01.26.23 CC Specialized Energy Code — File 23-0084

somervillema.gov/ose Specialized Energy Code Presentation to City Council Mayor Katjana Ballantyne Office of Sustainability & Environment January 26, 2023

somervillema.gov/ose Agenda • Summary of Somerville building energy decisions • Comparing Massachusetts energy codes • Existing building exemptions from updated Stretch and new Specialized Energy Codes • Stretch Energy Code Update: Changes going into effect July 1, regardless of Specialized Code adoption • What’s in the Specialized Energy Code? • Specialized Energy Code benefits • Sample of incentives and financing options • How will this work for Somerville?

somervillema.gov/ose Summary of Somerville building energy decisions June 2011: Adopted the Stretch Energy Code December 2019: Adopted updated Zoning Ordinance 2022: Approved a Home Rule Petition to participate in the Fossil Fuel Free Building Pilot Program

somervillema.gov/ose Comparing Massachusetts Energy Codes Residential/Commercial Proposed effective date for Residential/ Commercial: July 1, 2023 Watertown, Brookline, and Cambridge have opted in New construction, additions, alteration 300 communities

somervillema.gov/ose Existing building exemptions from the updated Stretch Energy Code and new Specialized Energy Code • Historic buildings with approval • Level 1 Alterations(removal/replacement/covering of existing materials/equipment/elements/fixtures) • Level 2 Alterations (<=50% renovated/reconfigured) • Residential Additions <1,000 square feet (sf) • Commercial Additions <20,000 sf

somervillema.gov/ose Stretch Energy Code Updates: Changes going into effect July 1, regardless of Specialized Code adoption

somervillema.gov/ose Stretch Energy Code Updates: Changes going into effect July 1, regardless of Specialized Code adoption • Enhanced for energy efficiency standards • Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment requirements (1 space/home, multifamily parking lots prewire 20% spaces) • Requires solar readiness 5+ stories • Requirements for new construction residential* • Requirements for new construction commercial* • Residential: Level 3 Alterations (50%+ renovated and reconfigured; Additions 2x the size of the conditioned floor area or >1,000 sf • Commercial: Additions > 20,000 sf; Alterations (including walls) • Change of use/occupancy *Exceptions: Specialized code has additional requirements for certain building types

somervillema.gov/ose Comparing Massachusetts Energy Codes Residential/Commercial Residential/ Commercial Proposed effective date: July 1, 2023 Watertown, Brookline, and Cambridge have opted in New construction, additions, alterations 300 communities

somervillema.gov/ose What’s in the Specialized Energy Code? • Builds on Stretch Energy Code with limited exceptions • Applies to new construction for low-rise residential and commercial • Choose 1 of 3 pathways to compliance: 1. Zero Energy pathway 2. All-Electric pathway 3. Mixed-fuel pathway • New 1-2 unit homes >4,000 sf must use Zero Energy or All- Electric pathways • Multifamily buildings <12,000 sf total conditioned floor area may follow commercial or residential code • Multifamily >12,000 sf follows commercial code

somervillema.gov/ose What’s in the Specialized Energy Code? • Definition of net zero building • Definition of zero energy building • Enhanced for energy efficiency standards • All buildings required to equip 20% of spaces with wiring for electric vehicle charging or one space per home in 1-2 unit home • Pre-wiring for electrification required in Mixed-Fuel pathway • Solar PV required for Mixed-Fuel pathway • High ventilation buildings (labs): • Must install wiring sufficient for all-electric • Have a path to meet All-Electric requirements

somervillema.gov/ose Specialized Energy Code benefits Support citywide goals and planning towards net zero, all-electric buildings by 2050. • A necessary and important step to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the #1 emissions-producing sector in Somerville. • Adopt now and impact new construction through 2050. • More rigorous than current local standards. • Will put Somerville in a better position to electrify by • disincentivizing the installation of new fossil-fueled systems, • facilitating installation of electrification infrastructure, and • encouraging all-electric builds and projects. • Support construction of cleaner, more energy efficient, resilient buildings. • Important step towards Fossil Fuel Free Pilot Program. • May create access to more funding opportunities.

somervillema.gov/ose Sample of incentives and financing resources • Alternative Energy Credits • Business tax credits • Energy efficiency tax credits/rebates • Eversource electric vehicle supply equipment incentives • Federal Inflation Reduction Act 45L and 179D tax credits • Fuel Assistance • Housing Rehab Program • Heating System Replacement Program • Mass Housing Loans • Mass Save • Massachusetts Clean Energy Center • SMART program • Solar tax credits • And more…

somervillema.gov/ose How will this work for Somerville? • Cross-departmental effort • Managing consultant services • Evaluate development trends, policy and staff impact • Analysis will help determine how to effectively implement and streamline the program • Creation of easy-to-use public outreach tools • Promote financial assistance tools • Outreach planned Spring/Summer 2023 and beyond

somervillema.gov/ose Thank you Christine Blais Director Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment City of Somerville [phone removed] cblais@somervillema.gov

somervillema.gov/ose Discussion Christine Blais Director Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment City of Somerville [phone removed] cblais@somervillema.gov