The Stretch Code and HERS Ratings

The above map shows only 46 Massachusetts municipalities that had adopted the Stretch Code as of September 8, 2010, but that's old news.

Now over 100 Massachusetts municipalities have adopted the Stretch Code, and that means that any new construction project built in such a municipality will need to have a HERS rating. For more information on the HERS Index and what a HERS rating is, please see our post below.

The Center for Eco Technology, a local certified Home Energy Rating organization, pointed out in their recent newsletter that many building inspectors will require the builder to submit the preliminary HERS rating at the time of permitting.

Generally speaking, this is a step in the right direction for homes to be designed and constructed in a more energy-efficient way. With the homes using less energy, they will be more environmentally-friendly and this will also ultimately save homeowners money on their utility bills.