Municipal Specialized Opt-In Energy Code



ABOUT THE MUNICIPAL OPT-IN SPECIALIZED BUILDING ENERGY CODE ("SPECIALIZED CODE")

The Specialized Code is a new energy code option developed in 2022 as a result of the Massachusetts Decarbonization Roadmap Act signed into law in 2021. The Specialized Code is a set of high-performance building energy standards that builds upon the Stretch Code and prioritizes deep energy efficiency, reduced heating loads, and efficient electrification for new construction with no additional requirements above the Stretch Code for additions, alterations, or renovations. 

Communities can adopt the code to enhance the sustainability of new construction, primarily by requiring buildings that will be utilizing fossil fuels to be pre-wired for future full-building electrification and to install solar PV systems in most cases. If adopted in Framingham, the Specialized Code would advance high-performance buildings  and incentivize—but not require—all-electric new construction consistent with state emissions targets.

OUTREACH

Specialized Code Meeting for Building Professionals - November 4, 2024

  • Panelists:
    • Fred Bray, Director of Inspection Services / Builder Commissioner
    • Shawn Luz, Sustainability Coordinator
    • Dillan Patel, Green Communities Coordinator - Department of Energy Resources
    • Becca Edson, Architect - Department of Energy Resources
    • Michael Rossi, Energy Code Specialist - PSD
    • Hank Keating, President - Passive House Massachusetts & Former Architect - Trinity Financial
    • Nick Falkoff, Owner - Auburndale Builders & Founder - Studio for High-Performance Design and Construction
  • Presentation Slides: Link
  • Meeting Video: Link

Specialized Code Presentation in Joint Committee Meeting - April 10, 2024

Watch the video here for an overview of the Specialized Code presented by Green Communities Coordinator, Dillan Patel on April 10, 2024. 

Check here for a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide regarding the Specialized Code.

KEY PROVISIONS OF THE SPECIALIZED CODE

The Specialized Code builds upon the requirements of the Stretch Energy Code ("Stretch Code"). The Specialized Code only applies to new construction and does not apply to additions, alterations, or renovations which are addressed in the Stretch Code.

The table below compare the primary differences between the Stretch Code and the Specialized Opt-In Code: 

Specialized Code Comparison Table

ADOPTION OF THE SPECIALIZED CODE TO DATE

The Specialized Code has been adopted by 46 communities as of October 15, 2024. To view the most-up-to-date map of effective energy code across the state visit the state’s website here.

Image Link to a DOER Map showing Massachusetts Adoptions of Energy Code

BENEFITS OF THE SPECIALIZED CODE

Adoption of the Specialized Code would support the Framingham community in multiple ways: 

  • Enhanced Funding for Energy Improvements: Adoption of the Specialized Code is one key criterion that will help the City become eligible to submit an application to join the Department of Energy Resources’ Climate Leader Communities Program. Having  secured over $1.2 million through the Green Communities Program, access to funding through the Climate Leaders Program would enhance access to grant funding to support costs to advance future energy efficiency and clean energy projects. 
  • Supporting the Climate Goals: By enhancing the energy performance of new construction, the Specialized Code will help us reach a net-zero target that has been enshrined into state law as well as the City’s own climate goals. The Specialized Code will be an important component of the City’s plan to reduce emissions within the Buildings & Infrastructure sector and would support the Framingham City Council’s 2022 Climate Emergency Declaration which set a community-wide target for Framingham to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The emissions benefits of all-electric buildings enhance over time as the electric grid continues to get cleaner. 
  • Future-Proofing the Building Stock: Pre-wiring mixed-fuel homes for future electrification will avoid costly future retrofit associated with meeting state and local decarbonization goals. Building efficient homes and businesses with this flexibility will contribute to the long-term competitiveness of Framingham’s building stock. 
  • Enhanced Climate Resilience: All-electric and pre-wired buildings can help communities better prepare for a future in which fossil fuels are more expensive or less available. Electricity is produced from a variety of resources including renewable resources. As the development of renewable resources accelerates, all-electric or electric-ready buildings will be better positioned to benefit from this transition.
  • Access to Financial and Federal Incentives: Buildings meeting the Specialized Code may qualify for a variety of state, federal, and utility incentives and credits that can help reduce construction costs. An MAPC Electrification Incentives webinar from March 2023 provides a good overview of incentives and resources available from Mass Save here.

RECENT HISTORY OF THE ENERGY CODE IN FRAMINGHAM

The current governing energy code in Framingham is the Stretch Energy Code (25 CMR 22.00 and 225 CMR 23.00), which was adopted in 2014 and has been periodically updated, with the most recent update occurring in 2023. As implied by the title, the Stretch Code ‘stretches’ energy code requirements beyond the base code and requires enhanced building efficiency for new construction and renovations. As of October 15, 2024, there are 225 communities that have adopted and are operating under the Stretch Code. Adoption of the Stretch Code was one component of the City’s eligibility to become designed as one of the Commonwealth’s Green Communities, providing access to over $1.2 million to fund municipal energy efficiency projects for Framingham. 

Developed in 2022, the Specialized Opt-In Energy Code (225 CMR, Appx. RC and 225 CMR 23.00, Appx. CC) provides an energy more sustainable option for new construction in Massachusetts. The code has already been adopted by 47 communities as of November 3, 2024, including municipalities such as Natick, Needham, Hopkinton, Ashland, Sherborn, and Worcester. Unlike the Stretch Code, the Specialized Code focuses on new construction, and has no additional requirements beyond the Stretch Code for additions, alterations, or renovations.