City joins 85 other Massachusetts communities in updating building code to foster more energy efficiency

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has signed a change to Somerville’s building code that will require a 20% higher energy efficiency standard for new construction. Called a stretch code, the policy is designed to reduce energy and heating costs, saving money for residents in the long run as well as reducing the city’s overall carbon footprint.

Approved unanimously by the Board of Aldermen at its June 9th meeting, the stretch code has been adopted by 85 other municipalities in Massachusetts and is quickly becoming the standard in this region.

“With all of the new construction we anticipate in Somerville during the next decade as mass transit returns to most of our city, this move toward energy efficiency will have a major impact in terms of reducing energy costs and in environmental protection,” Curtatone said. “It is a sensible and necessary change that reflects the kind of environmental pragmatism we all need to embrace in these times of rapid climate change.”

Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor, chair of the Aldermanic Legislative Matters Committee, expressed his happiness over the passage of the stretch code.

“I’ve spent many years trying make Somerville a better community and a policy like this hopefully will help to ensure future generations can enjoy and appreciate the fruits of those labors,” he said. “This really is a case of the city acting with an eye toward the future.”

By adopting the stretch code, Somerville has been able to apply for designation as a Green Community, which brings with it the opportunity to receive state grant funds.  Other Green Communities criteria that Somerville has already met include the adoption of a formal fuel-efficient vehicle policy and a commitment to reduce the energy use by City government by 20% during the next five years.
Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane, chair of the Aldermanic Environment and Energy Committee, noted that the stretch code should have a positive impact for people all over the city.

“In this city we have made a habit of thinking globally and acting locally on environmental issues,” he said. “And the best part is more energy-efficient buildings are going to be more attractive to business tenants, and they will help working families and seniors on fixed incomes to better afford their monthly energy bills.”

A transitional window is part of the stretch code adoption and the full change in regulations becomes final on January 1, 2012.

(from the city of Somerville)