Boston will soon adopt a new stringent green state building code that aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions in new construction and major renovations.
Adoption of Massachusetts’s “stretch code” means that the city will not create an outright ban on fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and appliances. It will, though, drastically reduce fossil fuels in buildings by adding expensive, climate-friendly requirements for developers choosing to install fossil fuel connections. There will be varied energy efficiency requirements for different building types.
The legislation also requires developers building with gas or oil to pay for extra wiring so buildings can go all-electric in the future. Buildings in Boston account for close to three-quarters of the city’s carbon emissions, according to estimates.
At least two other Bay State communities have adopted the stretch code, but Boston is the largest and has a more diverse building stock including labs and life science buildings with highly specific electricity and infrastructure requirements.
In a related development, Mayor Michelle Wu recently pledged $10 million in city funds to help affordable multi-family buildings become more energy efficient.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Oct 15, 2015
Montreal apartment is world’s largest residential cross-laminated timber project
Its 434 condo, townhouse, and rental units in three eight-story buildings are made from sustainably harvested wood turned into panels by Canadian company Nordic Wood Structures together with the Cree Nation in Chibougamau.
Green | Oct 5, 2015
ULI report: Commercial real estate properties cutting emissions, energy use
The new report from ULI’s Greenprint Center shows a positive trajectory of real estate properties worldwide reducing energy and water use.
Green | Oct 1, 2015
New York showcases an urban farm for public housing
Providing healthy foods and job training are two of this project’s missions.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 28, 2015
Vo Trong Nghia’s 'diamond lotus' will feature sky garden pathways linking high-rises
The 22-story housing complex in Ho Chi Minh City will have façades covered with plants and a rooftop garden that connects the structures.
Green | Sep 11, 2015
GBI releases Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings for public comment
Revised ANSI standard open for review through Oct. 26
Retail Centers | Aug 27, 2015
Vallco Shopping Mall renovation plans include 'largest green roof in the world'
The new owners of the mall in Cupertino, Calif., intend to transform the outdated shopping mall into a multi-purpose complex, topped by a 30-acre park.
Giants 400 | Aug 6, 2015
GREEN BUILDING GIANTS: Green building movement hits a new plateau, but the underlying problems remain
Today, the green building movement is all about eliminating toxic substances in building materials and systems and, for manufacturers, issuing environmental and health product declarations. Whether these efforts will lead to healthier products and building environments remains an open question.
Green | Jul 27, 2015
MUST SEE: Dutch company to test using plastic waste for road construction
KWS Infra is piloting a program to make roads from plastic garbage, including bags and bottles extracted from the ocean.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
ICC, ASHRAE outline roles to consolidate IgCC and 189.1
"IgCC Powered by 189.1” will provide the design and construction industry with “the single, most-effective way to deliver sustainable, resilient, high-performance buildings," according to the trade groups behind the agreement.
Green | Jul 23, 2015
NASA: U.S. headed for worst droughts in a millennium
Data from NASA shows carbon emissions could be the driving force behind devastating water shortages and record droughts in the western U.S.