Town News
Worcester urges early planning for energy code compliance
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.
Section
Town News
Announcements from town hall, rewritten from the original release.
Town News
Worcester explains why homes must be pre-wired for electrification
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.
Town News
Worcester explains what Passive House means
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.
Town News
Worcester Clarifies Rules on Gas Appliances, Fossil Fuels
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.
Government
Worcester clarifies EV charging rules under energy code
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.
Town News
Worcester clarifies energy code rules for ADUs
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.
Town News
Worcester addresses cost concerns over energy code
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.
Town News
Worcester to host first Homeowner Summit Nov. 7
The City of Worcester announced its first Homeowner Summit, a one-day event on Nov. 7, 2026, offering sessions on homebuying, grants and housing resources, with free registration online.
Town News
Worcester submits homelessness framework to council
Worcester officials submitted a draft framework called "Disrupting the Cycle" to the City Council on Sept. 15, 2026, outlining strategies to support people experiencing homelessness as federal data show a rising unhoused population in the city and county.
Town News
Worcester relaunches recycling education campaign
Worcester is relaunching its Worcester Recycles Right campaign this month to cut rising contamination in curbside recycling bins at buildings with one to six units, combining audits, education and enforcement with hauler Casella Waste Systems.
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