The International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have combined efforts to assist the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in the publication of a base and stretch code entitled 2020 Massachusetts Energy Code. The streamlined energy code is fully integrated — containing specific requirements designed to meet the needs of the commonwealth.

“Code officials and local government representatives together recognize the need for modern, updated building codes in the quest to achieve greater efficiency, resiliency and sustainability,” said Dominic Sims, CBO, CEO, ICC. “It is critical that leading organizations within the industry continue to create strategic partnerships such as this to provide communities like Massachusetts with a set of building codes that are not only designed with them in mind but will also help them achieve their common goal of energy efficiency.”

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a key component in Massachusetts achieving its climate and energy goals, and the adoption of new and improved building codes is an integral part of their strategy. The ninth edition of the Massachusetts Building Energy Code is based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019.

“Each community has unique needs, which is why building safety leaders must come together in order to provide local jurisdictions and states with the modern building codes based on industry consensus standards that are created specifically for them,” said 2021-22 ASHRAE President Mick Schwedler, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP.

As part of the Green Communities Act of 2008, Massachusetts’ Base Energy Code must be updated every three years to be at least as stringent as the most recent edition of the IECC. Additionally, the Stretch Energy Code must be updated periodically to provide communities with the choice of adopting more rigorous energy provisions. These new codes are designed for the commonwealth and will fulfill both requirements.

“By working with the Code Council and ASHRAE, we’re able to provide all users of the energy code in Massachusetts with a single Massachusetts energy code book which provides greater convenience and clarity on our building energy codes for both base code and stretch code communities. We are working with the Office of Public Safety and Inspections to disseminate copies of this resource to all local code officials and inspectors as well as collaborating with the energy code training provided by the Mass Save program,” said Commissioner Patrick Woodcock, Massachusetts DOER. 

The Digital Codes Premium Energy Collection is a subscription service that provides access to a comprehensive digital library containing more than 100 energy-related titles consisting of energy codes, standards, code commentary/guides and other energy related educational and support materials. It is a must for those involved in enforcement or compliance with energy codes and standards.  

The new 2020 Massachusetts Energy Code can be viewed online at https://codes.iccsafe.org.