Worcester is advising residents planning new development projects to choose a compliance pathway and line up experts like HERS raters early to avoid costly delays.
Worcester explained that its requirement to pre-wire new construction for electrification is meant to spare future occupants from expensive retrofits as the state works toward a net-zero economy by 2050.
Worcester explained that Passive House is a strict design and construction standard that cuts building energy use through better insulation, windows and airtightness, and is increasingly used in Massachusetts affordable housing.
Worcester clarified Oct. 29 that gas and oil appliances are not banned in new buildings, though buildings that mix fossil fuels with electric heating and cooling must meet extra requirements such as pre-wiring for future electrification.
The Town of Worcester said in an Oct. 29 energy code FAQ that the Specialized Code does not add electric vehicle charging requirements beyond what the Stretch Code already requires.
Worcester says its Specialized Energy Code applies only to detached accessory dwelling units, while ADUs attached to existing buildings follow the standard Stretch Energy Code instead.
Worcester officials said all-electric homes built with heat pumps and Mass Save incentives can cost less than fossil fuel homes, though actual costs depend on materials, market conditions and builder experience.
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