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Specialized Energy Code Information Session

ZeroCarbonMA.org Friday, April 12, 2024, 12-1 PM

Northshore presentation

(last update to slides: 11.28.24)

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WELCOME!�Please name yourself and the town/city you are from.

We will mute everyone for the presentation. Please put your questions into the chat, and we will have plenty of time for a Q and A!

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Specialized Energy Code Information Session

ZeroCarbonMA.org Friday, April 12, 2024, 12-1 PM

Northshore presentation

(last update to slides: 11.28.24)

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Presented by:

Lisa Cunningham ZeroCarbonMA

Cindy Arens Sustainable Lexington

Supported by:

Dillan Patel DOER Regional Coordinator

Aaron Gunderson Passive House MA

Director

Good morning everyone, I want to thank you all for being here today, with special thanks to Rob and all the other Northshore folks for getting everyone together today to talk about the impactful steps that you can take to pass the Opt-in Specialized Code in your communities.

My name is Lisa Cunningham, and I am an architect and the co-founder and Director of the Statewide non-profit ZeroCarbonMA.

Our organization is committed to both creating impactful climate legislation, and passing existing climate legislation. We are now working in collaboration

with over 85 municipalities throughout Massachusetts to implement policies and expand our collective reach to the State and National level. We had our genesis in passing the first building electrification bylaw in Brookline almost five years ago, a movement which spread to other communities, and then other states. For well over a year, since last January 2023, we have also been leading a grassroots effort to help communities pass the Opt-in Specialized Code throughout Massachusetts, and that is why we are here today.

So just to quickly give you a quick overview of our agenda today. Cindy Arens and I are going to start off with a brief and hopefully clear presentation. Cindy was instrumental in putting this presentation together, and she is a climate leader not only in Lexington, where she has led the Sustainable Lexington and been instrumental in passing many important climate bylaws, but also in our ZCMA community. We are going to hear briefly from Dillan Patel, who is the regional coordinator for Green Communities for DOER and a terrific resource. And we also have Aaron Gunderson on the call. Aaron is the director of Passive House Massachusetts, and he is ready to answer any and all questions about Passive House. We also have Michael Rossi joining us on the call and ready to answer questions. Michael Rossi is a training consultant with PSD, a formerly of NEEP and a former HERS rater. And I see many other names I recognize in the audience.

We have tried to make our presentation short and sweet, and we will are planning to have plenty of time for questions at the end of the presentation. So without further ado, let’s get into the slides!

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Three Codes (+ Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program)�Focus on Specialized Code

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Demonstration Program

No new fossil fuel �for ew

10 pilot communities

Effective date: varies by community, Mar 2024 - Mar 2025

Base Code

(IECC with amendments)

New construction and renovations/ additions in towns & cities NOT a Green Community

50 communities

(9% MA population)

Stretch Code

(plus Base Code)

New construction and renovations/ additions in towns & cities that are a Green Community

301 communities

(91% MA population)

Specialized Code

“Opt-in” (plus Stretch and Base Code)

New Construction ONLY in towns & cities that vote to opt-in to this code

48 communities

(30% MA population)

Effective date: Typically 6+- months after Town/City vote

This Presentation

10 Community FFF Demonstration Program

Fossil fuel free (no oil, propane, gas)�for new construction & major renovations & additions
Currently limited to 10 communities
Effective date: varies by community, Jan. 2024 - Mar. 2025

Lisa

We have three codes in MA. First is the base code, and that consists of the IECC or the INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE and Massachusetts amendments.

Then there is the Stretch code, which layers on additional energy conservation measures.

But the great news about the Specialized Code, is that you do not have to become a code expert or really know much about the building and energy codes. You ONLY need to know what is different about the Opt-in Specialized Code. I am an architect, but I am not a code expert. You do not need to be one, either.

The simpler you make this for yourself, the simpler it will be to explain it to your community, and the easier it will be to pass this important legislation.

This legislation is all about consumer protection, protecting you pocket books, your health, your future and your children’s future. And as long as you stay focused on what the Specialized Code IS - not what it ISN’T, you will be able to educate your community. So that is what we are hoping to do this morning.

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Specialized Code: Adoption by Municipality

33 communities have already adopted the Specialized Code, representing about 30% of the state’s population, most with overwhelmingly positive votes.

Massachusetts Building Energy Code Adoption by Municipality

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Now 48!

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Specialized Code: Spreading Across the State

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Watertown (7.1.23)

Brookline* (2.20.24) (7.1.23)

Cambridge* (3.21.24) (7.1.23)

Somerville (7.1.23)

Newton* (1.1.25) (1.1.24)

Lincoln* (6.22.24) (1.1.24)

Lexington* (3.21.24) (1.1.24)

Boston (1.1.24)

Wellesley (1.1.24)

Arlington* (5.21.24) (1.1.24)

Truro (1.1.24)

Sherborn (1.1.24)

Wellfleet (1.1.24)

Concord* (6.22.24) (1.1.24)

Acton* (3.21.24) (1.1.24)

Aquinnah* (1.1.24) (1.1.24)

Stow (1.1.24)

Maynard (1.1.24)

Northampton* (1.1.24)

Medford (7.1.24)�Worcester (7.1.24)

Carlisle (7.1.24)

Amherst (7.1.24)

*Green = Fossil fuel free communities

(with implementation dates noted)

Chelmsford (7.1.24)

Needham (7.1.24)

Bedford (7.1.24)

Belmont (1.1.25)

Norwood (7.1.24)

Wakefield (7.1.24)

Weston (7.1.24)

Melrose (7.1.24)

Salem (7.1.24)

Swampscott (7.1.24)

West Tisbury (1.1.25)

Ashland (1.1.25)

Ashfield (1.1.25)

Eastham (1.1.25)

Sharon (1.1.25)

Natick (7.1.25)

Hopkinton (1.1.25)

Milton (1.1.25)

Newburyport (7.1.25)

Wayland (1.1.25)

Dedham (1.1.25)

Easthampton (1.1.25)

Harvard (1.1.25)

Winchester (7.1.25)

Pelham (9.1.25)

as of 11.15.24:

FORTY-EIGHT

communities representing

30% of the

MA population

https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-adoption-by-municipality/download

So, adoption is spreading fast - but we need another wave - and you all want to do something impactful in your communities - and that is why we are here today.

The first wave of leaders went last spring - which was roughly the first column that you see here, through Northampton, and then the second group in the fall, and now need a new group of leaders

A hasn’t been passing by a little - it’s been passing by a lot -

So that’s 34 communities representing over 26% of the State’s population, and far more in terms of building activity. And it’s not just wealthy communities, it’s LMI communities and gateway communities. Like Salem.

This year, Salem was the first to pass, followed by Swampscott, again both with overwhelmingly positive votes. �So now I am going to turn it over to my friend and colleague who is a whiz at many things including the Specialized Code to go through the basics.

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Specialized Code: The Basics

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The Specialized Code applies to new construction only.

It does not apply to renovations, additions or historic buildings.

The Specialized Code facilitates, but does not require, the electrification of new buildings.

Multiple pathways to compliance are available (including mixed fuels).

Opportunities for additional state grant funding.�

New DOER program will give additional funding/privileges to communities that have adopted the Specialized Code and become “Climate Leaders” . More information about the program.

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Specialized Code: Key Features

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Solar panels for buildings using mixed fuels

Pre-wiring for future electrification

Exemplary performance for large multifamily

Multifamily buildings >12,000 CSF must use the Passive House pathway

Mixed-fuel buildings (using fossil fuels)�must prewire for future electrification, providing consumer protection

Mixed-fuel buildings must install rooftop solar - with exemptions - reducing future electrical bills and providing consumer protection

Exemplary performance for large homes

Homes larger than 4,000 conditioned square feet

must be all-electric �or zero energy

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Specialized Code: The Benefits

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#1 - Consumer Protection

Pre-wiring for electric transition is an incremental cost at time of construction.

The cost of gas is projected to double in the next decade, while electricity prices are expected to remain stable. (see “New Construction and Future of Gas in MA” report)

Solar requirements lower utility and operational costs (exceptions for shaded roofs).
Reduces the cost of inevitable future retrofits to lower emissions and meet climate goals.
Improves resale value. Clean and healthy all-electric homes command higher prices.

Health/Comfort/Resilience….Equity.

Passive House improves air quality and comfort, keeps temperatures stable in outages, and lowers operational and maintenance costs.��Additional DOER grant funding as well as State and Federal rebates and incentives (see slide 15).

New DOER programs will give additional funding/privileges to communities that have adopted the Specialized Code and become “Climate Leaders” . More information about the program.

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Multiple Pathways:�Preserves choice

Key Definition - Mixed-Fuel:

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*Both Zero Energy and Mixed-Fuel Buildings can use fossil fuels (Mixed-Fuel path not allowed for units larger than 4,000 sf)

All-�Electric

Zero

Energy*

Mixed-

Fuel*

A Mixed-Fuel Building is any building connected to gas/propane/oil for cooking, space or water heating, clothes drying, fireplace, lighting

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Specialized Requirements: 1-/2-Family/Townhome/Small Multifamily

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Home/Unit Type	Unit Size	Specialized Code
All-Electric New Homes	Any	No requirements
Mixed-Fuel New Homes � (if using any gas/propane/oil)	Under 4,000 ft²	Solar PV (min 4kW*, except Passive House and shaded) Wiring for future electrification
Mixed-Fuel New Homes � (if using any gas/propane/oil)	4,000 ft² and over	Zero energy = enough Solar to meet HERS 0 Wiring for future electrification
Home Additions/ Alterations	Any	No requirements
Historic or �Existing Homes	Any	No requirements

* ≥0.75 W/sf for small multifamily and exemptions for shading

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Specialized Requirements: Large Multi-family

New construction only
Large Multifamily is a building 4 or more stories or over 12,000 ft²
No solar requirement

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Building Type	Fuel Type	Specialized Code
Multifamily (over 12,000 ft²)	All-Electric	Passive House
Multifamily (over 12,000 ft²)	Mixed-Fuel	Passive House �Wiring for future electrification

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Specialized Requirements: Commercial Buildings

New construction only

* Minimum of 1.5W/sf for each sq foot of the 3 largest floors or 75% of Potential Solar Zone Area with shading (except Passive House buildings).

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Building Type	Fuel Type	Specialized Code
Any Commercial, Schools, Municipal Buildings	All-Electric	No requirements
Any Commercial, Schools, Municipal Buildings	Mixed-Fuel	Solar PV * Wiring for electrification

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What is Passive House?

Requires strong energy and building envelope performance.�
Does not require all-electric or net-zero.�
Heating load reduction of up to 90% compared to typical construction, resulting in significant savings on utility costs.�
Significantly improves indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

Increased resilience from power outages and extreme heat and cold.

Certification is independently verified and does not require additional training for building inspectors.

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Source: Passive House Massachusetts | www.PHMass.org

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Passive House and Affordable Housing

What about Passive House for Affordable Housing?

More and more the construction method of choice for Affordable Housing
Significantly lower utility costs (up to 90% less)
Improved indoor air quality
Improved occupant comfort: consistent room temperatures, elimination of air drafts
Longer lasting construction with less maintenance

Free training, resources, recorded sessions on Passive House website: http://phmass.org

Significant Mass Save Incentives for Passive House
Passive House Case Studies (“Safe at Home”)
And…Passive House gets preference for Affordable Housing financing

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Source: Passive House Massachusetts �www.PHMass.org

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Financial incentives: Federal and State

Federal

IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) -�Rewiring America handy guide to the IRA�

State

MassSave rebates and incentives
DOER Climate Leaders program (in addition to Green Communities funding)�

Mass School Building Authority (MSBA)

3% adder for schools built to the Specialized Code requirement

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DOER: Green Communities Contacts and Assistance

Regional Coordinators act as direct liaisons with cities and towns

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Joanne Bissetta, Director - Joanne.Bissetta@mass.gov

Mark Rabinsky, Deputy Director – Mark.Rabinsky@mass.gov

Click here for energy code training or support or email energycodesma@psdconsulting.com.

Southeastern MA:

Lisa Sullivan�Lisa.M.Sullivan@mass.gov

617-312-4018 - cell

Western MA:

Chris Mason

Christopher.Mason2@mass.gov

857-753-2159 - cell

Central MA:

Kelly Brown�Kelly.Brown@mass.gov

617-780-8144 - cell

Northeastern MA: Dillan Patel�Dillan.Patel@mass.gov

857-283-1264 - cell

North Shore communities can reach out to �Dillan Patel.

Dillan has been involved helping five communities successfully adopt the specialized stretch code and is helping another dozen to pass later in 2024.

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ZeroCarbonMA.org : Resources and Coaching Program

We can help!

Loads of online resources
Coaching program (we will connect you with other communities that have already passed the Specialized Code)
Contact us with questions or to be added to the list-serv: info@zerocarbonma.org

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Q&A

Please share your

questions in the chat.

Please contact us at info@ZeroCarbonMA.org to find out more about our Opt-in Specialized Code coaching program or to be added to our listserv.

THANK YOU for your hard work and leadership and working for a better climate future.

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