The Olympian Push: California’s Bold Battle Against Climate Change

As the world gears up for the LA28 Olympic Games, California is taking center stage in the fight against climate change. At Greenbuild 2025, the session titled The Olympian Push: California’s Bold Battle Against Climate Change showcased the state’s groundbreaking efforts to reduce carbon emissions through innovative building codes and policies. With a panel of experts leading the discussion, the session highlighted how California is setting the standard for sustainable construction and climate action.

California’s Climate Leadership: A Collaborative Effort

The session featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

• Hanjiro Ambrose, Lead Staff for Embodied Carbon Policy at the California Air Resources Board.
• Irina Brauzman, Supervising Architect at the California Building Standards Commission.
• Eric Driever, Principal Architect at the State of California/DGS/DSA/HQ.
• Michael Malinowski, FAIA Principal Architect and consultant to AIACA at Applied Architecture Inc. / AIA California.

These experts shared insights into how California’s building codes, particularly Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, are driving the state’s climate goals. Title 24, which is republished every three years, includes standards for all buildings and related structures. Among its 13 parts, CalGreen (Part 11) stands out as a key player in reducing embodied carbon emissions.

Why Embodied Carbon Matters

Buildings account for a staggering 39% of global carbon emissions annually, according to a 2021 RMI report. Recognizing this, California has implemented mandatory embodied carbon regulations as part of CalGreen’s 2022 edition. These regulations aim to reduce the global warming potential (GWP) of construction materials, aligning with the state’s broader climate policies.

Key Policies Driving Carbon Reduction

California’s climate policy portfolio is robust, with several initiatives designed to tackle emissions:

1. Buy Clean California Act (2018): Establishes GWP limits for materials like structural steel, concrete reinforcing steel, flat glass, and mineral wool board insulation used in public works projects.
2. Executive Orders B-30-15, B-55-18, and -19-19: Set ambitious climate targets for the state.
3. AB 2446 and AB 43: Mandate a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by December 2035.
4. SB596: Directs CARB to achieve net-zero emissions for cement by 2045.

How California is Achieving Its Goals

California’s approach to embodied carbon reduction is multifaceted, offering three compliance paths:

1. Building Reuse: Requires maintaining 45% of the existing structure and enclosure when reusing a building.
2. Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA): Mandates a cradle-to-grave analysis demonstrating a 10% reduction in GWP.
3. Product GWP Prescriptive Path: Sets specific GWP limits for materials and requires Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) during construction documentation.

These strategies are enforced through rigorous oversight by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), which reviews plans, ensures structural safety, and conducts inspections. DSA certifications help build trust between state and local governments, ensuring compliance with embodied carbon criteria.

The Road Ahead: 2024 and Beyond

As of July 2024, California requires whole-building life cycle assessments for large non-residential and school buildings. These assessments must demonstrate a 10% reduction in GWP or meet alternative compliance paths. Additionally, the state is developing an Emissions Baseline Tool to provide a snapshot of building section emissions by 2026, guiding future planning efforts.

A Bold Vision for the Future

California’s bold climate policies are not just about reducing emissions—they’re about setting a global example. By leveraging innovative building codes, strategic partnerships, and rigorous oversight, the state is paving the way for a sustainable future. As the LA28 Olympic Games approach, California’s efforts will undoubtedly inspire other regions to follow suit.

The Olympian Push is more than a session title—it’s a call to action. California’s battle against climate change is a testament to what can be achieved when ambition meets collaboration. With the world watching, the state is proving that bold leadership can drive meaningful change.