Stretch Code for Ayer Spring, 2011

Today’s Topics Why Ayer should be a “Green Community” What is the stretch code? Discussion and Q&A 2 Ayer Conservation Land

Why Ayer Should be a Green Community Reduce energy costs in municipal buildings - pays for itself Eligible for Green Community Grant funds for further efficiencies and cost reduction Less dependence on imported fuels Foster clean energy technologies Promote energy-efficient construction

Sutton, MA a Successful Green Community Sutton Solar Panels on School –Qualified for $170,000 in state and federal grants because of being a Green Community and because of prep work needed to become a Green Community (energy baseline assessment for example) –Projected energy savings >$25,000 annually

Grants to Nearby Green Communities Acton: $150,794 Athol: $171,523 Becket: $141,326 Belchertown: $160,917 Chelmsford: $187,224 Gardner: $206,100 Harvard: $141,200 Marlborough: $217,125 Lancaster: $141,114 Lincoln: $140,294 Lowell: $546,506 Medford: $271,651 Sudbury: $136,238 Tyngsborough: $161,649 Winchester: $151,475 Worcester: $852,083

Sample Municipal Projects Water –tankless hot water heaters –solar hot water system Lighting –energy efficient lighting –LED streetlights Transportation –incremental costs of a hybrid vehicle Energy Generation –Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems –community wind forums –solar homes program Efficient Systems –efficient wastewater treatment process –energy management system –energy efficient boilers and vending machines Construction –residential stretch code implementation program provides financial incentives for residents undertaking home building projects Expertise –energy expert consulting services

Five “Green Community” Requirements Adopt "as-of-right" zoning for renewable or alternative energy generation, research and development or manufacturing. Adopt an expedited permitting process for such projects. Energy-use baseline and a plan to reduce baseline usage by 20% over five years. Plan to purchase only fuel- efficient cars Ayer has done four of five steps already! Last Step for Ayer – Require all new residential construction, and new commercial or industrial projects to conform to a "stretch code" REQUIRES TOWN MEETING APPROVAL

What Makes a Stretch Code? Current Codes are prescriptive – they require specific energy efficiency measures Stretch code is performance based –Evaluates combined effects of multiple energy efficiency (windows, insulation, lighting, heating/cooling, etc.) –HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Stretch Code amounts to consumer protection for the home owner

What is a HERS Rating? Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Each home is tested, certified and labeled by an independent HERS Rater  Raters monitored by Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)  Energy performance monitored from planning stage through final test of efficiency 9

Why Test Performance? –Guarantee good installation –Check effectiveness of air and water tightness, –Identify even those small air gaps that can reduce insulation R-values by 50% or more –Allows for flexibility in efficiency measures 10 Image source:

How Test Performance Blower-door test for air leakage Duct test for heating & AC Infra-red camera tests thermal barrier install (optional) 11 Image source: Environmental Protection Agency

What does the Stretch Code Apply to? Residential –New Construction –Additions –Home Renovations Commercial –New Construction –Additions 12

Common Concerns Costs –builders –homeowners –Businesses –Town Why now?

Green is Profitable for Builders Major Builders Choosing to Put HERS Rating on New Homes –Pulte Homes –Centex Homes –Del Webb Communities –KB Home –Meritage Homes Marketing advantages to HERS Ratings – people want to buy energy efficient homes

Savings to Home Owner

Summary Ayer has completed 4 of 5 steps to become a Green Community Green Communities qualify for grants for more energy conservation Vote YES at Town Meeting 17 Ayer Conservation Land

Appendix Details on example new home costs/energy savings Energy star

Stretch Code and ENERGY STAR The Stretch appendix almost puts the current ENERGY STAR Homes program into codeThe Stretch appendix almost puts the current ENERGY STAR Homes program into code ENERGY STAR is a proven cost-effective programENERGY STAR is a proven cost-effective program –31% in 2010 of new construction in MA Builder incentives/rebatesBuilder incentives/rebates –Incentives up to $8000, –Rebates on appliances, heating and cooling, lighting, etc. heating and cooling, lighting, etc. Builder training and materialsBuilder training and materials Subsidized HERS ratersSubsidized HERS raters –Third party verification 22