Tuesday, July 08, 2014

Stretch Energy Code Increases Energy Efficiency

Massachusetts municipalities looking for a more rigorous energy efficiency standard than the Commonwealth requires have an alternative.  Appendix 115.AA of the Massachusetts Building Code, known as the Stretch Energy Code is an option for towns and cities interested in more energy efficient building standards than the state base energy code.

The Stretch Code amends the MA Base Energy Code (IECC 2009), to achieve approximately a 20% improvement in building energy performance.  Many of the improvements will be implemented at the time of construction.  While they are expected to raise the cost of construction, reduced energy costs should quickly offset those expenses.  So far 143 municipalities have adopted the code.

A summary of the Stretch Energy Code can be found here.