Learn about the Specialized Stretch Code

Summary: Learn about the Specialized Energy Stretch Code and vote at Spring 2026 Town Meeting

Description

What is a building code? A building code provides rules and standards for the design, construction, alteration, materials, maintenance, and performance of buildings. 

What is the energy code? The energy code is a subset of building code that sets the standard for how much energy a building uses for heating, cooling, etc.

Massachusetts has three choices for energy codes: (1) the Base Code; (2) the Stretch Code; (3) the Specialized Code.  The Base Code is the default energy code. Towns elect to follow the Stretch Code or Specialized Code through a vote at Town Meeting. Most towns (300) in Massachusetts have adopted the Stretch Code, including Groton. 55 communities have now adopted the Specialized Code.

At Spring 2026 Town meeting, the Sustainaibility Commission will propose  that Groton adopt the Specialized Code.

Here are some quick facts about the Specialized Code:

1. The Specialized Code only applies to new construction; It does NOT apply to renovations, additions or historic buildings.
2. The Specialized Code incentivizes, but does not require, the electrification of new buildings; it does NOT prohibit the use of fossil fuels in new homes.
3. Adopting the Specialized Code provides opportunities for additional state grant funding; Adopting the Specialized Code qualifies towns to become "Climate Leaders," qualifying them for additional funding for municipal projects.
4. Four main features of the Specalized Code:

To learn more, please visit the Deeper Dive tab or email us at sustaining@grotonma.gov

Deep Dive

There are numerous great resources to learn about the Specialized Code.

1. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources authored the Stretch and Specialized Code: 2025 Massachusetts Building Energy Codes | Mass.gov
2. Zero Carbon MA is a local organization with helpful resources to understand the Specialized Code: Adopt the Opt-In Specialized Code — ZeroCarbonMA

From Zero Carbon MA:

The Opt-in Specialized Code was introduced in Massachusetts in late December 2022 as part of a mandated update to our building codes.  Since then, 55 communities representing 31% of the MA population (and far more in terms of building activity) have adopted this building code with overwhelmingly positive votes in town meetings and city councils.

The Opt-in Specialized Code builds on the efficiency and clean energy improvements in the updated Stretch Energy Code, providing consumer protections like pre-wiring for future electrification and PV solar panels to help reduce energy costs. These changes save consumers money and unnecessary work to comply with future building code requirements.  

There are very few changes from the Stretch Code, which 300 Communities in Massachusetts have automatically adopted, to the Specialized Code. The changes center around consumer protection and efficiency, saving consumers money and unnecessary work to comply with future building code requirements.  The changes can be outlined as follows.  Please also see the additional incentives available for communities that have adopted the Specialized Code at the end of this document.

1. The Specialized Code applies only to NEW CONSTRUCTION. There are no additional requirements for additions, alterations, or renovations. *  ** 

2. There are also no additional requirements for all-electric new construction (except # 4). 

3. Any new residential or commercial construction using fossil fuel combustion systems (except # 4) will need to:

   1. Provide consumer protection by pre-wiring for future appliance and HVAC electrification (wiring is easy and very low cost at the time of construction, while being expensive and time-consuming after construction)

   2. Install a minimum amount of solar (with some exceptions for shading) to reduce utility costs (thereby lowering operational expenses for the consumer) and help offset onsite fossil fuel combustion emissions

   3. Homes over 4,000 sf (again, that are not all-electric) must install enough solar or other renewables to offset ALL of the home’s energy use.

4. Any new large multi-family housing construction (>12,000 sf) will need to meet highly energy efficient (i.e., low energy use) Passive House standards which:

1. is already being done more and more for affordable housing throughout Massachusetts 

2. results in significantly lower total life cycle costs and minimal additional construction costs - see this new “Safe at Home” report 

3. ensures healthier, more comfortable, more resilient, and more equitable multi-family housing

4. is eligible for significant upfront incentives from MassSave.

5. The Department of Housing and Community Development also has a Low Income Housing Tax Credit program that gives extra points for both Passive House and for electrification.

6. Massachusetts C-PACE program allows developers to finance 25% of the total cost of an all-electric Passive House certified building. The C-PACE program is an innovative financing method. PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy. C-PACE loans provide off balance sheet financing. C-PACE loans are repaid through property taxes (like a betterment). The loan stays with the property when the building is sold. https://www.massdevelopment.com/assets/document/pace-massachusetts/PACE-Guidelines-2023.pdf

Steps to Take

1. Learn about the Specialized Code - please reach out to sustaining@grotonma.gov with questions. The Deeper Dive page has many more resources.
2. Talk to your friends and neighbors about the Specialized Code and encourage them to learn and vote.
3. Attend Spring 2026 Town Meeting and vote!