State standards continue to require increasing levels of energy efficiency with a goal established in Massachusetts of “Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions” by 2050. To meet these goals, our state is scheduled to adopt the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code on July first, as a part of a new 10th edition of the state's building code (although the new building code has been recently postponed taking effect later this year). In addition to significant revisions to the existing “Stretch Energy Code,” this new building code will include a new municipal Opt-in “Specialized Energy Code” developed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. This means that as of July 1, there will be three levels of optional energy codes adopted by communities in Massachusetts (the Base energy code, the Stretch energy code, and the new Specialized energy code).
The stars show MSBA Green Schools Program policy updates on that timeline that have anticipated changes in the code before these changes take effect. This includes the most recent MSBA update which requires the new Stretch energy code for all projects and will offer 3 incentive points for projects that strive to attain the Specialized Opt-in Energy code.
