Massachusetts
On July 19, 2016 Massachusetts completed its base and stretch energy code update process. Massachusetts has amended its 8th edition of the state's building codes to include the 2015 IECC / ASHRAE 2013, which will take effect on January 1, 2017. The adopted code includes state amendments to the base energy code (residential and commercial, to be published), as well as an updated stretch energy code (adopted as is). Amendments not incorporated into this 8th edition, such as the renewable energy readiness provisions, will be reconsidered when the state later adopts the entire 2015 I-code package as its 9th edition.
Adoption. Buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as amended by 780 CMR 13.00.
Concurrency. Applications for building permits and related construction and
other documents filed through January 1, 2017, may comply either with 780 CMR
13.00, 51.00: Massachusetts Residential Code, and 115.00: Appendix AA
effective August 12, 2016, or with the versions of those provisions in effect
immediately prior to August 12, 2016, but not a mix of both. After January 1,
2017, concurrency with the prior versions ends, and all applications for building
permits and related construction and other documents shall comply with the
amended provisions only.
1301.1.1 Revise subsection as follows:
[E] 1301.1.1 Criteria. Buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Massachusetts
Amendments in 780 CMR 13.00. These amendments apply to the IECC and to
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013.
Exception. Temporary structures, as regulated by Section 3103, do not need to
comply with the building envelope requirements of Chapter 13.
C401.2 Revise section as follows:
C401.2 Application. Commercial buildings shall comply with one of the following:
1. The requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013, as modified by C401.2.2 if
following APPENDIX G and otherwise by C406.1.
2. The requirements of Sections C402 through C405. In addition, commercial buildings
shall comply with Section C406 and tenant spaces shall comply with Section
C406.1.1.
3. The requirements of Sections C402.5, C403.2, C404, C405.2, C405.3, C405.4,
C405.6, and C407. The building energy cost, or the total annual energy use on either
a site or source energy basis, shall be equal to or less than 85% of the standard
reference design building. Source energy calculations shall comply with C401.2.2.1.
4. Residential use buildings up to five stories may elect to comply with the energy
provisions of Section N1106 found in 780 CMR 51.00: Massachusetts Residential
Code, provided all units are separately rated, separately metered, individually heated
and cooled, and have kitchens.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
C401.2.2 through C401.2.2.2 Add subsection as follows:
C401.2.2 Performance rating Method for Source Energy. Add exception to
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013 APPENDIX G PERFORMANCE RATING
METHOD, Section G1.1.
Exception: When APPENDIX G is used for the comparison of building energy
consumption only, the comparison may be performed on site energy and/or on a
source energy basis.
C401.2.2.1 Source Energy Method. For the purpose of quantifying the projected Source
Energy consumption of a building the Site to Source Fuel Conversion factors in Table
401.2.2 shall apply.
Table 401.2.2 Site to Source Fuel Conversion Factors
Load Type Factor
Electric power use at the utility meter 3.01
Natural Gas 1.09
Fuel Oil 1.13
LPG 1.12
Purchased District Heating
Hot Water
Steam
1.35
1.45
Purchased District Cooling 0.99
Fossil fuels not listed 1.1
Purchased Combined Heat and Power District Heat *
*A source fuel conversion for purchased district heat supplied by a combined heat and power
central utility will be published by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources on a per
district system basis.
C401.2.2.2 Approved Software for Source Energy Calculation with
Combined Heat and Power.
1. Determination of the source energy consumption and usage intensity when
using purchased combined heat and power district heat shall be performed
as an exceptional calculation using the Department of Energy Resources
(DOER) approved Excel worksheet.
2. Determination of the source energy consumption and usage intensity for
heat generated by a combined heat and power system located on-site shall
be performed using software meeting the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-
2013 Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method, Section G 2.2
Simulation Program, and has an explicitly stated capability to determine
both the site and source energy use intensity for combined heat and power
systems without the requirement for exceptional calculations as defined in
ASHRAE 90.1-2013 Appendix G Section G2.5.
Approved Calculation Software Tools. The following software tools are
sufficient to demonstrate compliance with Section C401.2:
1. COMcheck: Version 4.0.4, or later. Can be accessed at:
https://www.energycodes.gov/
2. Any other software tool approved by the Board of Building Regulations and
Standards.
General (Mandatory). This section covers lighting systems controls, the
maximum lighting power for interior and exterior applications, and electrical energy
consumption.
Exception: Dwelling units within commercial buildings shall not be required to
comply with Sections C405.2 through C405.5, provided that they comply with
Section R404.1.
Walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, refrigerated warehouse coolers, and
refrigerated warehouse freezers shall comply with Section C403.2.15 or
C403.2.16.
C405.10 Reserved.
C406.1 Revise section as follows:
C406.1 Requirements. Buildings shall comply with at least two of the following:
1. More efficient HVAC performance in accordance with Section C406.2.
2. Reduced lighting power density system in accordance with Section C406.3.
3. Enhanced lighting controls in accordance with Section C406.4.
4. On-site supply of renewable energy in accordance with Section C406.5.
5. Provision of a dedicated outdoor air system for certain HVAC equipment in
accordance with Section C406.6.
6. High-efficiency service water heating in accordance with Section C406.7.
Exception 1: Buildings in municipalities not served by a participating Mass Save
investor-owned gas or electric utility provider shall comply with at least one of
the requirements in Section C406.1.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Exception 2: Buildings being designed utilizing ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-
2013 must comply with Item 2 of C406.1 as well as at least one of the remaining
items listed in C406.1.
C406.5 Revise section as follows:
C406.5 On-site Renewable Energy. Total minimum ratings of on-site renewable energy
systems shall comply with one of the following:
1. Provide not less than 0.50 watts per square foot (5.4 W/m2) of conditioned
floor area.
2. Provide not less than 3% of the design energy used within the building for
building mechanical and service water heating equipment and lighting
regulated in Chapter 4.
3. Provide not less than 65% of the total annual energy used within the building
for building space and service water heating with biomass fuel using direct
vented combustion mechanical equipment rated at a minimum of 80 AFUE.
The biomass fuel shall meet the eligible fuel and emission criteria under
M.G.L. c. 25A, § 11F½ (Massachusetts alternative energy portfolio standard).
4. Provide not less than 65% of the total annual energy used within the building
for building space and service water heating using a geothermal heat pump
system with a coefficient of performance of not less than four.
C407.6.1.1 through C407.6.1.5 Add subsections as follows:
C407.6.1.1 Approved Alternative Energy Performance Methods. The requirements of
this section are approved performance methods to demonstrate compliance with Section
C407 without calculation of a standard reference design:
1. RESNET Approved Software for Home Energy Rating System (HERS).
For residential units within a building up to five stories above grade plane, and
with independent unit-level heating and cooling systems, a HERS rater
verified Index Score of 55 or less for the finished units together with a
completed and HERS rater verified ENERGY STAR Rater Field Checklist
may be used. Compliance with this section requires that the criteria of
C402.4, C403.2, C404, and C405 are met.
2. Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Approved Software. PHIUS+ 2015:
Passive Building Standard - North America, or another approved software by
PHIUS, where Specific Space Heat Demand, as modeled by a Certified
Passive House Consultant, is less than or equal to 10 kBTU/ft2/year.
Compliance with this section requires that the criteria of C402.4, C403.2,
C404, and C405 are met.
3. ENERGY STAR Homes 3.1 path. New residential structures, or additions
to existing residential structures, or portions thereof, as certified to conform
with the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes standard, Version 3.1.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
4. Any other software and/or rating standard approved by the Board of Building
Regulations and Standards.
C407.6.1.2 Documentation. The following documentation is required for energy code
compliance under subsection C407.6.1.1, Item 1:
s
1. If using HERS Index software:
a. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the following items must be
provided to the Building Official:
i. a HERS compliance report which includes a proposed HERS
Index Score of 55 or lower;
ii. a description of the unit’s energy features; and
iii. a statement that the rating index is “based on plans.”
b. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the following items
must be provided to the building official:
i. a copy of the final certificate indicating that the HERS Index
Score for each unit is verified to be 55 or less, with a
completed HERS rater verified ENERGY STAR Rater Field
Checklist is to be submitted to the building official. The HERS
rating compliance shall be determined before electrical
renewable energy systems are credited; and
ii. a certificate, as required by Section R401.3 for each unit, that
lists the HERS Index Score of the dwelling unit.
2. If using the PHIUS software:
a. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the following items must be
provided to the Building Official:
i. A list of compliance features; and
ii. A statement that the estimated Specific Space Heat Demand is
“based on plans.”
b. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the following item
must be provided to the building official:
i. A copy of the final report, submitted on a form that is approved
to document compliance with PHIUS+ 2015 standards. Said
report must indicate that the finished building achieves a
Certified Passive House Consultant-verified Specific Space
Heat Demand of less than or equal to 10 kBTU/ft2/year.
3. If using ENERGY STAR Homes, Version 3.1 path:
a. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the following items must be
provided to the Building Official:
i. A copy of the preliminary HERS rating, based on plans;
ii. A copy of the ENERGY STAR v. 3.1 Home Report; and
iii. A copy of the Rater Design Review Checklist.
b. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the following items
must be provided to the Building Official:
i. A copy of the certified HERS rating; and
ii. A copy of the signed ENERGY STAR Rater Field Checklist.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
C407.6.1.3 Energy Rating Index. The Energy Rating Index (ERI) shall be a numerical
integer value that is based on a linear scale constructed such that the ERI reference design
has an Index value of 100 and a residential building that uses no net purchased energy has
an Index value of zero. Each integer value on the scale shall represent a 1% change in
the total energy use of the rated design relative to the total energy use of the ERI
reference design. The ERI shall consider all energy used in the residential building. The
RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the approved ERI approach in
Massachusetts.
C407.6.1.4 ERI-based Compliance. Compliance based on an ERI analysis requires that
the rated design be shown to have an ERI less than, or equal to, the appropriate value
listed in Table C407.6.1.4, when compared to the ERI reference design prior to issuance
of any credit for onsite renewable electric generation.
C407.6.1.4.1 Trade-off for Onsite Renewable Energy Systems. New
construction following C407.6.1.3, and existing buildings and additions following
C501.4 may use any combination of the following renewable trade-offs to
increase the maximum allowable HERS Index Score for each unit separately
served by any combination of the following:
1. Solar photovoltaic array, rated at 2.5kW or higher, shall offset five HERS
points;
2. Clean Biomass Heating System, solar thermal array, or ground source heat
pump, or a combination of these systems, operating as the primary heating
system shall offset five HERS points; and
3. Solar thermal array for primary domestic hot water heating or Clean
Biomass Stove shall offset two HERS points.
Note: a Clean Biomass Stove offset may not be combined with a primary heating
system offset.
Table C407.6.1.4 Maximum HERS Index Scores with Onsite Renewable Energy Systems
Renewable Energy Source
Maximum HERS Index Score
New Construction
Whole House Renovations;
Additions
None 55 65
Solar PV > 2.5 kW, or
Renewable primary heating system
60 70
Solar PV & solar thermal DHW, or
Renewable primary heating & solar
62 72
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
thermal DHW
Solar PV & Renewable primary
heating & solar thermal DHW
67 77
C407.6.1.5 Verification by Approved Agency. Verification for compliance with Section
C407.6.1 through C407.6.1.4.1 shall be completed by an approved third party. For
compliance using a HERS Index rating or ENERGY STAR for Homes v. 3.1
certification, verification of compliance shall be completed by a certified HERS rater.
For compliance with PHIUS+ 2015, compliance shall be completed by a certified Passive
House consultant.
ASHRAE 90.1-2010: Yes
ASHRAE 90.1-2013: No
Energy cost savings for Massachusetts resulting from the state updating its commercial and residential building energy codes in accordance with federal law are significant, estimated to be on the order of nearly $144 million annually by 2030.
Massachusetts DOE Determination Letter, May 31, 2013
Massachusetts State Certification of Commercial and Residential Building Energy Codes
temp
Adoption. Buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as amended by 780 CMR 51.00
sections N1100.1 through N1111.2, as amended.
Concurrency. Applications for building permits and related construction and
other documents filed through January 1, 2017, may comply either with 780 CMR
13.00: Energy Efficiency, 51.00, and 115.00 Appendix AA effective August 12,
2016, or with the versions of those provisions in effect immediately prior to
August 12, 2016, but not a mix of both. After January 1, 2017, concurrency with
the prior versions ends, and all applications for building permits and related
construction and other documents shall comply with the amended provisions only.
N1101.1 Revise the section as follows:
N1101.1 Scope. This chapter regulates the energy efficiency for the design and
construction of buildings regulated by 780 CMR. Municipalities which have adopted the
Stretch Energy Code shall use the energy efficiency requirements of 780 CMR 115.00:
Appendix AA.
N1101.6 (R202) Add and/or revise the following defined terms:
CLEAN BIOMASS STOVE. Wood- or pellet-fired stoves that are EPA certified; and
have a particulate matter emissions rating of no more than 3.5 g/hr for non-catalytic wood
and pellet stoves; or 2.0 g/hr for catalytic wood and pellet stoves.
CLEAN BIOMASS HEATING SYSTEMS. Wood-pellet fired central boilers and
furnaces where the equipment has a thermal efficiency rating of 80% (higher heating
value) or greater; and a particulate matter emissions rating of no more than 0.15
lb/MMBtu PM heat output.
N1101.13 Revise the section as follows:
N1101.13 (R401.2) Compliance. Projects shall comply with one of the following:
1. Sections N1101.14 through N1104.
2. Section N1105 and the provisions of Sections N1101.14 through N1104
labeled “Mandatory.”
3. An energy rating index (ERI) approach, or approved alternative energy
performance rating method in Section N1106 and the provisions of Sections
N1101.14 through N1104 labeled “Mandatory.”
Qualifying approaches under N1106 include the following:
a. Certified RESNET HERS rating with Massachusetts amendments.
b. Certified Energy Star Homes, Version 3.1.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
c. Certified Passivehaus performance method.
N1101.14 (R401.3) Add the following to the end of the paragraph:
“The Certificate shall list the final HERS Index Score when applicable.”
Table N1102.1.2 (R402.1.2) Revise the table as follows:
Climate Zone 5 and Marine 4 Fenestration U Factor shall be “0.30”.
Table N1102.1.4 (R402.1.4) Revise the table as follows:
Climate Zone 5 and Marine 4 Fenestration U Factor shall be “0.30”.
N1102.1.5.1 Add the subsection as follows:
N1102.1.5.1 Approved Software for Total UA Alternative: The following software is
approved for demonstrating Total UA compliance:
1. REScheck Version 4.6.2 or later, available at
http://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck
2. REScheck-Web available at https://energycode.pnl.gov/REScheckWeb/
N1103.3.3 (R403.3.3) Add the following paragraph before the exception:
Post-construction or rough-in testing and verification shall be done by a HERS Rater,
HERS Rating Field Inspector, or an applicable BPI Certified Professional.
N1103.6 (R403.6) Replace the section as follows:
N1103.6 (R403.6) Mechanical Ventilation (Mandatory). Each dwelling unit of a
residential building shall be provided with continuously operating exhaust, supply or
balanced mechanical ventilation that has been site verified to meet a minimum airflow
per:
1. the Energy Star Homes’ Version 3.1;
2. ASHRAE 62.2-2013; or
3. the following formula for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses of
three or fewer stories above grade plane:
Q = .03 x CFA + 7.5 x (Nbr +1) - 0.052 x Q50 x S x WSF
Where: CFA is the conditioned floor area in sq ft
Nbr is the number of bedrooms
Q50 is the verified blower door air leakage rate in cfm measured at
50 Pascals
S is the building height factor determined by this table:
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Stories Above
Grade Plane 1 2 3
S 1.00 1.32 1.55
WSF is the shielded weather factor as determined by this table:
County WSF
Barnstable 0.60
Berkshire 0.52
Bristol 0.54
Dukes 0.59
Essex 0.58
Franklin 0.52
Hampden 0.49
Hampshire 0.59
Middlesex 0.55
Nantucket 0.61
Norfolk 0.52
Plymouth 0.53
Suffolk 0.66
Worcester 0.59
N1103.6.2 (R403.6.2) through N1103.6.6 (R403.6.6) Add the subsections as follows:
N1103.6.2 (R403.6.2) Verification. Installed performance of the mechanical ventilation
system shall be tested and verified by a HERS Rater, HERS Rating Field Inspector, or an
applicable BPI Certified Professional, and measured using a flow hood, flow grid, or
other airflow measuring device in accordance with either RESNET Standard Chapter 8 or
ACCA Standard 5.
N1103.6.3 (R403.6.3) Air-moving Equipment, Selection and Installation. As
referenced in ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013, Section 7.1, ventilation devices and
equipment shall be tested and certified by AMCA (Air Movement and Control
Association) or HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) and the certification label shall be
found on the product. Installation of systems or equipment shall be carried out in
accordance with manufacturers’ design requirements and installation instructions. Where
multiple duct sizes and/or exterior hoods are standard options, the minimum size shall not
be used.
N1103.6.4 (R403.6.4) Sound Rating. Sound ratings for fans used for whole building
ventilation shall be rated at a maximum of 1.0 sone.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Exception: HVAC air handlers and remote-mounted fans need not meet sound
requirements. There must be at least 4 feet of ductwork between the remotemounted
fan and intake grille.
N1103.6.5 (R403.6.5) Documentation. The owner and the occupant of the dwelling unit
shall be provided with information on the ventilation design and systems installed, as
well as instructions on the proper operation and maintenance of the ventilation systems.
Ventilation controls shall be labeled with regard to their function, unless the function is
obvious.
N1103.6.6 (R403.6.6) Air Inlets and Exhausts. All ventilation air inlets shall be located
a minimum of ten feet from vent openings for plumbing drainage systems, appliance vent
outlets, exhaust hood outlets, vehicle exhaust, or other known contamination sources; and
shall not be obstructed by snow, plantings, or any other material. Outdoor forced air
inlets shall be covered with rodent screens having mesh openings not greater than ½ inch.
A whole house mechanical ventilation system shall not extract air from an unconditioned
basement unless approved by a registered design professional. Where wall inlet or
exhaust vents are less than seven feet above finished grade in the area of the venting,
including but not limited to decks and porches, a metal or plastic identification plate shall
be permanently mounted to the exterior of the building at a minimum height of eight feet
above grade directly in line with the vent terminal. The sign shall read, in print size no
less than ½ inch in size, “MECH. VENT DIRECTLY BELOW. KEEP CLEAR OF ALL
OBSTRUCTIONS.”
Exceptions:
1. Ventilation air inlets in the wall ≥ three feet from dryer exhausts and
contamination sources exiting through the roof.
2. No minimum separation distance shall be required between local exhaust outlets
in kitchens/bathrooms and windows.
3. Vent terminations that meet the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code
(NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1) or equivalent.
N1104.3 (R404.2) Reserved.
N1106.1 (R406.1) through N1106.1.2 Revise and/or add the section and subsections as follows:
N1106.1 (R406.1) Scope. This section establishes criteria for compliance using an
Energy Rating Index (ERI) analysis, or approved alternative energy performance rating
methods.
N1106.1.1 (R406.1.1) Approved Alternative Energy Performance Methods.
The following rating threshold criteria are sufficient to demonstrate energy code
compliance under section N1106 without calculation of a standard reference
design. The mandatory provisions of subsection N1106.2 also apply:
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
1. ENERGY STAR Homes 3.1 path. New buildings shall be certified to
conform to the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3.1
standard.
2. Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Approved Software. PHIUS+
2015: Passive Building Standard - North America, or another approved
software by PHIUS, where Specific Space Heat Demand, as modeled
by a Certified Passive House Consultant, is less than or equal to 10
kBTU/ft2/year. Compliance with this section requires that the criteria
of C402.4, C403.2, C404, and C405 are met.
3. Any other software and/or rating standard approved by the Board of
Building Regulations and Standards.
N1106.1.2 (R406.1.2) Documentation. The following documentation is required
for energy code compliance under subsection N1106.1.1:
1. If using ENERGY STAR Homes, Version 3.1 path:
a. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the following items
must be provided to the Building Official:
i. A copy of the preliminary HERS rating, based on plans;
ii. A copy of the ENERGY STAR v. 3.1 Home Report;
and
iii. A copy of the Rater Design Review Checklist.
b. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the
following items must be provided to the Building Official:
i. A copy of the certified HERS rating; and
ii. A copy of the signed ENERGY STAR Rater Field
Checklist.
2. If using the PHIUS software:
a. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the following items
must be provided to the Building Official:
i. A list of compliance features; and
ii. A statement that the estimated Specific Space Heat
Demand is “based on plans.”
b. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the
following item must be provided to the building official:
i. A copy of the final report, submitted on a form that is
approved to document compliance with PHIUS+ 2015
standards. Said report must indicate that the finished
building achieves a Certified Passive House Consultantverified
Specific Space Heat Demand of less than or
equal to 10 kBTU/ft2/year.
N1106.3 (R406.3) Add the following sentence to the end of the paragraph:
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
“The RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the approved ERI
approach in Massachusetts.”
N1106.4 (R406.4) Revise the section as follows:
N1106.4 (R406.4) ERI-based Compliance. Compliance based on an ERI analysis
requires that the rated design be shown to have an ERI less than or equal to the
appropriate value listed in Table N1106.4 when compared to the ERI reference design
prior to credit for onsite renewable electric generation.
N1106.4.1 (R406.4.1) Add the subsection, and associated table, as follows:
N1106.4.1 (R406.4.1) Trade-off for Onsite Renewable Energy Systems. New
construction following N1106.3 or existing buildings and additions following N1107.4
may use any combination of the following renewable energy trade-offs to increase the
maximum allowable HERS Index Score for each unit separately served by any
combination of the following:
1. Solar photovoltaic array rated at 2.5kW or higher shall offset five HERS
points.
2. Clean Biomass Heating System, solar thermal array, or ground source heat
pump, or a combination of these systems, operating as the primary heating
system shall offset five HERS points.
3. Solar thermal array for primary domestic hot water heating or Clean Biomass
Stove shall offset two HERS points.
Note: A Clean Biomass Stove offset may not be combined with a primary heating system
offset.
Table N1106.4.1 (R406.4.1). Maximum HERS Index Scores with Onsite Renewable Energy
Systems
Renewable Energy Source
Maximum HERS Index
New Construction
Whole House Renovations;
Additions
None 55 65
Solar PV > 2.5kW, or Renewable
primary heating system 60 70
Solar PV & solar thermal DHW, or
Renewable primary heating & solar
thermal DHW
62 72
Solar PV & Renewable primary heating
& solar thermal DHW 67 77
N1106.5 (R406.5) Revise the section as follows:
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
N1106.5 (R406.5) Verification by Approved Agency. Verification of compliance with
Section N1106 shall be completed by an approved third party. For compliance using a
HERS rating or Energy Star Homes 3.1 certification, verification of compliance shall be
completed by the certified HERS rater. For compliance using PHIUS+ 2015, verification
of compliance shall be completed by a certified Passive House consultant.
N1108.1.2 (R502.1.2) Add an exception to the subsection as follows:
Exception: Alternatively, the addition and any alterations that are part of the project
shall comply with N1106 and shall achieve a maximum HERS Index Score using Table
N1106.4.1.
APPENDIX U: Reserved.
2012 IECC: Yes
2015 IECC: No
Energy cost savings for Massachusetts resulting from the state updating its commercial and residential building energy codes in accordance with federal law are significant, estimated to be on the order of nearly $144 million annually by 2030.
Massachusetts DOE Determination Letter, May 31, 2013
Massachusetts State Certification of Commercial and Residential Building Energy Codes
State Owned / Funded Buildings
The Leading by Example (LBE) Program was created by Executive Order No. 484 and sets aggressive targets for facilities owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, and water conservation. Leading by Example: An Action Plan for Green Buildings in Massachusetts State Construction Projects, developed by the Massachusetts Sustainable Design Roundtable, establishes minimum green building standards for all major state government construction projects.
Adoption Process
Code amendment cycles occur twice a year, as required by statute, and include a public hearing process. The Board of Building Regulations Standards has sole authority to promulgate the Massachusetts State Building Code (MSBC). Anyone can submit code change proposals to the Board. Adopted code changes are typically promulgated during the year of adoption.
Enforcement Process
Enforcement is through the local building inspectors of the 351 cities and towns of the Commonwealth. Only a Building Code Board of Appeals, consisting of specified technical members, may grant a variance to the code. Plan review and construction inspection, although performed by the local building official, is also required of the engineers/architects of record when buildings exceed 35,000 cubic feet of interior volume.
Compliance Process
Compliance is determined at the local level by local building inspectors as part of an application review and inspection process. Compliance is addressed in three distinct ways: 1) registered architects and engineers at the design level are charged by state law and regulations with abiding by design criteria of the code, 2) the construction community is equally charged with abiding by the code, and 3) the building officials review the submitted plans and complete inspections prior to issuing the certificate of compliance. Compliance paths include both prescriptive and performance approaches. Building professionals can use REScheck to show compliance for residential buildings and COMcheck for commercial buildings. On May 6, 2010, Massachusetts was announced as one of the states that will participate in BECP's Compliance Evaluation Pilot Study.
Background
By statue, the uniform MSBC has been the single, legal statewide building code since January 1, 1975. The MSBC applied to all new construction and certain work in existing buildings. The energy provisions in the MSBC were developed by the Board's Energy Advisory Committee, working with staff supported by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, and with additional support from the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources which administers utility rebate programs and establishes state energy policy.
New code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings was effective April 1, 2007 with a concurrency period where a code user may choose to either use the Sixth or Seventh Edition of the code; to expire January 1, 2008. On July 2, 2008, the state of Massachusetts updated its Seventh Edition, Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (780 CMR) and its Seventh Edition Basic Building Code (for all other buildings) with state-specific front-end amendments.
On November 20, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick set two major goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy. The first aims to make all new malls and "big box" retail stores energy efficient and powered in part by solar energy by 2010. The second goal is for the state to offer a super-efficient building code as a local option for municipalities based on established national voluntary above-code efficiency standards such as the Energy Star for Homes program and the New Buildings Institute's "Core Performance" program for commercial properties.
On May 12, 2009 the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) approved Appendix 120AA as an optional amendment to the 7th edition Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR. This optional "stretch code" was developed in response to the call for improved local building energy efficiency in the state. Towns and cities may adopt Appendix 120AA as an alternative to the base energy efficiency requirements of 780 CMR and the forthcoming 8th edition to be based on the 2009 IECC (Massachusetts is required by the Green Communities Act of 2008 to adopt each new IECC edition within one year of its publication). The appendix, which includes both a residential and commercial stretch code, is designed to be about 30% more energy efficient than the 2006 IECC/ASHRAE 90.1-2004.
Massachusetts is required by the Green Communities Act of 2009 to adopt each new IECC edition within one year of its publication. The incorporation of the 2009 IECC will be included in the 8th edition of the Massachusetts Building Code. A new energy code will go into effect in July 2010. Towns and cities can opt into the stretch code appendix.
In summary:
- On October 17, 2008, ASHRAE 90.1-2007 was adopted as chapter thirteen of the amended MA seventh edition building energy code.
- On January 1, 2010, IECC 2009 was adopted with the reference to ASHRAE 90.1-2007 still maintained as the seventh edition with a six month concurrency period to phase in the new energy code, effective July 1, 2010.
- On August 8, 2010, adoption of the broader set of ICC 2009 family of codes was amended into the eigth edition of MA building code maintaining 2009 IECC/90.1-2007 and now included the residential portion of 2009 IECC, effective February 4, 2011.