This document provides an overview of Massachusetts' Stretch Energy Code and how it aims to help municipalities create a greener energy future. The Stretch Code is an optional appendix to the base energy code that is approximately 15-20% more stringent. It covers new construction, additions, and renovations of both residential and small commercial buildings. Compliance can be shown through either a performance path using tools like the Home Energy Rating System, or a prescriptive path with requirements for things like window efficiency and duct sealing. Training is provided to help builders and code officials understand and implement the new standards.

1. Helping Massachusetts Municipalities Create a Greener Energy Future
Stretch Code Informational
Session
Sept. 21, 2011
Greg Krantz
ICF International

2. Topics
 IECC 2009 Overview
 What is the Stretch Code?
 Discussion and Q&A

3. Energy Codes in MA are changing
 New base energy code in July 2010 (IECC 2009)
 Roughly 10-15% more efficient than IECC 2006
10-
 Next I-Code 1/1/2013-Designed to be 30% better
I- 1/1/2013-
 New phase of outcome-based Energy Codes
outcome-
 Stretch Code appendix 115.AA
pp
 Approx 15-20% more energy
15-
efficient than the base code
(IECC 2009/AHRAE 90.1 2007)
 Commercial bldgs. ASHRAE 90.1-2007 remains
g 90.1-
ASHRAE 90.1 = Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low‐Rise Residential Buildings
IECC = International Energy Conservation Code – of International Codes Council (ICC)

4. IECC and ASHRAE Codes
 ICC & ASHRAE develop model building codes
and standards for the US.
 ICC: publishes IECC energy code
 3 year cycle IECC 2006, IECC 2009
2006
 ASHRAE: publishes 90.1 standard
 3 year cycle 90.1-2007, 90.1-2010
90.1- 90.1-
IECC = International Energy Conservation Code – of International Codes Council (ICC)
ASHRAE = American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

5. IECC 2009 and the MA 8th
Edition
 IECC 2009 and the Stretch Appendi
nd Appendix
115.AA Codes address energy only
 MA 8th Edition will address all codes
(structural, plumbing, etc.)
(structural plumbing etc )

6. What’s Changed Since IECC 2006?
What s
 New requirements include:
 Building envelope tightness
 Duct testing
 Lighting equipment
g g q p
 No moisture control requirements (framed
walls,
walls floors and ceilings)

7. STRETCH ENERGY CODE
APPENDIX 115.AA

9. Why an Optional Stretch Code?
 Growing desire to reduce costs, reduce
costs
dependency on imported fuels, and address
climate change
 Several towns and cities asked for the ability to
adopt stronger building codes
 BBRS developed one alternative code that is
consistent across the state
i h

10. What does the Stretch Code Apply
to?
 Residential  Commercial
(5,000-
(5,000-100,000 sq/ft)
 New Construction
 New Construction
 Additions
 Additions
 Home Renovations
 Historic Home Exemption  Renovations Exempt

12. Residential New Construction

13. Performance Path
 Performance Path is the only option
 Uses Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
 70 or less < 3,000 sq ft.
 65 or less > 3,000 sq ft.
 Requires a certified HERS rater
q
 Review building plans
 Check insulation installation
 Thermal bypass Checklist
 Blower-door and duct testing
Blower-
Image source: www.lexingtoninfrared.com/hers-ratings.php

14. What is a HERS Rating?
 Home Energy Rating System
(HERS) Index
 Each home is tested, certified
and labeled by an independent
y p
HERS Rating Company
 Must follow Residential Energy
Services Network (RESNET)
testing procedures
 A HERS Rater uses software to
model the h
d l h home’s energy
’
performance based on plan analysis
and on-site testing to calculate a
on-
HERS I d (C b used i
Index. (Can be d instead
d
of ResCheck)

15. What is the Thermal Bypass Checklist?

16. Stretch Code vs. IECC
Comparison
Typical Existing
Home
Std New Home
IECC 2006
IECC 2012
~ HERS 70

17. Home Additions

18. Performance or Prescriptive Path
Addition Only
 Performance Path
 70 or less < 3,000 sq ft.
 65 or less > 3,000 sq ft.
Prescriptive Path
P i i P h
 ENERGY STAR Windows (U=.30)
 Duct leakage under 4 cfm per 100 sq ft
 Builder Verified Thermal Bypass Checklist

19. Home Renovations

20. Performance or Prescriptive Path
 Performance Path is easier than for new
construction and additions
 Easier HERS index requirement (mostly relevant for
gut-
gut-renovations)
 85 or less < 2,000 sq ft.
 80 or less > 2,000 sq ft.
 Prescriptive Path
P i ti P th
 Same as additions
 Requirement for insulating empty cavities if wall
sheathing is exposed
Image source: http://www.wilkinsonbuild.co.uk/Portals/5/Renovation/renovation2.jpg

21. Stretch Code and ENERGY STAR
 The Stretch appendix almost puts the current
ENERGY STAR H Homes program i into code
d
 ENERGY STAR is a proven cost-effective
cost-
program
 Approx 30% in 2010 of new homes in MA
 Builder incentives/rebates
 Incentives up to $8000,
 Rebates on appliances,
heating and cooling, lighting, etc.
 Builder training and materials
 Subsidized HERS raters
 Third party verification

22. COMMERCIAL STRETCH CODE

23. Commercial ‘Stretch’ Appendix
Stretch
 Addresses the construction of new commercial
buildings and additions over 5,000 ft2
 Two Options (depending on size)
• Performance option - 20% below Code
• Prescriptive option for most building types
5,000 - 100,000 ft2

26. Compliance
Codes and Training

27. Code Compliance & Inspections
 Essentially the same as base code
E ti ll th b d
 Code Official has the same authority
 Same building inspections
 Approves building documents,
Energy Star and HERS rating or
ASHRAE modeling as g
documentation of energy compliance

28. Training on new energy codes
 Covering both the IECC 2009 & Stretch code
 Provided free to all Code Officials
d d d
 Includes IECC code book and Stretch appendix
 Provided at cost to building professionals
 Register online: www.cetonline.org/Events/events.php
 Separate Commercial and Residential sessions
 Energy star homes training available for free:
www.energystarhomes.com/
 Utilities offer commercial ‘Core Performance’ energy
training
i i

29. Stretch Code
Case Studies

34. Questions?