Streamlined Energy Code Compliance for Massachusetts
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), Ekotrope built support for the Commonwealth's residential energy code pathways; Base, Stretch, and Specialized (including Fossil Fuel Free), directly into the rating software HERS Raters already use to model homes.
Background: A Three-Tier Energy Code, Adopted Town by Town
Unlike most states, Massachusetts layers three residential energy code options that municipalities can individually adopt, and each town sets its own timeline. Because municipalities have local control over adoption, requirements can vary from one municipality to the next:
Base Code: the statewide minimum (IECC 2021, MA amended). Applies where a municipality has not opted into Stretch or Specialized codes.
Stretch Code: a more efficient opt-in standard with minimum HERS Index requirements, adopted by over 300 MA municipalities to date.
Specialized Code: the most advanced opt-in tier, building on Stretch Code requirements with stricter rules for projects using fossil fuels, and net-zero and all-electric pathways.
Massachusetts building energy code adoption by municipality — view the full Code by Municipality map online.
Massachusetts energy code adoption is municipality-based and phased over time: each city or town adopts the Stretch or Specialized code on its own schedule. Capturing municipality and permit date together lets Ekotrope identify the applicable code version based on the entered project information, rather than a single statewide default.
What Ekotrope Built
Code pathway determination logic. Ekotrope cross-references each municipality's code adoption date against permit date and construction type to identify the correct code version and pathway, then sets the resulting HERS target automatically, including credits for renewables, clean heating, and embodied carbon.
MA Energy Code data intake tab. A new data collection tab captures municipality, permit date, construction type, and CFA fields for additions, renovations, and ADUs, along with pathway-specific fields including Embodied Carbon, Clean Space Heating, Solar-Ready, and Electric Readiness.
Massachusetts State Code compliance report. One report selection generates the correct output for the project's pathway: target vs. projected HERS score, projected energy cost, and an itemized checklist of mandatory requirements, with a QR code linking to the authoritative digital record.
MA Energy Code tab, Fossil Fuel Free fields for a participating municipality
How It Works
HERS Rater enters project details. Municipality, permit date, construction type, and applicable square footages are entered in the MA Energy Code tab. Additionally,Site Info, including projects modeled in any RESNET-accredited HERS rating software, is brought in through Ekotrope's Universal Intake.
Ekotrope determines the pathway. Municipality adoption date, permit date, and construction type are checked against MA State Energy Code logic to select Base, Stretch, or Specialized for compliance.
Quick Results shows live compliance. Pass/fail status updates live, honoring pathway prerequisites — Stretch Code compliance is required before Specialized Code can apply.
A compliance report is generated. The Massachusetts State Code report auto-adjusts to the correct pathway, showing target/confirmed HERS score, energy cost, and itemized mandatory requirements.
A QR code enables verification. Every printed report includes a scannable code linking to its authoritative digital record, so building officials can confirm it's valid.
Above: Live pathway compliance in Quick Results, Below: Massachusetts State Code compliance report w/ Mandatory requirements and QR verification
Learn More
Click above to download the full Overview of the Massachusetts State Energy Code Implementation. Questions about how this support impacts your projects in Massachusetts can be directed to support@ekotrope.com. If you would like to learn more about how Ekotrope can support your state or regional energy code compliance needs, contact us below.
