Speaking of the Stretch Code (see post below), there will be a presentation about the Stretch Code on January 26, 2010 at 7:00 at Town Hall. Mr. Michael Berry, Project Manager for the Massachusetts New Homes with Energy Star Program, will be present at the public forum to provide an overview of the new Stretch
Energy Code and answer questions from the public. More information will be posted as it becomes available. In the mean time, a "question and answer" document about the stretch code is available on the State web site and can be accessed here.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
STRETCH CODE
No, this is not a new law attempting to prevent injuries by requiring that you stretch before exerting yourself! Rather, it is an optional part of the State Building Code that requires a greater degree of energy efficiency than the standard code. One major difference for new construction is that it requires a performance-based test rather than just a prescriptive list of items that must be done in order to pass the test. Since one of the requirements is a blower test to identify air leaks in the structure, additions and renovations would still be built according to prescriptive measures (and those measures will apply only to the addition or renovation).
While the stretch code was initially intended to provide about 20% greater efficiency than the standard code, the standard code has also changed so the difference has been narrowed to some degree. It should also be noted that what is now the stretch code is scheduled to become the standard code by 2013. However, a new stretch code may also be created by that date that will maintain a margin of greater efficiency over the standard Building Code.
As noted in an earlier post, adopting of the stretch code is one of the required elements in order to be designated as a Green Community. Some have questioned how much extra it might cost to build in compliance with the stretch code. The real answer is that it will actually cost less to build according to the stretch code when energy savings are taken into account. The initial cost will be greater, but that difference will be made up relatively quickly and as energy costs rise, the payback time is reduced. Sixty four communities have adopted the stretch code as of November 19, 2010. Fifty three communities have been designated as Green Communities so far.
It should be noted that upon designation as a Green Community, the Town is notified of a dollar amount in grant funding for which it is eligible. It can use the funds to implement energy efficiency measures. The amount of the grant generally ranges between $125,000 and $175,000.
While the stretch code was initially intended to provide about 20% greater efficiency than the standard code, the standard code has also changed so the difference has been narrowed to some degree. It should also be noted that what is now the stretch code is scheduled to become the standard code by 2013. However, a new stretch code may also be created by that date that will maintain a margin of greater efficiency over the standard Building Code.
As noted in an earlier post, adopting of the stretch code is one of the required elements in order to be designated as a Green Community. Some have questioned how much extra it might cost to build in compliance with the stretch code. The real answer is that it will actually cost less to build according to the stretch code when energy savings are taken into account. The initial cost will be greater, but that difference will be made up relatively quickly and as energy costs rise, the payback time is reduced. Sixty four communities have adopted the stretch code as of November 19, 2010. Fifty three communities have been designated as Green Communities so far.
It should be noted that upon designation as a Green Community, the Town is notified of a dollar amount in grant funding for which it is eligible. It can use the funds to implement energy efficiency measures. The amount of the grant generally ranges between $125,000 and $175,000.
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