The Commonwealth’s building codes are being updated for 2023, and first to change is the Stretch Energy Code, which has been adopted by 299 municipalities. The recently updated version of the stretch code for low rise residential homes will be effective in these communities starting January 1, 2023, with the commercial and multi-family code updates starting on July 1, 2023.

In addition, a new climate-focused Specialized Energy Code option was created by the 2021 Climate Act. DOER developed this new code alongside the Stretch Energy Code update. However, the specialized code requires a town or city vote to opt in to. This new code must also include:

• net-zero building performance standards and a definition of net-zero building
• and is designed to achieve MA GHG emission limits and sub-limits, including a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 from 1990 levels

Join an upcoming webinar on Wednesday, November 2, from 1 PM – 2 PM to learn more about these important code changes. Register in advance for this webinar.

Information on the new codes can be found on DOER’s website.