In what was described as the United States' first statewide "green" building rules, the California Building Standards Commission said the code would help reduce the carbon footprint of every new structure in the state.
According to a statement from the California State and Consumer Services Agency (SCSA), the code goes beyond existing standards, targeting a 50 percent landscape water conservation reduction.
The code also calls on builders to reduce energy use of new structures by 15 percent more than existing standards.
Other measures include encouraging greater use of recycled materials in carpet and construction materials, the SCSA.
"California is again leading the way to fight climate change and protect the environment," California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
"This is literally a groundbreaking move to ensure that when we break ground on all new buildings ... we are promoting green building and energy efficient new technologies," he added.
© 2008 AFP
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