2014-069 - Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2014-01

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HARBOR BLVD. MIXED USE TRANSIT CORRIDOR PLAN FINAL EIR CITY OF SANTA ANA 5. Environmental Analysis GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS California Building Code Energy conservation standards for new residential and nonresidential buildings were adopted by the California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission in June 1977 and updated triannually (Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations [CCR]). Title 24 requires the design of building shells and building components to conserve energy. The standards are updated periodically to allow for consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. On May 31, 2012, the California Energy Commission (CEC) adopted the 2013 Building and Energy Efficiency Standards, which go into effect on January 1, 2014. Buildings that are constructed in accordance with the 2013 Building and Energy Efficiency Standards are 25 percent (residential) to 30 percent (nonresidential) more energy efficient than the 2008 standards as a result of better windows, insulation, lighting, ventilation systems, and other features that reduce energy consumption in homes and businesses. On July 17, 2008, the California Building Standards Commission adopted the nation's first green building standards. The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) was adopted as part of the California Building Standards Code (Part 11, Title 24, California Code of Regulations). CALGreen established planning and design standards for sustainable site development, energy efficiency (in excess of the California Energy Code requirements), water conservation, material conservation, and internal air contammants.8 The mandatory provisions of the California Green Building Code Standards became effective January 1, 2011. 2006 Appliance Effzciencg Regulations The 2006 Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20, CCR Sections 1601 through 1608) were adopted by the California Energy Commission on October 11, 2006, and approved by the California Office of Administrative Law on December 14, 2006. The regulations include standards for both federally regulated appliances and non - federally regulated appliances. Existing Setting The existing land uses within the boundaries of the Harbor Boulevard Mixed Use Corridor Transit Plan includes residential, retail, commercial, and light industrial land uses (see Table 5.1 -4). These land uses currently generate GHG emissions from mobile sources, natural gas and electricity use, generation of wastewater and solid waste, and from area sources such as household consumer products and landscaping equipment. 5.5.2 Thresholds of Significance According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if the project would: GHG -1 Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. a The green building standazds became mandatory in the 2010 edition of the code. October 2014 Page 5.5- 11