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With the dreaded Valentine’s Day coming up, love is in the air! Not feeling it this year? Well celebrate your love for the planet instead! Since the Green Communities Act of 2008, MA has followed the Base Building Energy Code and then in 2009 MA added the Stretch Energy code, which requires a higher level of energy efficiency in construction that municipalities could opt to follow in lieu of the Base Building Energy Code. Well this year there are updates to the Stretch Energy Code and the prevalent need and interest in taking care of our planet and environment that been building strength for decades and is coming to a head!
New building code will come into play this year in many local towns and states and will require builders to build homes to a more stringent, more environmentally friendly building energy code.
The new code, or Stretch Code has more stringent energy efficiency requirements to help the state reach its ambitious greenhouse gas emissions goals of a 50 percent reduction by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050.
What does this mean for builders? Lower HERS ratings for one, residential housing without fossil fuel will need to produce a HERS rating of 45 or less and require ERV’s (energy recovery ventilation systems). These changes require different ways and types of insulation as well as high efficiency electric heating systems, fireplaces and cooking appliances. This would seemingly lead to greater expenses but builders are being incentivized to go this route not only fr the environment but because of hefty rebates being offered as well.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers?
New construction starting after December 31, 2023 and potentially as early as July 2023 in many towns will be required to have lower energy ratings and most municipalities will be requiring builders build to the NEW Stretch Energy Code which requires tighter insulation and air return systems creating a high efficiency product that will be Zero Energy ready or Net Zero ready. Which means after installing solar, these homes will generate as much energy or more than they actually use and thus will eliminate utility expenses. Most homes will also be equipped with charging stations for electric auotmobiles as well and ERV’s which provide a cleanier healthier air flow and quality inside the homes. This is an advantage to buyers who are looking for new construction and are environmentally responsible. These updates will also give these homes an advantage over other older homes not built to this stringent home thus giving the future sellers of these hoes a greater value for their homes. It’s a win for everyone!
Check out our new construction ranch style homes being built to this new code in Northbridge at www.mikesway.info and get into a Zero Energy ready home today!
As always, If you’re thinking of buying or selling it’s best to get the advice of a professional realtor with the right team and having experts work on your behalf is absolutely in your best interest. For more market updates, feel free to reach out: email- [email protected] Instagram @lisashawsells or call me 508 826-7661.
