Energy Com. Info Sessions on Coming Specialized Energy Code – 10/22

From the Medfield Energy Committee –

Medfield Energy Committee Educates the Public about the Specialized Building Code

The Medfield Energy Committee will hold two public forums on Wednesday, October 22^nd 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 continuing 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, only, 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, enhanced 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.

The forums on October 22^nd will be held via Zoom, and will offer two separate sessions.  Session 1, beginning at 5:00 p.m., will be geared towards construction professionals, and will include technical information and time for feedback.  Session 2 will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is intended for the general public.  The Zoom links for these sessions can be found at the MEC website: https://www.town.medfield.net/2308/Specialized-Code