Medfield Energy Committee Educates the Public about the Specialized Building Code

From the Medfield Energy Committee –

Medfield Energy Committee Educates the Public about the Specialized Building Code

The Medfield Energy Committee held a public forum on June 30th to discuss a new building energy code known as the Specialized Code.  Medfield residents will likely be asked to vote on adoption of the Specialized Code at Town Meeting in 2026, and MEC is starting early to educate the public on this topic.  Fifty-five other towns in Massachusetts have already chosen to adopt this code.

The Specialized Code requires new construction to be built to increased energy efficiency standards.  It is very important to note that the Specialized Code DOES NOT affect any existing homes, renovations/additions to homes, or historic homes.  Under the Specialized Code, new buildings can comply by being built all-electric (meaning no oil, gas, or propane fuel is used anywhere in the home).  If a new building’s design includes the use of some fossil fuels for heating, cooking, etc., this is still allowable under the Specialized Code, but the code requires that such buildings be pre-wired for future electrification, and to have on-site solar generation.

The Medfield Energy Committee supports adoption of the Specialized Code, given that it is an opportunity to ensure that new buildings in town are built to the best available energy efficiency standards.  Additionally,  state funding is available to towns that have adopted the Specialized Code and fulfilled other requirements, as part of the Climate Leaders Program, the next tier of the Green communities program.  Medfield has already received $666,000 in funding under the state’s Green Communities program, and would be eligible for continued and enhanced funding opportunities as a Climate Leaders community. These grants have allowed Medfield to install energy efficient upgrades in municipal buildings and schools when equipment needed replacing, leading to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.

At the forum on June 30^th, attendees viewed a previously recorded presentation given by representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.  Audience feedback was favorable to adopting the Specialized Code in Medfield, with commenters citing the overall cost savings to consumers, the opportunity for continued grant funding to the town, and the importance of addressing climate change.  The DOER presentation was recorded on June 17^th before the Medfield Select Board and can be view ed on Medfield TV, starting at 1:17hours.  Select Board Members raised concerns about additional regulations placing a burden on builders. 

The Medfield Energy Committee will continue to seek feedback from stakeholders as we approach our next Town Meeting in 2026.  MEC can be reached at medfieldenergycomm@medfield.net, and monthly public meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.