Download - Stretch Building Code
Green Communities Act
• Ambitious energy legislation passed in 2008
• First state in the US to pass something like this
• Creates the Green Communities Program
Green Communities Program
• There is $10 million per year in funding to towns & cities
• Consists of 5 Criteria –All these requirements aim to reduce
energy consumption–At a commercial, residential, and
municipal level
The Five Criteria Criteria 1: As-of-Right Siting – Renewable
Energy/Alternative Energy
Criteria 2: Expedited Permitting
Criteria 3: Energy Base Plan/ 20% Energy Reduction Plan
Criteria 4: Purchase only Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Criteria 5: Minimize Life-Cycle Costs
Adoption of “The Stretch Code”
Green Communities
Marlborough• December 16, 2010
• $217,125• To fund energy conservation measures at several
municipal buildings, a hybrid vehicle, a site evaluation for a solar PV system, and to fund an
Energy Efficiency Manager position
Green Communities
Palmer• May 25, 2010
• $169,103 • To fund energy conservation measures at Town Hall;
a boiler and chiller replacements
The Stretch Code
• An appendix to the Massachusetts Building Code
• 780 CMR Appendix 120 Stretch Energy Code• Targets largest uses of energy in buildings
– Heating, appliance usage, lighting, etc.
• Purpose – reduce energy use in buildings by roughly 20%
Test Performance
• Prescriptive codes don’t guarantee good installation, air and water tightness,
• Air gaps can reduce effective thermal insulation
Image Source: Environmental Protection Agency
Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
• Stretch code: performance – 70 or less <3,000 sq ft.– 65 or less >3,000 sq ft.
• Used by the Housing Mortgage Market to value homes
• Requires a certified HERS rater• RAM software• Energy Star Program
Residential New Construction
• Performance only ‘stretch’ option
– Uses Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
– 70 or less < 3,000 sq ft.
– 65 or less > 3,000 sq ft.
• Requires a certified HERS rater
– Review building plans
– Check insulation installation
– Blower-door and duct testing
– Thermal bypass Checklist
Residential Additions
• 2 options – Performance or Prescriptive
– HERS index on just addition (often not possible)
or whole house
– Treated as new construction
– 70 or less < 3,000 sq ft.
– 65 or less > 3,000 sq ft.
• Most Additions will use Prescriptive Path
– Energy Star Builders Option Package (BOP)
– Includes Thermal Bypass Checklist
Commercial ‘Stretch’ Appendix
• Only for New Construction over 5,000 sq ft• Performance option for all Buildings• Utility program & incentives to help• Prescriptive option includes 3 choices
– Heating and cooling equipment improvements,
– Improved Lighting efficiency (LPD)
– 3% + of electric needs from on-site renewable
Town Benefits
• Stretch Code is an optional appendix to IECC 2009 code– Once IECC is updated, stretch code will be integrated
• Promotes Energy Efficiency & Collaboration
– Gives flexibility to both builders and homeowners– 20-35% energy reduction provides savings in utility bills– Promotes awareness of sustainability
Town Benefits
• Opportunity to apply for grants– Can use grant to install energy-efficient appliances and/or
systems– Grants will be competitive in the future
• Publicity– Society is turning more green– “Green Communities” status a noticeable factor for
Charlton
Incentives for Homeowners
• Long-term energy savings– Higher upfront costs, but reduction in utility bills– Energy Star utility sponsored savings: National Grid,
NSTAR, etc.– Larger structure = More proportionate savings
• Tax incentives and credit– Up to $1,250 for homes with HERS of <= 65– $2,000 in Federal tax credit
Questions? Comments?Thank You!
Jennifer Henriquez • Deborah Silva • Joe Szafarowicz
All information and data provided by the Mass Department of Energy Resources.
For more information please email us at: [email protected]