Massachusetts put new energy codes into effect on August 12, 2016 which are mandatory January 1, 2017. In 2017, all building permits and formal documents must comply with the new energy codes.
The new energy code is based on the 2015 International Energy Code Council (IECC). The stretch code is also being updated and is broken into three types:
R-use buildings 4 stories or fewer shall comply with an approved energy rating index, such as:
Use of Energy Star Homes 3.1 Path; Passive House Institute US Approved software; Other BBRS approved Software or rating standard (RESNET approach
Large buildings and high energy buildings must better ASHRAE 90.1 by 10%
There is no standard energy code nationwide, so states use a various codes depending on their local regulations. With this change, Massachusetts will join other states like Vermont and Washington who are notably efficient under the 2015 codes, while California and Florida continue using 2012 codes.
The map above depicts state by state residential energy codes. Massachusetts will switch from blue (IECC 2012) to green (IECC 2015) with these changes.
Boston, or more accurately, Brighton, is home to one of most energy efficient buildings in the world! The 250,000 square foot New Balance HQ on Guest Street is one of only a few LEED Platinum certified buildings in Massachusetts. It was the first building in the US to achieve every possible indoor environmental quality credits.
LEED Platinum certification examines certain areas including: energy efficient design, water use reduction, sustainable site selection and development, responsible materials selection and waste management, and enhanced indoor environmental quality. New Balance HQ was statistically superior to many other similar buildings.
26% annual energy cost savings when compared to a code-compliant building.
35% reduction in water consumption of plumbing fixtures when compared to a code-compliant building.
76% waste diversion during construction
86% reduction in site runoff post-development when compared to pre-development.
28% of material used in construction derived from recycled content.
74% of material used in construction derived from a regional source.
100% of wood used in construction was Forest Stewardship Council certified.
30% higher ventilation rate when compared to a code-compliant building.
Based on these statistics it is clear that not only is the ownership devoted to LEED certification, but so were the contractors who achieved it.
Best of all, it was built by many of our SMACNA members!
