Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code Manchester by-the-Sea, MA
Expert Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code compliance services in Manchester by-the-Sea, MA. RESNET-certified HERS raters helping builders meet IECC 2021 requirements and obtain certificates of occupancy.
Get Compliance Help Call 617-584-18092026 Massachusetts Energy Code Facts — Manchester By The Sea
Manchester By The Sea enforces the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code (225 CMR 22), adopted effective 1/1/2014. Under the 2025 code update (current for 2026 permits), new homes in Manchester By The Sea must reach a maximum HERS Index of 42 (mixed-fuel) or 45 (all-electric) — up to 48 with qualifying credits — verified by a RESNET-certified HERS rater. ADUs must meet HERS 52–58, and major alterations, additions or change-of-use projects HERS 65–75, depending on fuel type and on-site solar.
- Energy code status: Stretch Code (effective 1/1/2014) — 1 of 242 MA municipalities (as of the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list).
- Required testing & verification: blower door (air infiltration) testing, duct leakage testing, balanced mechanical ventilation (ERV/HRV), plus EV-ready and solar-ready provisions on the HERS compliance path.
- Mass Save® 2026 new-construction incentives: up to $25,000 per all-electric single-family home (Passive House tier; $7,500 base tier, $15,000 ENERGY STAR® NextGen tier — HERS ≤45), up to $40,000 for a 4-unit building, up to $3,750/unit for 5+ unit multifamily, and up to $30,000 for major all-electric renovations. Every tier requires enrollment and verification by an approved HERS rating company.
Related Manchester By The Sea services: HERS Rating Manchester By The Sea · Blower Door Testing Manchester By The Sea · Duct Leakage Testing Manchester By The Sea · MA Energy Codes Guide — or get a free quote from our RESNET-certified team (617-584-1809).
Sources: 2025 DOER Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (Sept 2025); Mass.gov Building Energy Code Adoption by Municipality (June 2026); Mass Save 2026 Residential New Construction program.
Common Questions About the Manchester By The Sea Energy Code
Is a HERS rating required in Manchester By The Sea, MA?
Yes. Manchester By The Sea has enforced the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code since 1/1/2014, so new dwellings need a certified HERS rating from a RESNET-accredited rater — with blower door and duct leakage testing — before the certificate of occupancy.
What HERS score is required in Manchester By The Sea?
Homes permitted in Manchester By The Sea today must score HERS 42 or lower (mixed-fuel) or HERS 45 or lower (all-electric), up to 48 with qualifying credits. ADUs fall in the HERS 52–58 range and major alterations/additions in the 65–75 range, depending on fuel type and on-site solar.
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Manchester By The Sea is one of 242 of Massachusetts’ 351 municipalities enforcing the Stretch Energy Code (225 CMR 22) per the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list; 60 towns have gone further to the Specialized Code and 49 remain on the Base Code.
Official Maximum HERS Index Scores (Table R406.5)
These are the official maximum HERS Index scores that apply to projects in Manchester By The Sea under Table R406.5 of the current code (2025 DOER Technical Guidance):
| Building type | New construction (permits after 7/1/2024) | New construction w/ embodied-carbon credit (R406.5.2) | Accessory Dwelling Units | Major alterations, additions, change of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed-fuel building | 42 | 45 | 52 | 65 |
| Mixed-fuel + solar electric | 42 | 45 | 55 | 70 |
| All-electric building | 45 | 48 | 55 | 70 |
| All-electric + solar electric | 45 | 48 | 58 | 75 |
Scores are measured before counting on-site renewable generation (per R406.5). Historic buildings may opt out for alterations under R503.1.1. Embodied-carbon credits (+3 points) come from low-GWP concrete and insulation EPDs per Table R406.5.3/R406.5.4.
Complete Stretch Code Compliance Requirements in Manchester By The Sea
Beyond the HERS maximums above, every new dwelling in Manchester By The Sea on the HERS pathway must satisfy four code sections — R403.6 (Ventilation), R404.4 (EV Ready), R406 (HERS) and Appendix RB (Solar Ready) — per the 2025 DOER Technical Guidance:
- Balanced mechanical ventilation (R403.6): an ERV or HRV system meeting minimum system airflow, heat/energy-recovery efficiency, fan sound ratings and regulated air-inlet and exhaust locations — verified by field testing.
- EV-Ready parking (R404.4): pre-wiring with a connection point and dedicated electrical panel capacity for future vehicle charging.
- Solar-Ready roof (Appendix RB): a dedicated solar zone with structural-load verification, an electrical interconnection pathway and reserved panel space — unless the project installs solar directly.
- Air-tightness & duct sealing: blower door result of 3.0 ACH50 or lower (Climate Zone 5) and duct leakage within 4 CFM25 per 100 sq ft.
Passive House alternative (R405): Phius or PHI certification satisfies the code in Manchester By The Sea in place of a HERS score — with a Certified Passive House Consultant for design and a Phius Certified Verifier/Rater during construction — and still requires EV-Ready and Solar-Ready compliance. Prescriptive path: allowed only for buildings without individually separate dwelling units, additions, and alterations — and a whole-building prescriptive project must implement 2 of the 3 additional-efficiency packages in R408 (enhanced envelope, higher-efficiency HVAC, or reduced water-heating energy). Additions of 1,000 sq ft or more (or exceeding 100% of the existing floor area) must meet both R502.3 prescriptive and the R406.5 HERS limits. Level III alterations (work area over 50% of the home and over 1,000 sq ft) also trigger HERS compliance; historic buildings are exempt under R501.6. Note that ENERGY STAR® is no longer a compliance path — HERS and Passive House are the two certification routes in Manchester By The Sea.
Detail sourced from the 2025 Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (DOER, Sept 2025), Table R406.5 and Appendix RC.
MA Stretch Energy Code Compliance in Manchester by-the-Sea
HERS Rating Company provides comprehensive Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code compliance services in Manchester by-the-Sea, MA. Our RESNET-certified HERS raters guide builders, developers, and contractors through the full IECC 2021 compliance process — from energy modeling to final certification.
The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code applies to all new residential construction and major renovations in Manchester by-the-Sea and most Massachusetts municipalities. Non-compliance can delay or prevent your certificate of occupancy. Our team ensures your project meets every requirement, on schedule.
What Is the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code?
The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code is an optional appendix to the base Massachusetts energy code that sets higher performance standards for buildings. Since its adoption, the Stretch Code has become mandatory in most Massachusetts communities — including Manchester by-the-Sea — and is based on IECC 2021 with Massachusetts amendments.
The Stretch Code requires third-party verification by a certified HERS rater for all new residential construction. Key requirements include: maximum air leakage of 3.0 ACH50, duct leakage limits, minimum HERS Index scores, and mandatory blower door and duct leakage testing.
MA Stretch Code Requirements in Manchester by-the-Sea
- HERS Rating Required — Third-party HERS certification by a RESNET-accredited rater
- Blower Door Test — Maximum 3.0 ACH50 air leakage at 50 Pascals
- Duct Leakage Test — Maximum 4 CFM25 per 100 sq ft of conditioned floor area
- Energy Modeling — REM/Rate or equivalent software used to verify compliance
- Insulation Verification — Confirmed R-values for walls, roof, and foundation
- Window Performance — U-factor and SHGC requirements per IECC 2021
- Mechanical Ventilation — Balanced ventilation system verification
Our Stretch Code Compliance Services in Manchester by-the-Sea
- Pre-construction energy modeling and compliance review
- HERS Index rating and certification
- Blower door air tightness testing
- Duct leakage and duct tightness testing
- Pre-drywall and final on-site inspections
- Complete documentation package for Manchester by-the-Sea building department
- Certificate of occupancy support and follow-up
Why Choose HERS Rating Company for Stretch Code in Manchester by-the-Sea?
We specialize exclusively in Massachusetts energy code compliance. Our team has helped hundreds of builders in Manchester by-the-Sea and across Massachusetts navigate the Stretch Code process efficiently. We understand exactly what Manchester by-the-Sea’s building department needs, and we deliver complete, accurate documentation every time.
We also help identify opportunities to improve energy performance beyond minimum code requirements — helping your Manchester by-the-Sea clients qualify for Mass Save rebates and green building certifications like Energy Star and Zero Energy Ready Home.
Need Stretch Energy Code compliance help in Manchester by-the-Sea, MA? Contact our experts today.
Get a Free Consultation Call 617-584-1809Related Services in Manchester by-the-Sea
HERS Rating Manchester by-the-Sea MA | Blower Door Testing Manchester by-the-Sea MA | Duct Leakage Testing Manchester by-the-Sea MA