Specialized Code

The Medfield Energy Committee is seeking community input on whether the town should adopt a new building energy code, known as the Specialized Code.  The town would have to vote on this at town meeting; at least 45 other communities have already adopted it.  Under the state’s new Climate Leaders program, adoption of the Specialized Code is one of several prerequisites for towns to become eligible for funding.

The Specialized Code encourages new homes to be built all-electric so that in the future, homeowners will not have to pay to transition those homes.  The Specialized Code still allows homes to be built that use some fossil fuels, but requires that they be pre-wired for future electrification, and have on-site solar generation.  The Specialized Code applies to NEW construction, not any existing homes, renovations/additions to homes, or historic homes. 

Please help the MEC by taking a short, four-question survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfESrziMDX1USfZ-i6iit-J1btF7wnmD3JTcJ4VNbl_5cT5g/viewform

                                                                  Public Info Sessions on the Specialized Energy Code

Please view the recording from the public information session here: 

Passcode: 6w9o*%m#
  1. What building energy codes are in effect in Massachusetts?
  2. What is the Base Energy Code?
  3. What is the Stretch Energy Code?
  4. What is the Specialized Code?
  5. How is the Specialized Code different from the Stretch Code?
  6. What are the incentives for communities who have passed the Specialized code?
  7. Does the Specialized Code affect existing homes?
  8. Does the Specialized Code affect historic homes or major renovations?
  9. Does the Specialized Code ban fossil fuels in new construction?
  10. Is it possible to install a gas cooktop, water heater or other appliance along with all electric heating and cooling?
  11. How does an all-electric home perform during a power outage?
  12. How would adoption of the Specialized Code impact residential construction costs?
  13. What impact will the Specialized Code have on homebuyers?
  14. What impact will the Specialized Code have on homeowners’ heating bills?
  15. Does the electric grid have the capacity for all-electric homes?
  16. Will the Specialized Code discourage the creation of affordable housing?
  17. Do affordable housing developments need to comply with the Specialized Code?
  18. How will the Specialized Code impact future municipal buildings?
  19. What building types does the Specialized Code apply to?
  20. How many communities have adopted the Specialized Code?
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