Green News In The Berkshires- Mass passes "Stretch Code"

A step in the right direction for Green Building? Perhaps?

This past week Massachusetts passed the "Stretch Code". This law basically allows municipalities to adopt more strict building codes in the area of energy efficiency. Currently, building codes require all new dwellings and extensive remodels to pass some sort of energy compliance. Typically this is called a REScheck, as defined by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and is essentially a calculation of wall square footage and its insulation value compared to the square footage of windows and their U-values. What this calculator spits out is a perceived efficiency of the building, actual performance was never measured. More recently, many have been switching to the Home Energy Rating System or (HERS). This is usually in conjunction with the Energy Star Program and LEED. HERS is more complex formula that also factors in an actual blower door test once the building is complete to test the homes air tightness. Currently a HERS rating of 100 is the standard. The new Stretch Code would require a new homes and remodels to obtain a HERS index of somewhere between 60-85 depending on certain circumstances.

While I am not in love with the HERS index as it requires the input of a homes R-value, with out taking into account the actual total wall performance, this is certainly a step in the right direction. What amazes me is the backlash from some of the bigger players in the building industry, such as the Home Builders Association. Did they not see this coming? This has been almost a decade in the works. Not to mention that the average home should be able to meet the new criteria with minor tweaking and a little forethought. Two years ago I would have agreed that building to this code would require additional expenses, but the market has adapted and a slew of products are now available to help achieve these new standards at minimal or no extra costs. In addition, when oil soared over a $100 a barrel, in the not to distant past, and you asked a perspective home buyer if they would rather have granite counter tops or save 40% on the heating bill, FOR EVER, what would have they said? The home we just finished achieved a HERS rating of 49!!! The wall and roof systems were easily comparable with conventional building costs. Some are complaining that the new codes are adding to the costs of doing business, during a recession no less. When would it be convenient? Well I guess its a time for the smart and ambitious.