The Next Generation of Building Codes & Passive House

As part of the Next Generation Roadmap Bill (2021), the state was required to develop a “net zero stretch code” for municipalities to opt into. The Department of Energy Resources is the state agency charged with developing this code. Passive House

DOER was charged to develop a municipal opt-in specialized stretch energy code that includes:

Passive House, net-zero building performance standards
a definition of net-zero building
designed to achieve MA GHG emission limits and sub-limits.
may be phased in by building type
50% emission reduction in 2030 (sub-limits to be established for the buildings sector)

Updated Stretch Code

The new Stretch Code automatically applies to all existing Stretch Code communities. In it, Passive House is now a pathway for multifamily, schools, and offices and an alternative to the TEDI or HERS pathways, while residential buildings must meet Passive House certification or achieve HERS 42 (or 45 if all-electric).

Specialized Opt-in Code

The new Specialized Opt-In Code is now available for municipalities to adopt and will go into effect in those towns approximately six months after adoption.

This code will require Passive House certification for all large multifamily buildings over 12,000 square feet while including it as a pathway for all other types.

Specialized Opt-In Code – Municipality Adoption (as of July, 2023)

Effective Date – July 1st, 2023

Brookline, Watertown, Somerville, Cambridge

Effective Date – January 1st, 2024

Acton, Aquinnah, Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Newton, Sherborn, Somerville, Stow, Truro, Watertown, Wellesley, Wellfleet
Read more about Boston’s code adoption here