Energy Code Regulations

Energy Efficiency Provisions of the State Building Code

As described by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources :

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. 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 to take effect in 2023.

The Stretch Energy Code (Stretch Code) regulations have since 2009 been published in MA 780CMR chapters 115.aa and previously 780 CMR 110.aa under the jurisdiction of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. The Climate Act of 2021 moved the authority for the Stretch Code promulgation to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and at the same time 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. The updated Stretch Code is divided into two chapters, following the format of the IECC and appear as new regulations in 225 CMR 22.00 and 225 CMR 23.00. 

The Specialized Code includes additional requirements that form an Appendix to each of the chapters of the Stretch Code.

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