This new series by the Government Affairs Committee will look at issues they are studying on your behalf. You can expect to hear more about these issues in depth, but this series will introduce you to a brief on the topic! First up…. The new law, “An Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy” says the state must achieve what’s known as “net zero” emissions by 2050. This means the total amount of greenhouse gases we put into the atmosphere must be balanced by what we can remove. Our current state-wide building code has a set of energy efficiency standards, many cities and towns adopted a “stretch code,” set of higher efficiency standards. The Department of Energy Resources is studying and redrafting the stretch code to define “net zero buildings” and “net zero building performance standards.” The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on this process, and after 18 months, the agency is supposed to announce the new stretch code provisions. You can expect REALTORS, Builders, Renovators and Home-owners will want to stay informed and participate in the process of crafting new codes.  More on the current Stretch Energy Code

Has your town adopted a Stretch Energy Code? What have been the impacts, if any? Share you thoughts and read what others have said. (debuting our HUB Forum!)