Specialized Stretch Code and Municipal Adoption

This webinar is part one in the two-part webinar series: Codes for Climate Webinar Series hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.

In 2022, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) developed and filed new regulations for a Stretch Energy Code Update and a new Municipal Opt-In Specialized Code to help reduce energy and meet Massachusetts’ climate goals. Municipalities that have previously opted into the Stretch Code (in existence since 2009 and widely adopted across the State) are automatically opted into the updated Stretch Code. The new Specialized Code is designed to achieve MA GHG emission limits and ensure new construction is consistent with a net-zero Massachusetts economy by 2050. Municipalities interested in adopting the Specialized code will have to go through a formal approval process with City council or Town Meeting.

This virtual session will feature speakers from DOER and cover information about the Specialized code and pathways and best practices for municipal adoption. This webinar is intended for municipal planning and inspectional services staff, boards and committees, and those interested and involved in building and energy codes.