It’s been nearly two years since the newest Stretch Energy Code and Specialized Opt-In went into effect for commercial construction here in Massachusetts. Happy Anniversary! It’s been a great two years. As with all new relationships, it took a minute to figure out how to live together, but we were excited for the changes and tried to hit the ground running.

And, as in all lasting relationships, there have been some give and take. In February 2025, DOER rolled out an amendment to ease the burden on existing, structural thermal bridges (thank you!), and over the past two years we have devoted time towards making the backstop calculations part of our design process.

Here are the top 5 reasons why we love the MA Stretch Energy Code (in no particular order):

1. It’s based on proven building science and robust thermal envelope performance. It makes an impact where it really counts. Envelope first!

2. The Energy Code reduces the gap between code minimum and Passive House standards. This lowers the hurdles, and cost, to pursue that PH certification. (It’s no secret that we are part of the PH fan club around here!)

3. Together with the Specialized Opt-in code (where adopted), fewer new buildings will hook up to fossil fuel sources at all. And with the enhanced thermal performance in the code, electrification is an excellent, viable pathway for buildings of all sizes.

4. Using the Component Performance Alternate pathway (aka Backstop Calculation) for thermal verification puts the steering wheel directly into the hands of designers to understand the impact of design moves on thermal performance. We use our own template to track proposed envelope components and can visual U-value hot spots that impact performance the most.

5. Lastly, this energy code is setting a standard for other states to learn from and hopefully build off and adopt. Our hope is that thermal codes continue to gain traction and build momentum across the country.

Cheers to energy codes!

Learn about the tools we use on FA Energy projects to keep up with code compliance.