Green Building Codes and Standards

Codes and standards are increasingly being used to encourage the development of renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and high-performance buildings in Massachusetts. In addition to state requirements, codes and standards for specific building types and individual municipalities are in development to encourage a breadth of clean and green features in building projects.

Massachusetts Building Code

The 6th edition of the Massachusetts Building Code (780 CMR) is based on the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National Building Code, and it is organized to be consistent with the BOCA code and the codes used in other regions of the country. It incorporates a number of provisions and technical requirements specific to the state of Massachusetts including some of the most stringent energy efficiency standards in the nation.

Standards for new commercial buildings (everything other than residential buildings under four stories in height) reflect recent improvements in energy system technologies and in the design, construction, and operation of energy-efficient buildings. These standards are summarized in 780 CMR 13.

Standards for low-rise residential construction offer great flexibility while ensuring compliance with minimum performance requirements outlined in 780 CMR Appendix J. New buildings that employ renewable energy technologies to supply some or all of their energy are treated favorably under the code.

The Massachusetts Building Code for residential construction also sets out criteria for the design and construction of solar thermal systems in 780 CMR 3622 and bioenergy systems in 780 CMR 3610. The bioenergy systems covered by this code are stoves and furnaces that burn wood, wood pellets, and other organic materials to generate heat.

Massachusetts Electrical Code

Installations of PV, wind, and other renewable energy systems that generate electricity are subject to the state electrical code (527 CMR 12.00). This code is incorporated within the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR), which prescribes minimum requirements and controls for electrical and other systems to safeguard life, property, and public welfare. The state code is based in large part on the National Electrical Code, which is developed through a consensus-based process administered by the National Fire Protection Association.

Massachusetts Collaborative for High-Performance Schools (CHPS)

MTC and the Massachusetts Department of Education are collaborating to supplement existing state codes and expand the use of clean energy technologies and other advances in school buildings on both statewide and site-specific bases.

Under Massachusetts CHPS, a best-practices manual is being created to help influence future school design and construction. Guidance initially developed for primary and secondary (K-12) schools in California is being adapted for use in Massachusetts, with reference to state standards, codes, climatic conditions, and environmental priorities. The new manual focuses on public K-12 schools, but many key design and construction principles are also applicable to private schools and higher-education facilities.

Volume 1 was prepared for school administrators, government officials, and others involved in facilities planning. This Volume focuses on the benefits of high-performance schools and on the basic elements of the design and construction process. Volume 2 was prepared for architects, engineers, and project managers. This volume provides detailed design guidelines. Draft versions of these volumes, as well as other information resources, are available here.

The Massachusetts CHPS is designed to build on lessons learned in California as well as through new construction and renovation projects under the state's Green Schools Initiative. MTC has provided dozens of Massachusetts school districts with funding and other resources to create healthy learning environments that cost less to operate than traditional K-12 schools. Projected "beyond code" energy savings for these schools average 30%, translating to expected average cost savings of $70,000.

< Technology Policies | Local Policies >