California Tax Credit Allocation Committee

2014 Sustainable Building Method and Minimum Construction Standards for Energy Efficiency

Sustainable Building Methods and Minimum Construction Standards (Revised 8/28/14)

The Sustainable Building Method and Energy Efficiency Requirements Workbook (Workbook) is a tool to assist energy consultants and project development team members in preparing and implementing the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee's (TCAC’s) minimum construction standards related to energy efficiency and CALGreen compliance as well as the sustainable building method (SBM) point scoring requirements. The Workbook guidance addresses 9% SBM point scoring requirements, but is also intended for use by 4% applicants fulfilling the requirements of TCAC minimum construction standards. Use and submission of the Workbook is a requirement for all applicants and owners per TCAC Regulation Sections 10325(f)(7), 10325(c)(6)(H), and 10327(c)(5)(B)(3) and (4). For applicants developing a project in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or GreenPoint Rated Multifamily Guidelines and not requesting competitive points under Sections 10325(c)(6)(B), (E), or (G), the Workbook is not required.

The Workbook includes the following:

For all projects:

For rehabilitation projects:

The first sheet of the Workbook labeled Instructions and FAQs contains general instructions for completing the Workbook. These have been updated as of August 28, 2014. The second sheet, Application Phase, is to be completed and submitted with the tax credit application. The upper section of this sheet (approximately through row 18), once completed will provide guidance and instructions specific to the project construction type. The third sheet, Placed in Service Phase, is similar to the second sheet. Minimum Construction Standards, Combustion Appliance Standards, and CALGreen Checklist is intended to clarify (at the application stage) what will need to be verified by the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) or GreenPoint Rater at placed-in-service. This sheet should be completed and submitted with the Placed in Service Phase spreadsheet. Project Submission Requirements includes tables outlining the software and document submission requirements for application and placed-in-service compliance verification and provides additional detail for requirements of the Application Phase and Placed in Service Phase spreadsheets. Rehab Verification Quals Final provides professional qualification requirements for rehabilitation project energy consultants. NC Verification Quals provides professional qualification requirements for new construction project energy consultants.

Applicants must include all required Application Phase documentation with their tax credit application. Owners are expected to comply with the Workbook instructions during project construction/rehabilitation and to include the appropriate documentation when submitting placed in service packages. The files below will be periodically updated, and project team members should comply with the standards in effect at the time of the tax credit reservation. All projects awarded in 2014 must submit the updated Workbook documents with the project’s placed in service package. All projects receiving a reservation December 10, 2014 must submit the updated Workbook documents with the project’s application. TCAC staff will send email notifications when updating this webpage. If you would like to be informed of updates, please subscribe to our mailing list.