MA Stretch Code Panel
Username
Tristan Grant
Proposer First Name
Tristan
Proposer Email
tristan@newbuildings.org
Proposer Last Name
Grant
Proposer Company/Organization
New Buildings Institute
Proposer Phone
(401) 712-2851
Proposer Job Title
Associate Director
Proposed Session Description
As we approach net zero codes, the next frontier of policy will tackle compliance and enforcement. Engagement from policy makers with field raters, code officials, and trades is essential for success in the design, compliance, and enforcement of codes. This session will feature a panel of stakeholders on the development, market reception, and lessons learned from the MA Stretch Code with an emphasis on knowledge transfer to and recommendations for future stretch policies.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
This session will focus on including a range of voices in the code and policy development process. This session will discuss and explore how building code and policy development can engage with stakeholders.
Learning Objectives
Explain key elements of the MA Stretch code
Understand how the stretch code has been received by market actors
Identify recommendations for knowledge transfer and improvements to stretch code development and adoption
Has this session been presented before?
No
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.
Session Format
Interview or structured conversation among panelists
Collaborative problem-solving session
Recommended Length
60-minute session
90-minute session
Comments about your speaker roster
speakers mostly confirmed, can flip flop some in/out as needed or if conflicts arise.
Presenters
Full Description
Building codes are approaching net zero performance in jurisdictions around the country, with many Northeastern states leading the charge. The next frontier is realizing true net zero performance is compliance, enforcement, and emphasis on efforts to close the gap between designed and observed performance. For this there must be increased engagement with and insight from a diverse range of stakeholders in the code development process, including input from code officials, energy raters, and rank and file tradespeople. Massachusetts is a leader in the Northeast with their aggressive stretch code that includes a Passive House compliance pathway. This session will feature a panel conversation between stakeholders to discuss the development, implementation, reception, and lessons learned from the first few years of the MA Stretch code, with an eye towards teasing out recommendations for knowledge transfer and stretch code development in neighboring states.