maximum penalty shall be determined as
follows:
Pm = (ECx)($190) + A
Where,
Pm = the maximum penalty ($)
ECx = the total excess embodied carbon content in the project, in metric tons determined
from Equation 4.420.3.5.
$190 = penalty per metric ton of excess embodied carbon ($/metric ton)
A = Building and Safety Administrative Fee ($), refer to the City's Master Fee Schedule.
For projects involving placement of concrete by, or on behalf of, the City of Dublin the City
Project Manager for the project, or their designee, shall maintain accurate records of the
total volume (in cubic yards) of all concrete placed, as well as the total compliant volume
(in cubic yards) of all concrete placed.
5.420.3.7 Exemptions
(a) Projects exempt from permits. Projects that do not require a building permit per
Chapter 7.28, shall not be subject to the requirements in section 5.420.
(b) Projects that do not involve the placement of ready -mix concrete.
(c) Asphaltic concrete is not considered as concrete for the purposes of section 5.420
(d)Due to lack of commercial availability of low -carbon concrete options, shotcrete, gunite,
and stucco are exempt from embodied carbon requirements.
(e) Small projects as approved by the Building Official.
(f) Hardship or infeasibility exemption. If an applicant for a project subject to section
5.420 believes that circumstances exist that make it a hardship or infeasible to meet the
requirements of section 5.420, the applicant may request an exemption as set forth below.
In applying for an exemption, the burden is on the applicant to show hardship or
infeasibility. The applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards
for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a
hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. Circumstances that
constitute hardship or infeasibility may include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) There is a lack of commercially available material necessary to comply with
section 5.420;
(2) The cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the overall cost of the
project;
(3) Compliance with the requirements would impair the historic integrity of buildings
listed on a local, state, or federal list or register of historic structures as regulated by
the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8).
(g) Granting of an exemption. If the Building Official determines that it is a hardship or
infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 5.420 and that granting
the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the California
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 11 of 12
15
Green Building Standards Code, the Building Official shall determine the maximum feasible
threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. In making this
determination, the Building Official shall consider whether alternate, practical means of
achieving the objectives of section 5.420 can be satisfied. If an exemption is granted, the
applicant shall be required to comply with section 5.420 in all other respects and shall be
required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the
Building Official.
(h) Denial of exception. If the Building Official determines that it is reasonably possible
for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 5.420, the request shall be
denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing within 60 days after
receipt of the request for exemption. The project and compliance documentation shall be
modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of September 2024, by the following
votes.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Reso. No. xx-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 12 of 12
16
Attachment 2
Exhibit A to Resolution California Green Building Standards Code Findings
Exhibit A
FINDINGS FOR AMENDMENT AND ADDITIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING
STANDARDS CODE
A. General Findings.
The Dublin City Council makes the following general findings regarding regional and local climatic
conditions, which the City Council finds necessitates the local modifications to the California
Building Standards Code set forth below:
The City of Dublin's weather is primarily influenced by its Mediterranean climate that
typically boasts dry summers and wet winters, with summer conditions ranging from warm
to hot and winter conditions typically being mild to cool. Observed local climatic conditions
typically include a low amount of average yearly rainfall, which tends to be concentrated
during the months of October through April. The months of May through September are
typically dry where daily temperatures remain high. Except for infrequent monsoonal
moisture originating from the south, there is little measurable precipitation during these
months.
In addition to the influence of the Mediterranean climate, the local climate is further
influenced by the presence of the North Pacific High (NPH) which is a semi -permanent
area of high pressure in the North Pacific Ocean that is strongest in the summer and shifts
to the equator in the winter. The NPH however, has also been known to remain in place
during winter months leading to drought conditions. During the 2011-2017 California
drought, the NPH persisted longer than usual, due to a mass of warm water in the Pacific
Ocean. In addition to influencing weather patterns, the persistence of high pressure in a
region can also lead to air stagnation trapping air pollutants including Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) which is a primary source of air pollution and a greenhouse gas that contributes to
climate change.
The concrete industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions as concrete
production accounts for 4% to 8% of global CO2 emissions. In concrete production, CO2 is emitted
due to the chemical reaction when limestone is heated in kilns to form cement and from the fuel
used to heat the kilns. The CO2 emissions from the cement production, material extraction,
transportation, and installation become part of the embodied carbon of projects that include
concrete in construction projects.
The reduction of CO2 emissions in the production of concrete can be achieved through a variety
of methods including replacing a portion of the cement in concrete with secondary cementitious
materials (SCMs) during the manufacturing process. Such materials include, but are not limited
to, ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica, natural pozzolan, fly ash, and uncalcined
limestone. These materials are lower in embodied carbon since these materials do not give off
CO2 as part of the cement manufacturing process. By substituting these SCMs for a portion of the
cement in concrete, the CO2 emissions of the concrete are reduced.
17
The economics of producing low carbon concrete are also more favorable than producing
common Portland cement. This is accomplished through the reduction of fossil fuels used in the
heating of limestone (parent material of Portland cement) and the use of SCMs as a former waste
product.
The adoption of low carbon concrete standards will assist the State of California, the San Bay
Area, and the City of Dublin in the overall reduction of greenhouse gasses.
Global climate change imposes substantial and local impacts and risks on the San Francisco Bay
Area, and thus the City of Dublin, including rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns
and amounts, sea level rise, flooding, drought, and wildfire.
A general summary of climate risks facing the San Francisco Bay Area and the City of Dublin are
as follows:
• Increased temperatures and extreme heat events. The Bay Area is expected to
see an increase in average annual temperature of 2.7°F by 2050, and 3.5°F to 11°F
by 2100.
• Reduction in the Quality and Supply of Water in the Sierra Snowpack. If heat -
trapping emissions continue unabated, more precipitation will fall as rain instead of
snow, and the snow that does fall will melt earlier, reducing the Sierra Nevada spring
snowpack by as much as 70% to 90%. This can lead to challenges in securing
adequate water supplies. It can also lead to a potential reduction in hydropower.
• Changes in Rainfall Intensity. By mid-century, more precipitation is projected to
occur in winter in the form of less frequent but larger events. Most climate models
predict drying trends across the State by 2100.
• Increased Risk of Large Wildfires. A hotter, drier climate could promote up to 90%
more Northern California fires by the end of the century by drying out and increasing
the flammability of forest vegetation.
• Exacerbation of Air Quality Problems. If temperatures rise to the medium warming
range, there could be 75% to 85% more days with weather conducive to ozone
formation, relative to today's conditions. This is more than twice the increase expected
if rising temperatures remain in the lower warming range. This increase in air quality
problems could result in an increase in asthma and other health -related problems. The
average air quality index in Dublin has consistently worsened over time and is lower
than the State and national averages. The air quality index also worsens during
extreme heat and wildfire events, As the air quality index increases, an increasingly
large percentage of the Dublin population is likely to experience increasingly adverse
health effects.
B. Specific Findings.
The Dublin City Council hereby makes the following specific findings, which, in addition to the
general findings regarding the production of concrete and low carbon concrete approves local
modifications to the California Building Standards Code as cited below:
California Green Building Standards Code
Page 2 of 3
18
7.94.050
7.94.085
7.94.120
Section 202, Chapter 2 Definitions — Amended.
Section 4.420, Division 4.4, Chapter 4, Low Carbon Concrete — Added.
Section 5.420, Division 5.4, Chapter 5, Low Carbon Concrete — Added.
FINDING: The amendment and additions are needed due to local climatic conditions.
Incorporating low -carbon concrete into building construction has a
significant and positive effect on resource efficiency resulting in the
reduction of waste and pollution. Low carbon concrete meets or exceeds
the same performance standards as traditional concrete thus ensuring
building structural integrity. Low carbon concrete is available locally and
can feasibly be incorporated into projects occurring in the City. Producing
low carbon concrete results in fewer emissions of CO? a greenhouse gas,
resulting in the reduction of heat absorption in the atmosphere. The
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the use of low carbon
concrete helps mitigate climate change and its negative effects such as
extreme heat events, droughts, intense storms, and flooding, that may
occur in the City thus making these amendments reasonably necessary
because of local climactic conditions.
Page 3 of 3
19
Attachment 3
ORDINANCE NO. xx — 24
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 7.94 (GREEN
BUILDING CODE) TO AMEND SECTION 7.94.050 (DEFINITIONS) AND TO ADD SECTION
7.94.085 (LOW CARBON CONCRETE) AND SECTION 7.94.120 (LOW CARBON
CONCRETE)
The Dublin City Council does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. RECITALS.
A. Health and Safety Code Section 18938 makes provisions published in the California Building
Standards Code pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922 applicable to all
occupancies throughout the State and effective one hundred and eighty days after publication
by the California Building Standards Commission (the "Commission"), or at a later date
established by the Commission.
B. California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 establish
the authority for a city to adopt and make local amendments and modifications to the building
standards in the California Building Standards Code to establish more restrictive building
standards than those contained in the California Building Standards Code.
C. California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 permit a
city to make such local amendments and modifications as the city determines are reasonably
necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.
D. California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 require a
city, before making any amendments and modifications to the California Building Standards
Code, make an express finding that such amendments and modifications are reasonably
necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.
E. Under Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7, changes pursuant to Health and Safety Code
Section 17958.5 may not become effective until the required findings, and the changes, have
been filed with the California Building Standards Commission; and
F. Government Code Section 50022.2 permits enactment of City Ordinances that adopt codes
or statutes, including codes of the State of California, by reference.
G. A Staff Report was submitted to the Dublin City Council recommending approval of the
proposed amendments to Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 7.94 (Green Building Code).
H. The City Council held a public hearing on the proposed amendments to Dublin Municipal Code
Chapter 7.94 (Green Building Code) on September 3, 2024, at which time all interested
persons had an opportunity to be heard.
I. Proper notice of said hearing was given in all respects as required by law.
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 1 of 13
20
J. The City Council did hear and consider all said reports, recommendations and testimony herein
above set forth and used its independent judgement to evaluate the amendments.
Section 2. EFFECT OF CODE ON PAST ACTIONS AND OBLIGATIONS.
The adoption of the Dublin Building Code, 2022, does not affect any civil lawsuit instituted or filed
or prosecutions for ordinance violations committed on or prior to the effective date of said Code,
does not waive any fee or penalty due and unpaid prior to the effective date of said Code, and
does not affect the validity of any bond or cash deposit posted, filed or deposited pursuant to the
requirements of any ordinance.
Section 3. REFERENCES TO PRIOR CODE.
Unless superseded and expressly repealed, references in City forms, documents and regulations
to the chapters and sections of the former Dublin Building Code, 2019, shall be construed to apply
to the corresponding provisions contained within the Dublin Building Code, 2022.
Section 4. No penalty clauses are adopted by reference pursuant to this Ordinance. While
Chapter 7.94 of the Dublin Municipal Code remain in force, a reasonable supply of the
incorporated codes shall be available in the office of the City Clerk for public purchase.
Section 5. SEVERABILITY.
The provisions of this Ordinance are severable and if any provision, clause, sentence, word or
part thereof is held illegal, invalid, unconstitutional, or inapplicable to any person or circumstances,
such illegality, invalidity, unconstitutionality, or inapplicability shall not affect or impair any of the
remaining provisions, clauses, sentences, sections, words or parts thereof of the ordinance or
their applicability to other persons or circumstances.
Section 6. POSTING.
This Ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2025. The City Clerk of the City of Dublin shall
cause this Ordinance to be posted in at least three (3) public places in the City of Dublin in
accordance with Government Code Section 36933.
Section 7. CEQA FINDING.
The City Council hereby finds that the adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, sections
15002 and 15378 as this Ordinance is not a "project" within the meaning of the State CEQA
Guidelines. Specifically, this Ordinance will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment because it does not authorize the construction of any
new large structures or other physical changes resulting in impacts to the environment.
Section 8. AMENDMENT 7.94.050 OF THE DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE.
Section 7.94.050 of the Dublin Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
7.94.050 Section 202, Chapter 2, Definitions — Amended.
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 2 of 13
21
The following definitions are hereby added to Section 202 of the State Code to read as follows:
ALL -ELECTRIC BUILDING. A building that contains no combustion equipment or plumbing for
combustion equipment within the building or building property lines, and instead uses electric
appliances for service.
ASPHALTIC CONCRETE. Commonly called asphalt, bituminous asphalt concrete,
and bituminous mixture), consists of any composite material composed of mineral aggregate
adhered with a binder and commonly used to surface roads and parking lots.
CALTRANS AUTHORIZED MATERIALS LIST. Cementitious Materials for use in concrete as
updated from time to time. This list includes blended cement, Portland cement, fly ash, pozzolan,
metakaolin pozzolan, silica fume, and slag materials.
CARBON CURE CONCRETE. A technology that introduces recycled CO2 into fresh concrete to
reduce its carbon footprint without compromising performance. Once injected, the CO2 undergoes
a mineralization process and becomes permanently embedded.
COMMERCIAL FOOD HEAT -PROCESSING EQUIPMENT. Equipment used in a food
establishment for heat -processing food or utensils and that produces grease vapors, steam,
fumes, smoke, or odors that are required to be removed through a local exhaust ventilation
system, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.
COMBUSTION EQUIPMENT. Any equipment or appliance used for space heating, water
heating, cooking, clothes drying and/or lighting that uses fuel gas.
CONCRETE. Any approved combination of mineral aggregates bound together into a hardened
conglomerate in accordance with the requirements of this code. Concrete as defined in this
Chapter does not include asphaltic concrete.
CO2. Carbon Dioxide.
CO2 INJECTION. The process of injecting CO2 into the cement mixture rather than water for
purposes of curing the product.
ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE. A device that produces heat energy to create a warm
environment by the application of electric power to resistance elements, refrigerant compressors,
or dissimilar material junctions, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION. Present quantified environmental information
on the life cycle of a product based on the results of a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment
(LCA) to enable comparisons between products fulfilling the same function. Environmental
Product Declarations must conform to International Organization for Standardization 14025
accreditation and European Standard EN 15804, or International Organization for Standardization
21930 accreditation, and have at least a "cradle to grave" scope (which covers product life cycle
from resource extraction to the factory).
FUEL GAS. A gas that is natural, manufactured, liquefied petroleum, or a mixture of these.
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 3 of 13
22
GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG). Any gas that has the property of absorbing infrared
radiation (net heat energy) emitted from Earth's surface and reradiating it back to Earth's surface,
thus contributing to the greenhouse effect. GHG gasses include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous
oxides, and water vapor.
PLAIN CONCRETE. Concrete that contains no steel reinforcement in the form of rods, bars, or
mesh or containing not more than two tenths of one percent of reinforcing.
READY -MIX CONCRETE. Concrete that is batched for delivery from a central plant instead of
being mixed on the job site. Each batch of ready -mixed concrete is tailor-made according to the
specifics of the contractor and is delivered to the contractor in a plastic condition, usually in the
cylindrical trucks often known as cement mixers.
REINFORCED CONCRETE. Concrete in which reinforcing steel in the form of rods, bars, or
mesh —is inserted into the concrete to absorb the tensile, shear, and sometimes compressive
stresses in a concrete structure.
SECONDARY CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS (SCM'S). Materials that include, but are not
limited to, ground granulated blast furnace slag (ggbs), fly ash, metakaolin pozzolan, pozzolan,
silica fume, and Belterra clay.
UPFRONT EMBODIED CARBON (EMBODIED CARBON). The emissions, including
greenhouse gasses, released before the built asset is used. The release of emissions occurs in
material extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and installing building materials on site. Upfront
embodied carbon also includes operational and end -of -life emissions associated with materials.
Section 9. ADDITION OF 7.94.085 TO THE DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE.
Section 7.94.085 is hereby added to the Dublin Municipal Code to read as follows:
7.94.085 Section 4.420, Division 4.4, Chapter 4, Low Carbon Concrete -Added.
A new Section 4.420 is added to read:
4.420 Low Carbon Concrete Requirements.
4.420.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards and requirements
for the composition of concrete, as defined herein, that maintains adequate strength and
durability for the intended application and at the same time reduces greenhouse gas
emissions associated with concrete composition.
4.4.20.1.2 Applicability. The requirements of this section shall only be applicable to
projects that require a building permit.
4.420.3 Compliance. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall be
demonstrated through any of the compliance options in Sections 4.420.3.2 through
4.420.3.5.
Table 4.420.3: Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Pathways
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 4 of 13
23
Cement limits
for use with any compliance
method
4.420.3.2 through 4.420.3.5
Embodied Carbon limits
for use with any compliance
method
4.420.3.2 through 4.420.3.5
Minimum
specified
compressive
strength f'c , psi
Maximum ordinary Portland
cement content, Ibs/yd3 (1)
Maximum embodied carbon kg
CO2e/m3, per Environmental
Product Declaration
up to 2500
362
260
2501-3000
410
289
3001-4000
456
313
4001-5000
503
338
5001-6000
531
356
6001-7000
594
394
Greater than
7000
657
433
up to 3000 light
weight
512
578
Up to 4000 light
weight
571
626
4001-5000 light
weight
629
675
Notes (1) Portland cement of any type per ASTM C150.
4.420.3.1 Allowable Increases
(1) Approved Cements. The maximum cement content may be increased
proportionately above the tabulated value when using an approved cement, or
blended cement, demonstrated by approved Environmental Product Declaration to
have a plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration lower than 1040 kg
CO2e/metric ton. The increase in allowable cement content is:
1040 / plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration %.
(2) Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Allowances. Cement or Embodied Carbon
limits shown in Table 4.420.3 can be increased by 30% for concretes demonstrated
to the Building Official as requiring high early strength. Such concretes may include
but are not limited to, precast or prestressed concrete; beams and slabs above
grade; and shotcrete.
4.420.3.2 Cement Limit Method — Mix
Cement content of a concrete mix using this method shall not exceed the value shown in
Table 4.420.3. Use of this method is limited to concrete with specified compressive strength
not exceeding 5,000 psi.
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 5 of 13
24
4.120.3.3. Cement Limit Method — Project
Total cement content shall be based on total cement usage of all concrete mix designs
within the same project. Total cement content for a project shall not exceed the value
calculated according to Equation 4.420.3.3.
Equation 4.420.3.3:
Z(Cemn)(vn) < Z(Cemiim)(vn)
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
Cemn = the cement content for mixture n, kg/m3 or lb/yd3
Cemiim = the maximum cement content for mixture n per Table 4.420.3, kg/m3 or
Ib/yd3
Vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
Calculations may use yd3 or m3 but must keep the same units throughout.
4.420.3.4 Embodied Carbon Method — Mix
Mix embodied carbon of a concrete mix, based on an approved Environmental Product
Declaration, shall not exceed the value given in Table 4.420.3.
4.420.3.5 Embodied Carbon Method — Project
Total embodied carbon of all concrete mix designs within the same project (EC proj) shall
not exceed the project limit (EC allowed) determined using Table 4.420.3 and Equation
4.420.3.5.
Equation 4.420.3.5:
Z(ECn )(vn) < Z(ECiim )(vn )
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
ECn = the embodied carbon content for mixture n, per mixture Environmental
Product Declaration, kgCO2e/m3
ECiim = the maximum embodied carbon content for mixture n per Table 4.420.3,
kgCO2e/m3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
4.420.3.6 Verification and Enforcement
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 6 of 13
25
Prior to the approval of the building permit application involving the placement of concrete,
the permit applicant shall submit a completed Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to
the Building & Safety Division. If the permit applicant has not secured a concrete supplier
at the time the permit application is submitted, the applicant may complete the Low -Carbon
Concrete Compliance Form to calculate the maximum allowable cement and embodied
carbon and shall certify by signature that they will meet maximum allowable limits at the
time of construction.
As a condition of such building permits, and prior to approving construction inspections and
prior to placement of concrete, the permit applicant shall submit batch certificates and/or
Environmental Product Declarations with an updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance
Form to the Building & Safety Division. The batch certificates and/or Environmental Product
Declarations, and the updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form shall be reviewed
for compliance by the Building & Safety Division prior to performing further inspections or
pouring concrete.
When deviations from compliance with this section occur, the Building Official or their
designee, is authorized to require the permit applicant to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions from the portions of remaining construction of the project to demonstrate
alternative compliance with the intent of this chapter and payment of associated
administrative fees. If the permit applicant is unable to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions, the Building & Safety Division reserves the right to penalize the permit
applicant for the excess embodied carbon used in the project. Excess embodied carbon
shall be determined by the amount of embodied carbon content in the project greater than
ECiim per Equation 4.420.3.5, in metric tons. The maximum penalty shall be determined as
follows:
Pm = (ECX)($190) + A
Where,
Pm = the maximum penalty ($)
ECX = the total excess embodied carbon content in the project, in metric tons determined
from Equation 4.420.3.5.
$190 = penalty per metric ton of excess embodied carbon ($/metric ton)
A = Building and Safety Administrative Fee ($), refer to the City's Master Fee Schedule.
For projects involving placement of concrete by, or on behalf of, the City of Dublin the City
Project Manager for the project, or their designee, shall maintain accurate records of the
total volume (in cubic yards) of all concrete placed, as well as the total compliant volume
(in cubic yards) of all concrete placed.
4.420.3.7 Exemptions
(a) Projects exempt from permits. Projects that do not require a building permit per
Chapter 7.28, shall not be subject to the requirements in section 4.420
(b) Projects that do not involve the placement of ready -mix concrete.
(c) Asphaltic concrete is not considered as concrete for the purposes of section 4.420
(d) Due to lack of commercial availability of low -carbon concrete options, shotcrete,
gunite, and stucco are exempt from embodied carbon requirements.
(e) Small projects as approved by the Building Official.
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 7 of 13
26
(f) Hardship or infeasibility exemption. If an applicant for a project subject to section
4.420 believes that circumstances exist that make it a hardship or infeasible to meet the
requirements of section 4.420, the applicant may request an exemption as set forth below.
In applying for an exemption, the burden is on the applicant to show hardship or
infeasibility. The applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards
for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a
hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. Circumstances that
constitute hardship or infeasibility may include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) There is a lack of commercially available material necessary to comply with
section 4.420;
(2) The cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the overall cost of the
project;
(3) Compliance with the requirements would impair the historic integrity of buildings
listed on a local, state or federal list or register of historic structures as regulated by
the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8).
(g) Granting of an exemption. If the Building Official determines that it is a hardship or
infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 4.420 and that granting
the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the California
Green Building Standards Code, the Building Official shall determine the maximum feasible
threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. In making this
determination, the Building Official shall consider whether alternate, practical means of
achieving the objectives of section 4.420 can be satisfied. If an exemption is granted, the
applicant shall be required to comply with section 4.420 in all other respects and shall be
required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the
Building Official.
(h) Denial of exception. If the Building Official determines that it is reasonably possible
for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 4.420, the request shall be
denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing within 60 days after
receipt of the request for exemption. The project and compliance documentation shall be
modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
Section 10. ADDITION OF 7.94.120 TO THE DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE.
Section 7.94.120 is hereby added to the Dublin Municipal Code to read as follows:
7.94.120 Section 5.420, Division 5.4, Chapter 5, Low Carbon Concrete -Added.
A new Section 5.420 is added to read:
5.420 Low Carbon Concrete Requirements.
5.420.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards and requirements
for the composition of concrete, as defined herein, that maintains adequate strength and
durability for the intended application and at the same time reduces greenhouse gas
emissions associated with concrete composition.
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 8 of 13
27
5.4.20.1.2 Applicability. The requirements of this section shall only be applicable to
projects that require a building permit.
5.420.3 Compliance. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall be
demonstrated through any of the compliance options in Sections 5.420.3.2 through
5.420.3.5.
Table 5.420.3: Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Pathways
Cement limits
for use with any compliance
method
5.420.3.2 through 5.420.3.5
Embodied Carbon limits
for use with any compliance
method
5.420.3.2 through 5.420.3.5
Minimum
specified
compressive
strength f'c , psi
Maximum ordinary Portland
cement content, Ibs/yd3 (1)
Maximum embodied carbon kg
CO2e/m3, per Environmental
Product Declaration
up to 2500
362
260
2501-3000
410
289
3001-4000
456
313
4001-5000
503
338
5001-6000
531
356
6001-7000
594
394
Greater than
7000
657
433
up to 3000 light
weight
512
578
Up to 4000 light
weight
571
626
4001-5000 light
weight
629
675
Notes (1) Portland cement of any type per ASTM C150.
5.420.3.1 Allowable Increases
(1) Approved Cements. The maximum cement content may be increased
proportionately above the tabulated value when using an approved cement, or
blended cement, demonstrated by approved Environmental Product Declaration to
have a plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration lower than 1040 kg
CO2e/metric ton. The increase in allowable cement content is:
1040 / plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration %.
(2) Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Allowances. Cement or Embodied Carbon
limits shown in Table 5.420.3 can be increased by 30% for concretes demonstrated
to the Building Official as requiring high early strength. Such concretes may include
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 9 of 13
28
but are not limited to, precast or prestressed concrete; beams and slabs above
grade; and shotcrete.
5.420.3.2 Cement Limit Method - Mix
Cement content of a concrete mix using this method shall not exceed the value shown in
Table 5.420.3. Use of this method is limited to concrete with specified compressive strength
not exceeding 5,000 psi.
5.120.3.3. Cement Limit Method - Project
Total cement content shall be based on total cement usage of all concrete mix designs
within the same project. Total cement content for a project shall not exceed the value
calculated according to Equation 5.420.3.3.
Equation 5.420.3.3:
Z(Cemn)(vn) < Z(Cemiim)(vn)
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
Cemn = the cement content for mixture n, kg/m3 or lb/yd3
Cemiim = the maximum cement content for mixture n per Table 5.420.3, kg/m3 or
lb/yd3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
Calculations may use yd3 or m3 but must keep the same units throughout.
5.420.3.4 Embodied Carbon Method - Mix
Mix embodied carbon of a concrete mix, based on an approved Environmental Product
Declaration, shall not exceed the value given in Table 5.420.3.
5.420.3.5 Embodied Carbon Method - Project
Total embodied carbon of all concrete mix designs within the same project (EC proj) shall
not exceed the project limit (EC allowed) determined using Table 5.420.3 and Equation
5.420.3.5.
Equation 5.420.3.5:
Z(ECn )(vn) <- Z(ECiim )(vn )
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
ECn = the embodied carbon content for mixture n, per mixture Environmental
Product Declaration, kgCO2e/m3
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 10 of 13
29
ECiim = the maximum embodied carbon content for mixture n per Table 4.420.3,
kgCO2e/m3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
5.420.3.6 Verification and Enforcement
Prior to the approval of the building permit application involving the placement of concrete,
the permit applicant shall submit a completed Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to
the Building & Safety Division. If the permit applicant has not secured a concrete supplier
at the time the permit application is submitted, the applicant may complete the Low -Carbon
Concrete Compliance Form to calculate the maximum allowable cement and embodied
carbon and shall certify by signature that they will meet maximum allowable limits at the
time of construction.
As a condition of such building permits, and prior to approving construction inspections and
prior to placement of concrete, the permit applicant shall submit batch certificates and/or
Environmental Product Declarations with an updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance
Form to the Building & Safety Division. The batch certificates and/or Environmental Product
Declarations, and the updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form shall be reviewed
for compliance by the Building & Safety Division prior to performing further inspections or
pouring concrete.
When deviations from compliance with this section occur, the Building Official or their
designee, is authorized to require the permit applicant to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions from the portions of remaining construction of the project to demonstrate
alternative compliance with the intent of this chapter and payment of associated
administrative fees. If the permit applicant is unable to provide evidence of equivalent
carbon reductions, the Building & Safety Division reserves the right to penalize the permit
applicant for the excess embodied carbon used in the project. Excess embodied carbon
shall be determined by the amount of embodied carbon content in the project greater than
ECiim per Equation 4.420.3.5, in metric tons. The maximum penalty shall be determined as
follows:
Pm = (ECX)($190) + A
Where,
Pm = the maximum penalty ($)
ECX = the total excess embodied carbon content in the project, in metric tons determined
from Equation 4.420.3.5.
$190 = penalty per metric ton of excess embodied carbon ($/metric ton)
A = Building and Safety Administrative Fee ($), refer to the City's Master Fee Schedule.
For projects involving placement of concrete by, or on behalf of, the City of Dublin the City
Project Manager for the project, or their designee, shall maintain accurate records of the
total volume (in cubic yards) of all concrete placed, as well as the total compliant volume
(in cubic yards) of all concrete placed.
5.420.3.7 Exemptions
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 11 of 13
30
(a) Projects exempt from permits. Projects that do not require a building permit per
Chapter 7.28, shall not be subject to the requirements in section 5.420.
(b) Projects that do not involve the placement of ready -mix concrete.
(c) Asphaltic concrete is not considered as concrete for the purposes of section 5.420
(d)Due to lack of commercial availability of low -carbon concrete options, shotcrete, gunite,
and stucco are exempt from embodied carbon requirements.
(e) Small projects as approved by the Building Official.
(f) Hardship or infeasibility exemption. If an applicant for a project subject to section
5.420 believes that circumstances exist that make it a hardship or infeasible to meet the
requirements of section 5.420, the applicant may request an exemption as set forth below.
In applying for an exemption, the burden is on the applicant to show hardship or
infeasibility. The applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards
for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a
hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. Circumstances that
constitute hardship or infeasibility may include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) There is a lack of commercially available material necessary to comply with
section 5.420;
(2) The cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the overall cost of the
project;
(3) Compliance with the requirements would impair the historic integrity of buildings
listed on a local, state, or federal list or register of historic structures as regulated by
the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8).
(g) Granting of an exemption. If the Building Official determines that it is a hardship or
infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 5.420 and that granting
the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the California
Green Building Standards Code, the Building Official shall determine the maximum feasible
threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. In making this
determination, the Building Official shall consider whether alternate, practical means of
achieving the objectives of section 5.420 can be satisfied. If an exemption is granted, the
applicant shall be required to comply with section 5.420 in all other respects and shall be
required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the
Building Official.
(h) Denial of exception. If the Building Official determines that it is reasonably possible
for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section 5.420, the request shall be
denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing within 60 days after
receipt of the request for exemption. The project and compliance documentation shall be
modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
{Signatures on the following page}
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 12 of 13
31
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY the City Council of the City of Dublin on this day of
2024, by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Ord. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/24 Page 13 of 13
32
Attachment 4
Chapter 7.94
GREEN BUILDING
Sections:
7.94.010 Title.
7.94.020 Purpose.
7.94.030 Adoption of the Green Building Code.
7.94.040 Scope.
7.94.050 Section 202, Chapter 2 Definitions — Amended.
7.94.060 Section 4.106.4 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new
construction — Deleted and Replaced.
7.94.070 Sections 4.106.5, 4.106.5.1, and 4.106.5.2 All Electric Buildings
— Added.
7.94.080 Section 4.107.1, Division 4.1, Chapter 4, Future access for
solar systems -Added.
7.94.085 Section 4.420, Division 4.4, Chapter 4, Low Carbon Concrete -
Added.
7.94.090 Sections 5.106.5.3 and 5.106.5.3.1 Electric vehicle (EV)
charging. — Deleted and Replaced.
7.94.100 Section 5.106.13, 5.106.13.1 and 5.106.13.2 All electric
buildings. — Added.
7.94.110 Section 5.107.1, Division 5.1, Chapter 5, Future access for
solar systems -Added.
7.94.120 Section 5.420, Division 5.4, Chapter 5, Low Carbon Concrete -
Added.
7.94.010 Title.
The green building standards codes adopted by Section 7.94.030 and the
provisions of this Chapter shall constitute the Dublin Green Building Code and
may be referred to as such.
7.94.020 Purpose.
A. To improve public health, safety, and general welfare by enhancing the
design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having
a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging
sustainable construction practices in the following categories:
1. Planning and design
2. Energy efficiency
3. Water efficiency and conservation
4. Material conservation and resource efficiency
5. Environmental quality
33
B. The purpose of this Code is not to create or otherwise establish or designate
any particular class or groups of persons who will or should be especially
protected or benefited by the terms of this Code.
7.94.030 Adoption of the Green Building Code.
A. The 2022 California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11, Title 24 of the
California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards
Code, as defined in the California Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et. seq.
(hereinafter referred to as the "State Code"), and any rules and regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto, as referenced in and adopted pursuant to California
Health and Safety Code Sections 17922 and 18935, are hereby adopted and
incorporated by reference herein.
Copies of the adopted codes have been and are now filed in the Office of the
Building Official, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California, for use and examination by
the public. Said codes are adopted by reference pursuant to Section 50022.4, et
seq., of the Government Code of the State of California, and the codes are hereby
adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, and from the date
on which this Ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling
within the limits of the City of Dublin.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.94.030.A, the State Code is
amended as set forth in Sections 7.94.050 through 7.94.120.
7.94.040 Scope.
A. The provisions of this Code shall apply to the planning, design, operation,
construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or
structure, unless otherwise indicated in this Code, within the City.
B. It is not the intent that this Code substitute or be identified as meeting the
certification requirements of any green building program.
7.94.050 Section 202, Chapter 2, Definitions — Amended.
The following definitions are hereby added to Section 202 of the State Code to
read as follows:
ALL -ELECTRIC BUILDING. A building that contains no combustion equipment
or plumbing for combustion equipment within the building or building property
lines, and instead uses electric appliances for service.
ASPHALTIC CONCRETE. Commonly called asphalt, bituminous asphalt
concrete, and bituminous mixture), consists of any composite material composed
of mineral aggregate adhered with a binder and commonly used to surface roads
and parking lots.
Page 2 of 18
34
CALTRANS AUTHORIZED MATERIALS LIST. Cementitious Materials for use
in concrete as updated from time to time. This list includes blended cement,
Portland cement, fly ash, pozzolan, metakaolin pozzolan, silica fume, and slag
materials.
CARBON CURE CONCRETE. A technology that introduces recycled CO2 into
fresh concrete to reduce its carbon footprint without compromising performance.
Once injected, the CO2 undergoes a mineralization process and becomes
permanently embedded.
COMMERCIAL FOOD HEAT -PROCESSING EQUIPMENT. Equipment used in
a food establishment for heat -processing food or utensils and that produces
grease vapors, steam, fumes, smoke, or odors that are required to be removed
through a local exhaust ventilation system, as defined in the California
Mechanical Code.
COMBUSTION EQUIPMENT. Any equipment or appliance used for space
heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying and/or lighting that uses fuel gas.
CONCRETE. Any approved combination of mineral aggregates bound together
into a hardened conglomerate in accordance with the requirements of this code.
Concrete as defined in this Chapter does not include asphaltic concrete.
CO2. Carbon Dioxide.
CO2 INJECTION. The process of injecting CO2 into the cement mixture rather
than water for purposes of curing the product.
ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE. A device that produces heat energy to
create a warm environment by the application of electric power to resistance
elements, refrigerant compressors, or dissimilar material junctions, as defined in
the California Mechanical Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION. Present quantified
environmental information on the life cycle of a product based on the results of a
comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to enable comparisons between
products fulfilling the same function. Environmental Product Declarations must
conform to International Organization for Standardization 14025 accreditation
and European Standard EN 15804, or International Organization for
Standardization 21930 accreditation, and have at least a "cradle to grave" scope
(which covers product life cycle from resource extraction to the factory).
FUEL GAS. A gas that is natural, manufactured, liquefied petroleum, or a
mixture of these.
Page 3 of 18
35
GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG). Any gas that has the property of
absorbing infrared radiation (net heat energy) emitted from Earth's surface and
reradiating it back to Earth's surface, thus contributing to the greenhouse
effect. GHG gasses include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides,
and water vapor.
PLAIN CONCRETE. Concrete that contains no steel reinforcement in the form
of rods, bars, or mesh or containing not more than two tenths of one percent of
reinforcing.
READY -MIX CONCRETE. Concrete that is batched for delivery from a central
plant instead of being mixed on the job site. Each batch of ready -mixed concrete
is tailor-made according to the specifics of the contractor and is delivered to the
contractor in a plastic condition, usually in the cylindrical trucks often known as
cement mixers.
REINFORCED CONCRETE. Concrete in which reinforcing steel in the form of
rods, bars, or mesh —is inserted into the concrete to absorb the tensile, shear,
and sometimes compressive stresses in a concrete structure.
SECONDARY CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS (SCM'S). Materials that include,
but are not limited to, ground granulated blast furnace slag (ggbs), fly ash,
metakaolin pozzolan, pozzolan, silica fume, and Belterra clay.
UPFRONT EMBODIED CARBON (EMBODIED CARBON). The emissions,
including greenhouse gasses, released before the built asset is used. The
release of emissions occurs in material extraction, transportation, manufacturing,
and installing building materials on site. Upfront embodied carbon also includes
operational and end -of -life emissions associated with materials.
7.94.060 Section 4.106.4 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new
construction — Deleted and Replaced.
Section 4.106.4 is deleted and replaced with Section A4.106.8 to read:
A4.106.8 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction is adopted as
mandatory at the Tier 2 level.
7.94.070 Sections 4.106.5, 4.106.5.1, and 4.106.5.2 All Electric Buildings
— Added.
Sections 4.106.5, 4.106.5.1, and 4.106.5.2 are added to read:
4.106.5 All -electric buildings. New construction buildings and qualifying
alteration projects shall comply with Section 4.106.5.1 or 4.106.5.2 so that they
do not use combustion equipment or are ready to accommodate installation of
electric heating appliances.
Page 4 of 18
36
4.106.5.1. New construction and qualifying alteration projects. All newly
constructed buildings shall be all -electric buildings. Qualifying alteration projects
shall be limited to additions or alterations that remove 50 percent or more of the
existing exterior walls of a dwelling and additions that increase the square
footage of the structure by more than 50 percent.
The final determination whether a project meets the definition of a qualifying
alteration project shall be made by the Building Official
Exception:
If the applicant establishes that there is not an all -electric
prescriptive compliance pathway for the building under the California
Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and that the building is not
able to achieve the performance compliance standard applicable to
the building under the Energy Efficiency Standards using
commercially available technology and an approved calculation
method, then the Building Official may grant a modification. The
applicant shall comply with the following and Section 4.106.5.2.
Inactive Fuel Gas Infrastructure may be extended to spaces that are
anticipated to qualify for the exceptions contained in this chapter.
The inactive Fuel Gas Infrastructure shall not be activated, have a
meter installed, or otherwise used unless the exemptions specified
in this chapter have been confirmed as part of the issuance of a
building permit. If the Fuel Gas Infrastructure is no longer serving
one of the exceptions contained in this chapter, it shall either be
capped, otherwise terminated, or removed by the entity previously
entitled to the exemption, in a manner pursuant to all applicable
Codes.
The Building Official shall have the authority to approve alternative materials and
methods of construction as per the Dublin Municipal Code, Chapter 7.28.
4.106.5.2 Requirements for combustion equipment.
Where combustion equipment is allowed under subsection 4.106.5.1, the
construction drawings shall indicate electrical infrastructure and physical space
accommodating the future installation of an electrical heating appliance in the
following ways, as certified by a registered design professional or licensed
electrical contractor:
1. Branch circuit wiring, electrically isolated and designed to serve all
electrical heating appliances in accordance with manufacturer
requirements and the California Electrical Code, including the appropriate
voltage, phase, minimum amperage, and an electrical receptacle or
junction box within five feet of the appliance that is accessible with no
Page 5 of 18
37
obstructions. Appropriately sized conduit may be installed in lieu of
conductors; and
2. Labeling of both ends of the unused conductors or conduit shall be with
"For Future Electrical Appliance"; and
3. Reserved circuit breakers in the electrical panel for each branch circuit,
appropriately labeled (i.e. "Reserved for Future Electric Range"), and
positioned on the opposite end of the panel supply conductor connection;
and
4. Connected subpanels, panelboards, switchboards, busbars, and
transformers shall be sized to serve the future electrical heating
appliances. The electrical capacity requirements shall be adjusted for
demand factors in accordance with the California Electric Code; and
5. Physical space for future electrical heating appliances, including
equipment footprint, and if needed a pathway reserved for routing of
ductwork to heat pump evaporator(s), shall be depicted on the
construction drawings. The footprint necessary for future electrical heating
appliances may overlap with non-structural partitions and with the location
of currently designed combustion equipment.
7.94.080 Section 4.107.1, Division 4.1, Chapter 4, Future access for
solar systems -Added.
A new Section 4.107.1 is added to read:
4.107.1 Future Access for Solar Systems. A minimum one -inch (25.4
mm) electrical conduit shall be provided from the electrical service equipment
to the solar zone as defined by the California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6,
Section 110.10. Where a solar zone is not required by the California Energy
Code, the conduit location shall be subject to approval of the Building Official.
Exception: Where solar is installed as part of the original construction and
prior to first occupancy.
7.94.085 Section 4.420, Division 4.4, Chapter 4, Low Carbon Concrete -
Added.
A new Section 4.420 is added to read:
4.420 Low Carbon Concrete Requirements.
4.420.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards and
requirements for the composition of concrete, as defined herein, that
maintains adequate strength and durability for the intended application and
Page 6 of 18
38
at the same time reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with
concrete composition.
4.4.20.1.2 Applicability. The requirements of this section shall only be
applicable to projects that require a building permit.
4.420.3 Compliance. Compliance with the requirements of this section
shall be demonstrated through any of the compliance options in Sections
4.420.3.2 through 4.420.3.5.
Table 4.420.3: Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Pathways
Cement limits
Embodied Carbon limits
for use with any compliance
for use with any compliance
method
method
4.420.3.2 through 4.420.3.5
4.420.3.2 through 4.420.3.5
Minimum
Maximum ordinary Portland
Maximum embodied carbon kg
specified
cement contentjlbs/yd3 (1)
CO2e/m3, per Environmental
compressive
Product Declaration
strength f'c , psi
up to 2500
362
260
2501-3000
410
289
3001-4000
456
313
4001-5000
503
338
5001-6000
531
356
6001-7000
594
394
Greater than
657
433
7000
up to 3000 light
512
578
weight
Up to 4000 light
571
626
weight
4001-5000 light
629
675
weight
Notes (1) Portland cement of any type per ASTM C150.
4.420.3.1 Allowable Increases
(1) Approved Cements. The maximum cement content may be
increased proportionately above the tabulated value when using an
approved cement, or blended cement, demonstrated by approved
Page 7 of 18
39
Environmental Product Declaration to have a plant -specific
Environmental Product Declaration lower than 1040 kg CO2e/metric
ton. The increase in allowable cement content is:
1040 / plant -specific Environmental Product Declaration %.
(2) Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Allowances. Cement or
Embodied Carbon limits shown in Table 4.420.3 can be increased
by 30% for concretes demonstrated to the Building Official as
requiring high early strength. Such concretes may include but are
not limited to, precast or prestressed concrete; beams and slabs
above grade; and shotcrete.
4.420.3.2 Cement Limit Method — Mix
Cement content of a concrete mix using this method shall not exceed the
value shown in Table 4.420.3. Use of this method is limited to concrete
with specified compressive strength not exceeding 5,000 psi.
4.120.3.3. Cement Limit Method — Project
Total cement content shall be based on total cement usage of all concrete
mix designs within the same project. Total cement content for a project
shall not exceed the value calculated according to Equation 4.420.3.3.
Equation 4.420.3.3:
Z(Cemn)(vn) <_ Z(Cemrm)(vn)
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
Cemn = the cement content for mixture n, kg/m3 or lb/yd3
Cemiim = the maximum cement content for mixture n per Table
4.420.3, kg/m3 or lb/yd3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
Calculations may use yd3 or m3 but must keep the same units
throughout.
4.420.3.4 Embodied Carbon Method — Mix
Mix embodied carbon of a concrete mix, based on an approved
Environmental Product Declaration, shall not exceed the value given in
Table 4.420.3.
Page 8 of 18
40
4.420.3.5 Embodied Carbon Method - Project
Total embodied carbon of all concrete mix designs within the same project
(EC prof) shall not exceed the project limit (EC allowed) determined using
Table 4.420.3 and Equation 4.420.3.5.
Equation 4.420.3.5:
Z(ECn )(vn) <- Z(ECiim )(vn )
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
ECn = the embodied carbon content for mixture n, per mixture
Environmental Product Declaration, kgCO2e/m3
ECiim = the maximum embodied carbon content for mixture n per
Table 4.420.3, kgCO2e/m3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
4.420.3.6 Verification and Enforcement
Prior to the approval of the building permit application involving the
placement of concrete, the permit applicant shall submit a completed Low -
Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to the Building & Safety Division. If
the permit applicant has not secured a concrete supplier at the time the
permit application is submitted, the applicant may complete the Low -
Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to calculate the maximum allowable
cement and embodied carbon and shall certify by signature that they will
meet maximum allowable limits at the time of construction.
As a condition of such building permits, and prior to approving
construction inspections and prior to placement of concrete, the permit
applicant shall submit batch certificates and/or Environmental Product
Declarations with an updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to
the Building & Safety Division. The batch certificates and/or Environmental
Product Declarations, and the updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance
Form shall be reviewed for compliance by the Building & Safety Division
prior to performing further inspections or pouring concrete.
When deviations from compliance with this section occur, the Building
Official or their designee, is authorized to require the permit applicant to
provide evidence of equivalent carbon reductions from the portions of
remaining construction of the project to demonstrate alternative
compliance with the intent of this chapter and payment of associated
Page 9 of 18
41
administrative fees. If the permit applicant is unable to provide evidence of
equivalent carbon reductions, the Building & Safety Division reserves the
right to penalize the permit applicant for the excess embodied carbon
used in the project. Excess embodied carbon shall be determined by the
amount of embodied carbon content in the project greater than ECiim per
Equation 4.420.3.5, in metric tons. The maximum penalty shall be
determined as follows:
Pm = (ECx)($190) + A
Where,
Pm = the maximum penalty ($)
ECx = the total excess embodied carbon content in the project, in metric
tons determined from Equation 4.420.3.5.
$190 = penalty per metric ton of excess embodied carbon ($/metric tom
A = Building and Safety Administrative Fee ($), refer to the City's Master
Fee Schedule.
For projects involving placement of concrete by, or on behalf of, the City of
Dublin the City Project Manager for the project, or their designee, shall
maintain accurate records of the total volume (in cubic yards) of all
concrete placed, as well as the total compliant volume (in cubic yards) of
all concrete placed.
4.420.3.7 Exemptions
(a) Projects exempt from permits. Protects that do not require a
building permit per Chapter 7.28, shall not be subject to the requirements
in section 4.420
(b) Projects that do not involve the placement of ready -mix concrete.
(c) Asphaltic concrete is not considered as concrete for the purposes of
section 4.420
(d) Due to lack of commercial availability of low -carbon concrete options,
shotcrete, qunite, and stucco are exempt from embodied carbon
regpirements.
(e) Small projects as approved by the Building Official.
(f) Hardship or infeasibility exemption. If an applicant for a project
subject to section 4.420 believes that circumstances exist that make it a
hardship or infeasible to meet the requirements of section 4.420, the
applicant may request an exemption as set forth below. In applying for an
exemption, the burden is on the applicant to show hardship or infeasibility.
The applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the
standards for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the
circumstances that make it a hardship or infeasible for the project to
comply with this chapter. Circumstances that constitute hardship or
infeasibility may include, but are not limited to the following:
Page 10 of 18
42
(1) There is a lack of commercially available material necessary to
comply with section 4.420;
(2) The cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the
overall cost of the project;
(3) Compliance with the requirements would impair the historic
integrity of buildings listed on a local, state or federal list or register
of historic structures as regulated by the California Historic Building
Code (Title 24, Part 8).
(q) Granting of an exemption. If the Building Official determines that it
is a hardship or infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements
of section 4.420 and that granting the requested exemption will not cause
the building to fail to comply with the California Green Building Standards
Code, the Building Official shall determine the maximum feasible threshold
of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. In making this
determination, the Building Official shall consider whether alternate,
practical means of achieving the objectives of section 4.420 can be
satisfied. If an exemption is granted, the applicant shall be required to
comply with section 4.420 in all other respects and shall be required to
achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the
Building Official.
(h) Denial of exception. If the Building Official determines that it is reasonably
possible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of section
4.420, the request shall be denied, and the applicant shall be
notified of the decision in writing within 60 days after receipt of the
request for exemption. The project and compliance documentation
shall be modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
7.94.090 Sections 5.106.5.3 and 5.106.5.3.1 Electric vehicle (EV)
charging. — Deleted and Replaced.
Sections 5.106.5.3 and 5.106.5.3.1 are deleted and replaced with Section
A5.106.5.3 to read:
Section A5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction is
adopted as mandatory at the Tier 2 level.
7.94.100 Section 5.106.13, 5.106.13.1 and 5.106.13.2 All electric
buildings. — Added.
Section 5.106.13, 5.106.13.1 and 5.106.13.5.2 are added to read:
5.106.13 All -electric buildings. New construction buildings and qualifying
alteration projects shall comply with Section 5.106.13.1 or 5.106.13.2 so that
they do not use combustion equipment or are ready to facilitate future
electrification.
Page 11 of 18
43
5.106.13.1. New construction and qualifying alteration projects. All newly
constructed buildings shall be all -electric buildings. Qualifying alteration projects
shall be limited to additions or alterations that remove 50 percent or more of the
existing exterior walls of a structure and additions that increase the square
footage of the structure by more than 50 percent.
Tenant improvements shall not be considered new construction. The final
determination whether a project meets the definition of qualifying alteration
project shall be made by the Building Official.
Exceptions:
1. Nonresidential buildings containing kitchens located in a place of
public accommodation, as defined in the California Building Code
Chapter 2, may apply to the Building Official for a modification to
install commercial food heat -processing equipment served by fuel
gas. The Building Official may grant the modification, provided the
following findings are made:
a) The applicant has a business -related need to cook with
combustion equipment; and
b) The applicant has installed energy efficient equipment
based on Energy Star or California Energy Wise
qualifications, as available.
c) The applicant will comply with Section 5.106.13.2.
2. If the applicant establishes that there is not an all -electric
prescriptive compliance pathway for the building under the
California Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and that the
building is not able to achieve the performance compliance
standard applicable to the building under the Energy Efficiency
Standards using commercially available technology and an
approved calculation method, then the Building Official may grant a
modification. The applicant shall comply with following and Section
5.106.13.2
Inactive Fuel Gas Infrastructure may be extended to spaces that
are anticipated to qualify for the exceptions contained in this
chapter. The inactive Fuel Gas Infrastructure shall not be activated,
have a meter installed, or otherwise be used unless the exemptions
specified in this chapter have been confirmed as part of the
issuance of a building permit. If the Fuel Gas Infrastructure is no
longer serving one of the exceptions contained in this chapter, it
shall either be capped, otherwise terminated, or removed by the
entity previously entitled to the exemption, in a manner pursuant to
all applicable Codes.
Page 12 of 18
44
The Building Official shall have the authority to approve alternative materials
and methods of construction as per the Dublin Municipal Code, Chapter 7.28.
5.106.13.2. Requirements for combustion equipment.
Where combustion equipment is allowed under Subsection 5.106.13.1, the
construction drawings shall indicate electrical infrastructure and physical
space accommodating the future installation of an electrical heating appliance
in the following ways, as certified by a registered design professional or
licensed electrical contractor:
1. Branch circuit wiring, electrically isolated and designed to serve all
electrical heating appliances in accordance with manufacturer requirements
and the California Electrical Code, including the appropriate voltage, phase,
minimum amperage, and an electrical receptacle or junction box within five
feet of the appliance that is accessible with no obstructions. Appropriately
sized conduit may be installed in lieu of conductors; and
2. Labeling of both ends of the unused conductors or conduit shall be
with "For Future Electrical Appliance"; and
3. Reserved circuit breakers in the electrical panel for each branch
circuit, appropriately labeled (i.e. "Reserved for Future Electric Range"), and
positioned on the opposite end of the panel supply conductor connection;
and
4. Connected subpanels, panelboards, switchboards, busbars, and
transformers shall be sized to serve the future electrical heating appliances.
The electrical capacity requirements shall be adjusted for demand factors in
accordance with the California Electric Code; and
5. Physical space for future electrical heating appliances, including
equipment footprint, and if needed a pathway reserved for routing of ductwork
to heat pump evaporator(s), shall be depicted on the construction drawings.
The footprint necessary for future electrical heating appliances may overlap
with non-structural partitions and with the location of currently designed
combustion equipment.
7.94.110 Section 5.107.1, Division 5.1, Chapter 5, Future access for
solar systems -Added.
A new Section 5.107.1 is added to read:
5.107.1 Future Access for Solar Systems. Install conduit from the solar
zone as defined by the California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, Section
110.10 to a location within the building identified as suitable for future
installation of a charge controller (regulator) and inverter.
Page 13 of 18
45
Exception: Where solar is installed as part of the original construction and
prior to first occupancy.
7.94.120
Added.
Section 5.420, Division 5.4, Chapter 5, Low Carbon Concrete -
A new Section 5.420 is added to read:
5.420 Low Carbon Concrete Requirements.
5.420.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards
and requirements for the composition of concrete, as defined herein, that
maintains adequate strength and durability for the intended application
and at the same time reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with
concrete composition.
5.4.20.1.2 Applicability. The requirements of this section shall only be
applicable to projects that require a building permit.
5.420.3 Compliance. Compliance with the requirements of this section
shall be demonstrated through any of the compliance options in Sections
5.420.3.2 through 5.420.3.5.
Table 5.420.3: Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Pathways
Cement limits
Embodied Carbon limits
for use with any compliance
for use with any compliance
method
method
5.420.3.2 through 5.420.3.5
5.420.3.2 through 5.420.3.5
Minimum
Maximum ordinary Portland
Maximum embodied carbon kg
specified
cement content, Ibs/yd3 (1)
CO2e/m3, per Environmental
compressive
Product Declaration
strength f'c , psi
up to 2500
362
260
2501-3000
410
289
3001-4000
456
313
4001-5000
503
338
5001-6000
531
356
6001-7000
594
394
Greater than
657
433
7000
up to 3000 light
512
578
weight
Page 14 of 18
46
Up to 4000 light
571
626
weight
4001-5000 light
629
675
weight
Notes (1) Portland cement of any type per ASTM C150.
5.420.3.1 Allowable Increases
(1) Approved Cements. The maximum cement content may be
increased proportionately above the tabulated value when using an
approved cement, or blended cement, demonstrated by approved
Environmental Product Declaration to have a plant -specific
Environmental Product Declaration lower than 1040 kg CO2e/metric
ton. The increase in allowable cement content is:
1040 / plant -specific Environmental Product
Declaration %.
(2) Cement and Embodied Carbon Limit Allowances. Cement or
Embodied Carbon limits shown in Table 5.420.3 can be increased
by 30% for concretes demonstrated to the Building Official as
requiring high early strength. Such concretes may include but are
not limited to, precast or prestressed concrete. beams and slabs
above grade; and shotcrete.
5.420.3.2 Cement Limit Method — Mix
Cement content of a concrete mix using this method shall not exceed the
value shown in Table 5.420.3. Use of this method is limited to concrete
with specified compressive strength not exceeding 5,000 psi.
5.120.3.3. Cement Limit Method — Project
Total cement content shall be based on total cement usage of all concrete
mix designs within the same project. Total cement content for a project
shall not exceed the value calculated according to Equation 5.420.3.3.
Equation 5.420.3.3:
Z(Cemn)(vn) < Z(Cemiim)(vn)
Where,
Page 15 of 18
47
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
Cemn = the cement content for mixture n, kg/m3 or lb/yd3
Cemiim = the maximum cement content for mixture n per Table
5.420.3, kg/m3 or lb/yd3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
Calculations may use yd3 or m3 but must keep the same units
throughout.
5.420.3.4 Embodied Carbon Method - Mix
Mix embodied carbon of a concrete mix, based on an approved
Environmental Product Declaration, shall not exceed the value given in
Table 5.420.3.
5.420.3.5 Embodied Carbon Method - Project
Total embodied carbon of all concrete mix designs within the same project
(EC proj) shall not exceed the project limit (EC allowed) determined using
Table 5.420.3 and Equation 5.420.3.5.
Equation 5.420.3.5:
Z(ECn )(vn) <- Z(ECiim )(vn )
Where,
n = the total number of concrete mixtures for the project
ECn = the embodied carbon content for mixture n, per mixture
Environmental Product Declaration, kgCO2e/m3
ECiim = the maximum embodied carbon content for mixture n per
Table 4.420.3, kgCO2e/m3
vn = the volume of mixture n concrete to be placed, yd3 or m3
5.420.3.6 Verification and Enforcement
Prior to the approval of the building permit application involving the
placement of concrete, the permit applicant shall submit a completed Low -
Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to the Building & Safety Division. If
the permit applicant has not secured a concrete supplier at the time the
permit application is submitted, the applicant may complete the Low -
Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to calculate the maximum allowable
cement and embodied carbon and shall certify by signature that they will
meet maximum allowable limits at the time of construction.
Page 16 of 18
48
As a condition of such building permits, and prior to approving
construction inspections and prior to placement of concrete, the permit
applicant shall submit batch certificates and/or Environmental Product
Declarations with an updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance Form to
the Building & Safety Division. The batch certificates and/or Environmental
Product Declarations, and the updated Low -Carbon Concrete Compliance
Form shall be reviewed for compliance by the Building & Safety Division
prior to performing further inspections or pouring concrete.
When deviations from compliance with this section occur, the Building
Official or their designee, is authorized to require the permit applicant to
provide evidence of equivalent carbon reductions from the portions of
remaining construction of the project to demonstrate alternative
compliance with the intent of this chapter and payment of associated
administrative fees. If the permit applicant is unable to provide evidence of
equivalent carbon reductions, the Building & Safety Division reserves the
right to penalize the permit applicant for the excess embodied carbon
used in the project. Excess embodied carbon shall be determined by the
amount of embodied carbon content in the project greater than ECum per
Equation 4.420.3.5, in metric tons. The maximum penalty shall be
determined as follows:
Pm = (EC,($190) + A
Where,
Pm = the maximum penalty ($)
ECX = the total excess embodied carbon content in the project, in metric
tons determined from Equation 4.420.3.5.
$190 = penalty per metric ton of excess embodied carbon ($/metric ton)
A = Building and Safety Administrative Fee ($), refer to the City's Master
Fee Schedule.
For projects involving placement of concrete by, or on behalf of, the City of
Dublin the City Project Manager for the project, or their designee, shall
maintain accurate records of the total volume (in cubic yards) of all
concrete placed, as well as the total compliant volume (in cubic yards) of
all concrete placed.
5.420.3.7 Exemptions
(a) Projects exempt from permits. Projects that do not require a
building permit per Chapter 7.28, shall not be subject to the requirements
in section 5.420.
(b) Projects that do not involve the placement of ready -mix concrete.
(c) Asphaltic concrete is not considered as concrete for the purposes of
section 5.420
Page 17 of 18
49
(d)Due to lack of commercial availability of low -carbon concrete options,
shotcrete, gunite, and stucco are exempt from embodied carbon
requirements.
(e) Small projects as approved by the Building Official.
(f) Hardship or infeasibility exemption. If an applicant for a prof ct
subject to section 5.420 believes that circumstances exist that make it a
hardship or infeasible to meet the requirements of section 5.420, the
applicant may request an exemption as set forth below. In applying for an
exemption, the burden is on the applicant to show hardship or infeasibility.
The applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the
standards for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the
circumstances that make it a hardship or infeasible for the project to
comply with this chapter. Circumstances that constitute hardship or
infeasibility may include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) There is a lack of commercially available material necessary to
comply with section 5.420;
(2) The cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the
overall cost of the project;
(3) Compliance with the requirements would impair the historic
integrity of buildings listed on a local, state, or federal list or register
of historic structures as regulated by the California Historic Building
Code (Title 24, Part 8).
(g) Granting of an exemption. If the Building Official determines that it
is a hardship or infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements
of section 5.420 and that granting the requested exemption will not cause
the building to fail to comply with the California Green Building Standards
Code, the Building Official shall determine the maximum feasible threshold
of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. In making this
determination, the BuildincgOfficial shall consider whether alternate,
practical means of achieving the objectives of section 5.420 can be
satisfied. If an exemption is granted, the applicant shall be required to
compl ry with section 5.420 in all other respects and shall be required to
achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the
Building Official.
(h) Denial of exception. If the Building Official determines that it is
reasonably possible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of
section 5.420, the request shall be denied, and the applicant shall be
notified of the decision in writing within 60 days after receipt of the request
for exemption. The protect and compliance documentation shall be
modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
Page 18 of 18
50
Adding a Low Carbon Concrete
Requirement to the City's Green
Building Code
September 3, 2024
II
DUBLIN
CALIFORNIA
51
Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond
CITY OF DUBLIN
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
2030 AND BEYOND
Building Thriving and Resilient Neighborhoods for All
Sepeembcr 2030
Five strategies in Climate Action Plan 2030 and
Beyond (CAP 2030)
I. Renewable and carbon free electricity (CF)
2. Building efficiency and electrification (EE)
3. Sustainable Mobility and Land Use (SM)
4. Materials and Waste Management (MM)
5. Municipal Leadership (ML)
Portland Cement Carbon Emissions and LCC
Cement
F h . Ash
• Concrete industry accounts for
8% of global carbon emissions
• Greenhouse gas emissions can be
reduced by minimizing the
amount of cement in concrete by
using supplementary cementitious
materials (SCMs).
• SCMs such as fly ash, slag, and
glass pozzolans have been used
for years, are locally available and
can reduce the cost of producing
concrete
Low Carbon Concrete Green Building
Code
• Based on the code adopted by Marin County in 2019.
• Applies to all projects that require a building permit and
that use ready -mix concrete.
• Compliance demonstrated by either:
— Using cement limit equation
— Using the embodied carbon pathway
54
Impact on Building Permits
2023 Calendar Year (2,903 building permits):
• I 1.6% subject to ordinance
• 17.2% require further review
• 71.2% exempt from requirements
55
Impact on Residential Projects
• No Effect:
— Work exempt from a
Building permit
— Water heater and HVAC
replacement permits
— Electrical permits
• Possible Minor Effect:
Repair work
New swimming pool
permits without a concrete
deck
Retaining walls
• Moderate Effect:
— New swimming pool with a
concrete deck
Small additions
Accessory structures
New landscaping permits with
concrete pathways
• Full Effect:
— New buildings
— Accessory dwelling units
— Additions
Fiscal Impact
• Cost to the City associated with implementing
the ordinance is estimated to be
approximately $85,000 to $140,000 per year.
• Funding has been included in the Master Fee
Schedule.
• Adjustments to Master Fees for cost recovery
as we learn more of the impact.
Next Steps
• If adopted by the City Council, the New
Requirements in the Ordinance would become
effective January I , 2025.
• Education and outreach would be conducted
between ordinance adoption and
implementation.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
I) Adopt the Resolution Approving Findings Regarding the Need for Local
Amendments to Provisions in the California Building Standards Code As
Adopted by the City (Resolution); and,
2) Introduce the Ordinance Approving Amendments to the Dublin Municipal
Code Chapter 7.94 (Green Building Code) to Amend Section 7.94.050
(Definitions) and to Add Section 7.94.085 (Low Carbon Concrete) and
Section 7.94.120 (Low Carbon Concrete) (Ordinance).