The new Massachusetts Energy Code and Stretch Code were just adopted and both go into effect today. There will be a concurrency period of the current Energy Code (IECC 2012) and Stretch Code (25% better than ASHRAE 90.1-2007) until January 1, 2017. Between now and the end of the year, projects have the option to follow either energy code, however the current Energy Code and Stretch Code are less stringent. Any project pulling a permit after the end of the year will be required to follow the new energy requirements.
The new Energy Code will be IECC 2015 (based on ASHRAE 90.1-2013).
The new Stretch Code will require projects to demonstrate a 10% reduction in energy usage compared with ASHRAE 90.1-2013. Currently, 176 cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Boston and Cambridge, have adopted the Stretch Code. You can check out a full list of cities and towns that have adopted these new codes here. In these communities, the Stretch Code applies to any new building larger than 100,000 SF or over 40,000 SF for labs.
Northeastern EXP features an organic pinwheel design, shaping research and classroom neighborhoods with shared community spaces radiating from the core to define each area. The building façade was tuned to achieve a 78% reduction in peak solar heat gain and a 62% reduction in cumulative solar radiation leading to energy use reductions and reduced mechanical system sizing. The use of stainless steel further leads to an embodied carbon reduction of almost one million tons when compared to aluminum while the natural stainless surface reflects light in a natural and warm tone giving the building an inherent energy.
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