9.19.24 - Massachusetts towns and cities embrace voluntary green building codes

[Sustainable Sudbury]

Below is a link to an explanatory article about the state's Specialized Stretch Building Code. Most of our surrounding towns have already adopted or plan to adopt it and Sudbury's Energy and Sustainability Committee plans to present it as a warrant article at the next town meeting. The ESC heard a presentation about it from a DOER rep at their meeting last week

(see https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/sudbury/video/66e0e353f37a7200085f27fd?page=RECENT)

From canarymedia.com/articles/policy-regulation/massachusetts-cities-embrace-voluntary-green-building-codes here are the key points:

1. Adoption of Green Building Codes: Since Massachusetts introduced the optional specialized stretch code in 2023, 45 municipalities, representing 30% of the state's population, have adopted it (including Stowe, Maynard, Acton, Concord, Lincoln and Wayland).

2. Code Goals: The specialized stretch code aims to reduce fossil fuel use and prepare new buildings to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

3. Energy Efficiency Standards: New homes can use fossil fuels but must meet higher energy efficiency standards, be wired for future electrification, and include solar panels. Larger buildings must comply with Passive House standards.

4. Municipal Support: Major cities like Boston, Worcester, and Cambridge quickly adopted the code, and many municipalities voted almost unanimously to implement it.

5. Decarbonization Benefits: The code is framed as a consumer protection measure, offering lower energy costs and more comfortable, resilient homes over time.

6. Concerns from the Construction Industry: Builders express concerns about increased upfront costs and supply chain challenges, and some worry about the high cost of electricity in Massachusetts.

7. Implementation Challenges: Builders and inspectors have faced confusion during the code’s rollout, but proactive communication and training efforts have helped smooth the transition in some areas.

8. Future Outlook: More cities and towns are expected to adopt the code, with growing momentum in favor of decarbonization across Massachusetts.

Read the full article here.