Specialized Code FAQs
Opt-In Specialized Code FAQs
Adapted in September 2023 from FAQs developed by the Town of Truro in reference to the Specialized Code, April 2023
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Municipal Opt-In Specialized Energy Code (Specialized Code)
WHAT IS THE STRETCH CODE?
As part of the Green Communities Act of 2008, Massachusetts is required to update its building code every three years to be consistent with the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This ensures that new buildings are designed and constructed with energy efficiency in mind.[1] The current Base Energy Code in Massachusetts, effective January 1, 2023, consists of IECC 2021 with additional Massachusetts-specific amendments.
In 2009, Massachusetts became the first state to adopt an above-code appendix to the "base" building energy code: the "Stretch Code." The Stretch Code, which emphasizes energy performance, as opposed to prescriptive requirements, is designed to result in cost-effective construction that is more energy efficient than that built to the "base" energy code. The Stretch Code is typically updated every few years, with the most recent update becoming effective on January 1, 2023.1 The Stretch Code consists of IECC 2021 with Massachusetts specific amendments plus additional Stretch Code amendments.
There are two chapters in the Stretch Code:
• Residential Low-Rise Construction (DOER Regulation 225 CMR Chapter 22)
• Commercial (& all other) Construction (DOER Regulation 225 CMR Chapter 23)
WHAT IS THE MUNICIPAL OPT-IN SPECIALIZED ENERGY CODE (SPECIALIZED CODE)?
The Climate Act of 2021 required the development of a new Municipal Opt-in Specialized energy code (Specialized Code). The statute requires that the Specialized Code is formulated to ensure new construction that is consistent with Massachusetts greenhouse gas limits and sub-limits set every five years from 2025 to 2050.1 The Specialized Code consists of the IECC 2021 with Massachusetts-specific amendments plus additional Stretch Code and Specialized Code amendments.
Both the Residential Low-Rise and Commercial chapters in the Stretch Code contain a Specialized Code appendix:
• Residential Low-Rise Construction (DOER Regulation 225 CMR Chapter 22 Appendix RC)
• Commercial (& all other) Construction (DOER Regulation 225 CMR Chapter 23 Appendix CC)
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STRETCH CODE AND THE SPECIALIZED CODE?
For Residential Low-Rise:
Existing Buildings
There is no difference. This includes additions, alterations, and changes of use.
New Construction
The Specialized Code requires the following above and beyond the Stretch Code.
Mixed-Fuel homes 4,000 SF or under must:
- Be pre-wired for electrification; and
- Install on-site solar PV when following the Stretch Code HERS pathway, with and exemption for shade sites.
Mixed Fuel homes over 4,000 SF must:
- Achieve HERS 0 or Phius ZERO requirements; and
- Be prewired for electrification and
- Install on-site solar or other renewables to achieve the Zero energy building definition
For Commercial:
Existing Buildings
There is no difference. This includes additions, alterations, and changes of use.
New Construction
The Specialized Code requires the following above and beyond the Stretch Code:
Mixed-Fuel buildings must:
Be prewired for electrification; and
Install on-site solar PV of a minimum of 1.5W/sf for each square foot of the 3 the largest floors or for 75% of the Potential Solar Zone
Meet minimum HVAC equipment and service water heating efficiencies
All multi-family buildings over 12,000 sf must achieve precertification to Passive House standards. Buildings up to 5 stories must immediately comply and buildings with 6 or more stories must comply beginning January 2024
HOW DO THE 2023 MA ENERGY CODE UPDATES AFFECT ORLEANS?
In 2018, Orleans enrolled in the Green Communities program, which required adoption of the Stretch Code and updates to the Stretch Code do not require additional bylaw votes. The latest Stretch Code is already applicable in Orleans and is applicable to low-rise residential and commercial new construction as well as existing building alterations, additions, and change of use with square footage thresholds.
The Specialized Code is a new option for Orleans to choose to adopt via a vote by Town Meeting. The Specialized Code is applicable to low-rise residential and commercial new construction.
HAVE OTHER TOWNS ADOPTED THE SPECIALIZED ENERGY CODE?
Wellfleet and Truro adopted the Specialized Energy Code at their Spring 2023 Town Meetings, joining 15 off-Cape towns in adopting the Specialized Energy Code. Additional towns are preparing to vote on the Specialized Code at upcoming Town Meetings. Cities, e.g., Northampton, have adopted the Specialized Code by a vote of the City Council.
WHAT BUILDING TYPES DOES THE RESIDENTIAL LOW-RISE CHAPTER APPLY TO?
Single family, two-family, townhouses, and buildings three stories or less in height above grade with the following occupancies: apartment/multifamily buildings, hotels/motels, lodging/rooming house, vacation timeshares, dormitories, fraternities/sororities, covenants/monasteries.
Optional: multi-family buildings less than 12,000 sf of total conditioned floor area of any height may follow the residential low- rise or commercial chapter.
WHAT BUILDING TYPES DOES THE COMMERCIAL CHAPTER APPLY TO?
Assembly, business, educational, institutional, mercantile, factory and industrial, storage, high hazard, utility and miscellaneous, and buildings four stories or more in height above grade with The following occupancies: apartment/multifamily buildings, hotels/motels, lodging/rooming house, vacation timeshares, dormitories, fraternities/sororities, covenants/monasteries.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE OF THE 2023 MA ENERGY CODE UPDATES?
The effective dates are indicated below for each of the energy codes. Effective dates are applicable to all projects with permits pulled on or after the effective date.
Residential Low-Rise Stretch Code:
The Residential Low-Rise Stretch Code went into effect on January 1, 2023. A second phase with more stringent requirements will become effective on July 1, 2024.
Commercial Stretch Code:
The Commercial Stretch Code went into effect on July 1, 2023.
Specialized Stretch Code (Residential Low-Rise & New Construction):
The Specialized Code has been available for adoption since December 23, 2022. If passed at Town meeting, it will go into effect no sooner than 6 months after the Town meeting vote
IF I PUT A NEW ROOF ON MY HOUSE, DO I HAVE TO UPGRADE ANYTHING BASED ON
THE NEW CODES?
No. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to put a layer of rigid insulation and sheathing or R-Zip sheathing before you reroof, though. You’ll increase your comfort and you could save money on energy bills over the life of your roof.
IF MY HOUSE THAT IS LARGER THAN 4,000 SF BURNS DOWN AND I HAVE TO REBUILD, DO I NEED TO FOLLOW THE NEW CODES?
Yes.
IF MY HOUSE THAT IS SMALLER THAN 4,000 SF BURNS DOWN AND I HAVE TO REBUILD, DO I NEED TO FOLLOW THE NEW CODES?
Yes.
DOES THE SPECIALIZED CODE ALLOW THE INSTALLATION OF BACK-UP
GENERATORS?
Yes.
DOES THE SPECIALIZED CODE ALLOW A GAS OR PROPANE GRILL?
Yes, outside gas grills that are not connected to piping inside the home are allowed. However, indoor gas, propane, or other biomass heating appliance makes a home a mixed fuel building.
I’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT ELECTRIC HEAT WAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE WAY TO HEAT A HOME. IS THAT STILL THE CASE?
It used to be true, when electric heat was synonymous with baseboards and provided heat by electric resistance heating. But modern heat pumps are powered by electricity and extract heat from the air and use that to heat the building. They are about three times as efficient than the old baseboards, in that they provide three times the heat for the same amount of electricity used. There are several types of heat pumps, with “mini-splits” the most common.
AFFORDABILITY
I AM ON A FIXED INCOME. HOW CAN I GET HELP TO REDUCE MY TOTAL ELECTRIC
BILL?
Per Eversource and Mass.gov, If you meet these income amounts (Form 1040 tax return) below, you are eligible for the electric utility discount rate. The electric utility discount rate reduces your total electric bill by 42%.
Household Size Maximum Income Level
1 $42,111
2 $55,461
3 $68,511
4 $81,561
5 $94,610
6 $107,660
7 $110,107
8 $112,554
9 $115,001
To enroll in the electric utility discount rate, you must apply for fuel assistance* through South Shore Community Action Council. Enrolling in fuel assistance will automatically enroll you in the electric utility discount rate program. You can apply for fuel assistance on-line at https://www.toapply.org/SSCAC or, you can call South Shore Community Action Council to schedule an in-person meeting at (508) 746-6707.
In advance of contacting (either by phone or online) South Shore Community Action Council, you will need to have the following documents:
• photo identification
• a list of all household members
• proof of income
• information on your heating or electric bills
• an active lease or mortgage statement
*If you are already enrolled in one of the other programs listed below, you may submit proof of your participation to Eversource as an alternative way to get the discount rate. https://www.eversource.com/content/docs/default- source/myaccount/discount-rate-app-ema.pdf?sfvrsn=7a53ddec_4
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
• Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
• Food Stamps
• Refugee Resettlement Benefits
• MassHealth Standard, CarePlus, or Limited1
• Head Start
• Free and Reduced School Lunch or Breakfast Program
• MassVeterans Benefits (G.L.c. 115)
• Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouse or Parents of Veterans
• Improved Veterans Disability Pension
• ConnectCare Plan, Types 1, 2, or 3A
• Health Safety Net Plan – Primary or Secondary
• Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
Note: we highly recommend you still apply for fuel assistance to help pay for your heating bills.
BUILDERS
WILL THIS HURT ORLEANS BUILDERS?
Not really, it should help. The Stretch Code and Specialized Code will be nearly identical after July 1, 2024.
If Orleans adopts the Specialized Code this fall, it will give Orleans builders a head start over builders in other towns in integrating the new code into their business plan. This will give them a competitive advantage.
MassSave, Federal and State grants and incentives have been structured to support building to the new codes.
If the upfront cost of a quieter, more comfortable home with lower long -term operating costs is slightly greater under the stretch and specialized codes builders will need to charge their clients more.
The incentives that go to the homeowner (or spec builder) subsidize those additional costs, benefitting both the builder and the homeowner.
In effect, builders that know and can communicate the various incentives to clients will get paid to build clients a better home and get paid for it.
COSTS:
I HEARD A RUMOR THAT THE STRETCH CODE WILL ADD $30,000 TO A NEW HOME ON CAPE COD. IS THAT TRUE? THIS COULD HURT POTENTIAL HOMEOWNERS WITH TIGHT BUDGETS/COSTS.
Let’s address the rumor first.
During a meeting of a Cape Cod builders’ organization, a developer or home builder stated that an average home on cape Cod will cost a homeowner $30,000 more than a home built to the base code.
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) states that after incentives home the homeowner would save $ 20,000 when building for a 2500 square foot home.
The Energy Committee (EC) in Truro, a neighboring town served by many of the same builders who work here in Orleans, was given several email addresses and phone numbers for the builders’ group so that they could compare the two claims apples-to apples. They verified the numbers and email addresses then reached out multiple times over a 2-week period. No emails or voice messages were acknowledged or returned.
DID THE ORLEANS ENERGY AND CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE DO A COST ANALYSIS ON HOW THIS WOULD IMPACT HOMEOWNERS BEFORE VOTING?
Town Energy and Climate Action Committees in multiple Cape towns have looked at data from DOER, Passive House, and the US DOE, among others, to assess cost impacts of the Specialized Code. Overall cost is minimally impacted[2].
CAN GENERAL STATISTICS BE GIVEN, I.E, HOW MUCH MIGHT THE PROPOSED CHANGE IN CODE RAISE THE PRICE OF A MEDIAN HOME IN ORLEANS?
• BACKGROUND
The Residential Specialized Code will affect homeowners building new detached one- and two-family dwellings and attached single-family dwellings, e.g., townhouses.
There are three pathways for compliance: Zero Energy, All-Electric, or Mixed-Fuel. The requirements of each pathway (hence the costs) are dependent on the energy source of the building (all-electric or fossil fuels) and the building size (up to 4,000 SF (square feet) or over 4,000 SF).
The Specialized Code will not have a cost impact on current homeowners and homebuyers of existing buildings, which make up about 95% of home sales in Orleans[3].
The Specialized Code is only applicable to new construction. Larger additions, alterations and changes of use to existing buildings also must follow the Stretch Code. Smaller additions and alterations follow the Base Code.
The Residential Specialized Code affects homeowners building new detached one- and two-family dwellings and attached single-family dwellings, such as townhouses.
Mixed fuel buildings generally will cost more than all electric ones.
WHAT IS A PASSIVE HOUSE?
A Passive House is designed to be highly-insulated and airtight, and is primarily heated by passive solar gain and internal gains from people and equipment.
Passive House buildings need a mechanical ventilation system w/ heat or energy recovery because they are so tight.
.
Orientation and shading are key components to Passive House design. Passive House design methodology often results in large window areas on the south facade, with minimal amounts of windows on the east, west, and especially the north façade.
Passive buildings are quieter, more comfortable, and healthier. They save you money over time.
.
WHAT IS HERS - Home Energy Rating System - AND WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT?
The HERS Index is a scale used to communicate the energy performance of a residence.
Think of HERS as MPG for homes, except the lower the HERS score, the more energy efficient the home. A HERS score of 50 ( (HERS 50 ) uses 50% of the energy of the baseline home HERS 100, also called the reference design.
The HERS 100 reference design is the average energy performance of all homes built in the US in 2006. HERS scores are determined by RESNET® accredited HERS energy raters.
WHAT IS HERS 0?
When the expected energy performance of the rated design does not require an annual net purchase of energy (i.e., it produces as much as it consumes), the HERS Index score is 0. This includes not only offsetting electricity use in the home, but also offsetting fossil fuel or biomass fuel use on a site MMBtu basis. This means solar systems should be sized to offset all energy use, both electric and non- electric.
Energy Rating System | Energy Audit & Ratings | RESNET
The Stretch Code is in the initial phase-in period.Currently, all-electric buildings following the HERS (Home Energy Rating System[4]) rating pathway must reach HERS 55.
The Specialized Code requires a HERS 45 so there will only be a cost differential between building to the Stretch Code and Specialized Code during the six-month interim period from January 1, 2024 until July 1, 2024.
For any size, all-electric buildings, the Specialized Code becomes the same as the updated Stretch Code beginning July 1, 2024, HERS 45, so these buildings will cost the same.
COSTS (Continued)
CAN YOU GIVE SPECIFIC COST EXAMPLES?
DOER performed a cost-benefit analysis between the base code and the stretch code for different sized homes for fossil fuel vs all-electric homes.
All-electric single-family home 4,000 SF: After adding together initial cost, incentives and rebates, an all-electric large single-family home (4,000 SF example) built to HERS 42 vs. HERS 52 costs $20,062 less to build to HERS 42. This results in a $873 lower annual mortgage payment. After incorporating $325 of additional annual energy consumption costs, the homeowner pays $548 less annually.
Mixed-fuel buildings up to 4,000 SF: The minimum efficiency requirements for the Specialized Code will become the same as the Stretch Code on July 1, 2024.
DOER’s pricing analysis for a mixed-fuel large single-family home building to HERS 42 vs. HERS 52 resulted in a modest $3,184 higher price to build to HERS 42, which would result in an estimated $139 higher annual mortgage payment for the homeowner. After incorporating $440 of annual energy consumption savings, the homeowner would end up paying a net of $302 less annually.
Pre-wiring for electrification is required for the Specialized Code. This is optional for the Stretch Code.
Solar PV system of 4kW minimum for single family is required for the Specialized Code. Shaded sites and Passive House certified buildings are exempt from this requirement. This is optional for the Stretch Code. Fortunately, Solar PV systems are easily financed and have a positive payback financially.
Mixed-fuel buildings over 4,000 SF:
These buildings must follow the Zero Energy pathway for the Specialized Code, for which the minimum efficiency requirements are HERS 0 or Passive House U.S. (Phius) ZERO. The Stretch Code requires HERS 42 or Passive House (Phius CORE or Passive House International (PHI)).
Pre-wiring for electrification is required for the Specialized Code. This is optional for the Stretch Code.
Solar PV system or other renewables (or credits for off-site renewable energy if following the Phius ZERO option) are required for the Specialized Code to result in net zero energy consumption over the course of a year as measured in MMBtus or KWheq, on a site energy basis, excluding energy use for charging vehicles. This is optional for the Stretch Code. o Studies, such as The Economics of Zero-Energy Homes (Rocky Mountain Institute), and the Zero Energy Buildings in Massachusetts: Saving Money from the Start (USGBC MA), demonstrate that Net Zero buildings carry a negligible construction cost premium and result in significantly lower total cost of ownership.[5]
Survey results of houses built to Net Zero energy showed the cost premium for single family buildings was predominately zero.[6]
In the long run, because in mixed fuel buildings the Specialized Code requires pre-wiring for electric space heating, electric water heating, and electric appliances, new construction homeowners not building an all-electric home will avoid costly retrofits down the road.
Cape Light Compact (MassSave) and IRA incentives for Stretch Code buildings are structured to save homeowners money upfront. In effect, the homeowner or builder is paid to build a better home.
NOTE: The cost analysis metrics above do not incorporate IRA incentives, which will strengthen the economic case for the Specialized Code.
MASSACHUSETTS HAS AMONG THE HIGHEST ELECTRICITY RATES IN THE U.S. HOW MIGHT THE INCREASE ELECTRIFICATION INCREASE THE COST OF UTILITIES FOR HOMEOWNERS IN ORLEANS?
Market forces and Department of Public Utilities set rates. We’ll have to wait and see.
GRID
LOCAL RESIDENTS HAVE RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CAPE POWER GRID’S CAPACITY TO SUPPORT THIS CODE CHANGE AND INCREASED IN ELECTRIFICATION.
According to Eversource, the substation located in the center of town has the capacity for well over 3-5 megawatts of added local generation10. The average home in MA uses about 0.33 kWh/sf/month. 3-5 megawatts would power 1,667-2,778 new 4,000 sf. homes of average electric use11.
4 Eversource Hosting Capacity Map
https://eversource.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7b13d31f908243e49406f198b359aa71 5 https://callmepower.com/faq/electricity-prices/electricity-prices-per-sq-ft. 574 kWh/mo. ÷ 1,744 sf average household size = 0.33 kWh/sf/mo. A 4,000-sf house × 0.33 kWh/sf/mo. = 1,320 kWh/mo. 1,320 kWh/mo. ÷ 730 hrs./mo. (8,760/12) = 1.8 kW = 0.0018 MW.
6 https://www.iso-ne.com/static-assets/documents/2021/03/new_england_power_grid_state_profiles.pdf
7 https://e4thefuture.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/New-England-Electrification-Load-Forecast.pdf
Eversource and the Independent System Operator for New England (ISO-NE) plan years in advance. Per ISO-NE, “While state- sponsored energy-efficiency and behind-the-meter solar PV resources are driving down grid electricity use and flattening overall electricity demand in New England, the ISO forecasts that both energy usage and peak demand will increase slightly over the next 10 years. Electrification of transportation and buildings are the primary factors for this increase”6.
The New England Electrification Load Forecast, prepared by Synapse Energy Economics7, states that under the Commonwealth’s most energy-intensive, all options pathway: “While electrification will undoubtedly increase electric demand and energy consumption in New England, we conclude that the electric grid is well-suited to handle this transformation for the upcoming decade in the context of energy, capacity, and transmission system planning
GRID DEFINITIONS:
Residential Building: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses as well as Group R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings three stories or less in height above grade plane. 4
R-1: Residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily transient in nature (ex.
Boarding houses, hotels, motels). [7]
R-2: Residential occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature (ex. Apartment houses, convents/monasteries, dormitories, fraternities/sororities, vacation timeshare properties, nontransient hotels/motels/boarding houses).
R-3: Residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature and not classified as R-1, R-2, R-4, or I and buildings do not contain more than two dwelling units or are adult and childcare facilities providing accommodations for 1-5 persons for less than 24 hours.
R-4: Residential occupancies arranged for occupancy as residential care including 6-16
occupants, excluding staff.
I (Institutional Group): The use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, in which people are cared for or live in a supervised environment (ex. having physical limitations because of health or age, harbored for medical treatment or other care or treatment, detained for penal or correctional purposes, or liberty of the occupants is restricted).
Addition: Any extension or increase in the conditioned space floor area, number of stories or height of a building or structure4
Alteration: Any construction, retrofit or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition. Also, a change in a building, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that involves an extension, or addition or change to the arrangement, type or purpose of the original installation.[8]
Level 1: The removal and replacement of the coverings of existing materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose. Level 1 alterations do not involve space reconfiguration.
Level 2: Extensive space reconfiguration that does not exceed 50% of the building area. Level 3: 50% or more of the aggregate area of the existing home is renovated and reconfigured14.
Increase of energy demand: Is not considered an Alteration, but rather a Change of Use. This includes fossil fuel, biomass and electric energy.[9]
Change of Use: A change in the use of a building or a portion of a building that results in any of the following: (1) change of occupancy classification, (2) change from one group to another group within an occupancy classification, (3) change in use within a group for which there is a change in the application of the requirements of this code.4
Increase of energy demand: Is considered a Change of Use. This includes fossil fuel, biomass and electric energy.4
Repair: The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage.
Home Energy Rating Score (HERS): The HERS Index is a scale used to communicate the energy performance of a residence. The higher the score, the worse the energy performance. HERS scores are determined by RESNET® accredited HERS energy raters and compare a reference design (HERS 100: the average energy performance of all homes built in the US in 2006) against the home’s design (rated design.) For example, a HERS score of 50 (HERS 50) uses 50% of the energy compared to the reference home (HERS 100).
When the expected energy performance of the rated design does not require an annual net purchase of energy (i.e., it produces as much as it consumes), the HERS Index score is 0. This includes not only offsetting electricity use in the home, but also offsetting fossil fuel or biomass fuel use on a site MMBtu basis. This means solar systems should be sized to offset all energy use, both electric and non- electric.
Passive House: A performance-based building certification that focuses on the dramatic reduction of energy use for space heating and cooling. It is a set of metrics for energy performance, a certification that can be achieved, and a philosophy for how to design & construct better buildings. Through Passive House, we can deliver a high level of energy savings and carbon reduction for all building types while providing a healthier and more comfortable space to live and work.
A Passive House can be any building – a school, an apartment building, a new residential home or a historical renovation, even a large office skyscraper. Through a thoughtful and integrated design process and a detail-oriented approach to construction that prioritizes a well-i Insulated and air-sealed envelope, natural light and solar gain, and highly-efficient HVAC systems, we can create buildings that use over 90% less energy for space conditioning and over 60% less energy overall.
Passive House buildings achieve:
• Drastically lower energy use and operational cost savings
• Healthy air quality from ventilation systems
• Consistent and comfortable room temperatures without air drafts
• Increased natural lighting and quieter acoustic conditions
• A more resilient and comfortable building
On top of all of this, the lower energy demand of Passive House buildings means that the limited energy they do need can be easily provided by solar power, creating a pathway to a netzero or net- positive building.[10]
Passive House Institute US (Phius): A non-profit organization which certifies professionals, buildings and products to promote climate- specific high-performance passive buildings. If pursuing Phius certification for code compliance, certified professionals to assist can be found on the Phius website: https://www.phius.org/find- professional
Passive House Institute (PHI): Based in Germany, maintains a separate international passive house certification program. PHI also certifies buildings, products and professionals to advance high performance passive buildings. Certified professionals and other resources to learn more about PHI certification can be found on their website: https://passivehouse.com
All-Electric Building: A building with no on-site combustion equipment for fossil fuel use or capacity including fossil fuel use in space heating, water heating, cooking, or drying appliances. Exterior generators and outdoor propane grills may be included in All-Electric buildings, however indoor gas fireplaces and propane/gas cooktops may not be included. Homes built with non-electric fireplaces and gas, or propane cooking equipment are instead required to comply with the Mixed-Fuel compliance path.
Mixed-Fuel Building: A building that includes combustion equipment or piping for combustion equipment, fossil fuel fireplaces, or biomass heating equipment.
Individual Dwelling Unit: A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation (i.e., do not share cooking, bathing, or toilet facilities.) Apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homes are examples of individually separate dwelling units. Examples of buildings that may not have individual separate dwelling units are dormitories, barracks, and assisted living facilities.[11]
Net Zero Building: A building which is consistent with achievement of MA 2050 net zero emissions, through a combination of highly energy efficient design together with being either a Zero Energy Building, or an All-Electric Building, or where fossil fuels are utilized, a building fully pre-wired for future electrification and that generates solar power on-site from the available Potential Solar Zone Area.
Zero Energy Building: A building which through a combination of highly energy efficiency design and onsite renewable energy generation is designed to result in net zero energy consumption over the course of a year as measured in MMBtus or KWheq, on a site energy basis, excluding energy use for charging vehicles.[12]
Potential Solar Zone Area: The combined area of any flat roofs, or low- sloped roofs and any steep-sloped roofs oriented between 90 degrees and 300 degrees of true north where the annual solar access is 70 percent or greater. Annual solar access is in the ratio of “annual solar insolation with shade” to the “annual solar insolation without shade”. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access or Passive House plus solar ready provisions.
[1] https://www.mass.gov/info-details/building-energy-code
[2] Stretch Code costs and benefits - 4,000 SF home example https://www.mass.gov/doc/residentialstretch-code-costs-and-benefits-case-studies/download
[3] Assuming 8-10 new homes and approximately 300 existing home sales (a turnover of about 10% of the existing housing stock).
[4] https://www.hersindex.com/hers-index/what-is-the-hers-index/
[5] Net Zero Stretch Code Support Letter - https://builtenvironmentplus.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/02/Zero_Stretch_Code_Letter_of_Support_Feb_11.pdf
[6] https://builtenvironmentplus.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/12/12.08.22_Incentives_MasterPresentation.pptx.pdf?mc_cid=f11edcea8d&mc_eid=UNIQI
D
[7] R1-4,I: 780 CMR 3.00 Use and Occupancy Classification https://www.mass.gov/doc/7th-edition-780-cmrmassachusetts-building-code-780-cmr-300-use-and-occupancy-classification/download
[8] https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P1/chapter-11-re-energy-efficiency N1101.6 (R202) Defined terms. 14 International Existing Building Code (IEBC 2021)
[10] What is Passive House? | PASSIVE HOUSE Massachusetts (phmass.org)
[12] https://www.mass.gov/doc/225-cmr-2200-residential-specialized-stretch-energy-code/download