Specialized Opt-In Code Basics
We must cut our carbon emissions. Building code is a powerful tool! Buildings account for nearly 70% of Andover’s greenhouse gas emissions. And buildings can last more than 100 years. Plus this code is one of 5 requirements to become a green community 2.0 and be eligible for more state grants.
There is now a new Specialized Energy Code that includes additional requirements that form an appendix to each of the chapters of the Stretch Code. The Specialized Energy Code ensures new construction is consistent with Massachusetts greenhouse gas limits. It requires new homes over 4,000 square feet to follow an all-electric or zero energy pathway. Solar PV is required where possible for new construction that uses fossil fuels for heating.
The specialized code applies only to new construction. All compliance pathways under the Specialized code are designed to ensure new construction that is consistent with a net-zero Massachusetts economy in 2050, primarily through a combination of energy efficiency, that it in turn enables reduced heating loads, and efficient electrification. Use of fossil fuels such as gas and propane or biomass is permitted but comes with additional requirements for on-site solar generation and pre-wiring for future electrification of any fossil fuel using equipment.
In other words, the code requires electrification or pre-wiring for electrification. It also requires on-site renewable energy generation (such as solar panels) when feasible. As of December 31, 2023 31 communities have adopted the specialized code.
Benefits beyond reducing our climate impact include:
Money saved by avoiding costly electrification retrofits in the future
Heat pumps mean cleaner air in our homes
Heat pumps are also air conditioners
And the vast majority of net-zero projects in Massachusetts experience a less than 1% increase in costs.
You can read a more indepth description of the Massachusetts Codes including the Updated Stretch Code and Municipal Opt-In Stretch Code at Northeast Efficiency Energy Partnerships (NEEP). They have an excellent summary for residential low rise and a second summary for commercial. Both include pathways to compliance and additional energy efficiency updates as well as a comparison chart between what is in the Stretch Code— which Andover has already adopted by virtue of being a Green Community— and the Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Code.
The state of Massachusetts also has an FAQ on 2023 Stretch Energy and Municipal Opt-In Specialized Building Code.
