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1. What is the stretch energy code appendix?

It is an appendix to the state energy code, created by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) that provides the option for cities and towns that wish to have an energy code for buildings that results in more energy efficient buildings than the base code that is otherwise mandatory for municipalities across the state.

2. How is the stretch energy code different than the existing energy code?

The stretch energy code is more stringent than the state’s base building code. For residential buildings it is roughly equivalent to meeting the Massachusetts requirements of the National Energy Star for Homes (Tier 2) standard for new buildings and the Energy Star base standard for building renovations, and includes provisions for 3rd party testing and rating of building energy performance.

3. Why did the commonwealth add the stretch energy code option to the state building code?

In Massachusetts, cities and towns are legally required to follow the state building and energy codes. Local codes are not permitted. However as concerns mount about rising energy costs, climate change, and national dependence on foreign energy sources, many municipalities have asked the state for a stronger state energy code or the right to adopt stronger codes at the local level.

On the other hand, the state and the development community are concerned about having multiple inconsistent building and energy standards at the local level.

In balancing these tensions, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) decided to adopt 1 alternative energy code, based on national standards, expert analysis, and cost effectiveness to give communities an option to require stronger energy performance in buildings.

4. How would it be adopted by Brookline?

In accordance with the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) rules, the adoption of the stretch energy code must be considered at a public hearing, subject to normal public notification, and approved by Town Meeting.

5. Why is Brookline considering adoption of the code?

In Brookline, over 60% of greenhouse gases emitted result from energy use in buildings. A stronger energy code would require buildings to be more energy efficient, thereby reducing the amount of electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil used and the emission of greenhouse gases.

In recent years, energy costs have risen significantly for residents and commercial property owners. While it usually makes financial sense for a property owner to take steps to improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings, these improvements often are not implemented for a wide array of reasons. Standards can be an effective means of spurring the consideration and implementation of energy efficiency measures, reducing costs for current and future owners and renters, and mitigating energy costs for residents and the costs of doing business.

6. If Brookline adopts the stretch energy code, when does it go into effect?

The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) regulations require a 6-month concurrency period between adoption and implementation. In order for the stretch energy code to go into effect on January 1 of any year, it must have been adopted by the City Council by July 1 of the previous year. Similarly, to go into effect by July 1, adoption must take place by January 1 of that same year.

The BBRS is limiting adoption dates to two a year to avoid confusion in the development community. Property owners may voluntarily choose to follow the stretch energy code during the concurrency period, but building inspectors would allow compliance through either the base code or the stretch code during that period.

7. If the state is making the statewide energy code more stringent, why should Brookline adopt the stretch energy code?

The state’s base code is a minimum standard. Technology is readily available to achieve significantly greater levels of efficiency. The stretch energy code would be about 20% more efficient than the state’s base code, so it would save more energy and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For new residential construction, 3rd party verification would be required (optional for renovations), which would provide building owners and contractors with a way to ensure quality control of energy efficiency installations and ease the administration of the code for inspectors.

Codes also “even the playing field” for property owners and developers. Some choose to take advantage of short term savings by avoiding initial costs or passing on building operating costs to renters and lessees. If codes set a low standard, owners and developers that implement energy efficiency measures that have initially higher costs but later payoff with operating savings are put at a disadvantage relative to others.

8. What are some of the expected benefits to a municipality of a more stringent energy code?

In addition to allowing municipalities to take meaningful action on energy use and climate change, the adoption of the more stringent and more performance based stretch energy code is anticipated to result in significant energy cost savings for local residents and businesses, and increase design and construction firm competitiveness in the growing green building marketplace.