Building Energy Codes

The Town of Andover voluntarily adopted the Stretch Energy Code (effective January 1, 2011), which focuses on improving existing building energy performance above and beyond base energy code requirements.  In 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) developed a new municipal Opt-in Specialized Code (Specialized Code), to ensure that new residential and commercial constructions will be consistent with Massachusetts' greenhouse gas emissions limits in future years. Specifically, the Specialized Code asks building owners to go beyond energy efficient building envelope designs to take advantage of all-electric heating/cooling, cooking and domestic hot water technology, and to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Andover voted to adopt the Specialized Code at the April 2025 Town Meeting with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Andover is one of many communities in Massachusetts that have adopted the Specialized Code.   

SPECIALIZED CODE BASICS

1. The Specialized Energy Code does NOT ban fossil fuels

2. The Specialized Energy Code applies only to new construction. Additions, renovations, and historical as well as specialized buildings (labs, warehouses) would follow the existing Stretch Code.

3. Manufacturing processes are not subject to Specialized Code.

4. Specialized Code facilitates but does not require the electrification of new buildings. Mixed fuel pathways are available as options to builders and owners.

KEY FEATURES OF THE SPECIALIZED CODE 

Specialized code


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STRETCH AND SPECIALIZED CODES:

  1. Overall Stretch Code and Specialized Energy Code FAQ (https://www.mass.gov/doc/2023-stretch-energy-and-municipal-opt-in-specialized-building-code-faq/download)
  2. 225 CMR 22.33 Language for Residential Buildings (https://www.mass.gov/doc/225-cmr-22-massachusetts-stretch-code-and-specialized-code-for-low-rise-residential-2023-residential-low-rise-amendments-to-iecc2021-and-irc-2021-chapter-11-energy-efficiency/download)
  3. 225 CMR 23.00 Language for Commercial Buildings (https://www.mass.gov/doc/commercial-and-other-stretch-energy-code-and-specialized-opt-in-code-language/download)
  4. Stretch Code Technical Guidance Document https://www.mass.gov/doc/2023-stretch-code-technical-guidance-document-main-text/download