Dirty Little Words - STRETCH CODE

Two weeks ago we started the conversation about our friend, Stretch Code Sam (see what I did there, I added Sam at the end to give the code a human like persona)  We talked about WHY our towns are choosing to adopt the code.  If you missed that post check it out HERE and HERE and HERE! 

Today we are going to look into what the stretch code is exactly and what it will mean to us today and in the future.

In essence the new code can be thought of as a up front cost for long time savings in energy costs.  It is estimated that construction costs to meet code will increase $3,000 for a typical single family home.  Generally speaking a household could make that money back in energy savings in 1 - 3 years depending on a households usage.  


Wowie wowie, how do we even go about following the code??

Great question!  A test of course!  You had to know that was coming.      

YOUR PROJECT PASSING THE CODE MEANS 1 OF 2 POSSIBILITIES: 
1) A Home Energy Rating System test (HERS)
OR
2) A prescriptive building option using the Energy Star Thermal Bypass checklist

1) HERS
HERS that just sounds dirty.  What is it?!  The HERS is a test parameter based on national standards that rates components of a project based on average energy needs and assigns them a value.  In short a computer program measures air leakage and decides if the products you have used are energy efficient enough.  Specifically products are required to be 35% more energy efficient than previous codes.  

How do I know if my products are energy efficient? Look for that ENERGY STAR sticker my man!  Truth be told we have been using energy efficient products for years.  The change here is that we need to TEST to prove we are using the products.  

 

How much is the test you ask?  Depending on the tester you contract costs are between $600 and $1,200 per single unit.  You can find an approved HERS test on the Energy Star Homes website

 

2) THE PRESCRIPTIVE OPTION option
This sounds like a trick right off the bat, what is this all about?  This scenario is based on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2009)with an additional checklist.  This IECC 2009 is the same building code we have been subject to for years now.  The checklist is the Energy Star Thermal Bypass checklist.  

This checklist acts as energy efficient best practices for building.  As the builder you would go around your project and literally check off the areas addressed in the checklist.  Most of the items on the form you have already been addressing.  

OK, now I know about both types of testing.  Which one matters to me?  In short both, but see bellow:

MUST FOLLOW HERS CODE
* Residential new construction
* Residential additions or remodeling
* Commercial new construction over 5,000 square feet

CAN FOLLOW PRESCRIPTIVE CODE
* Residential additions or remodeling

DOES NOT FOLLOW ANY NEW CODES
* Historic buildings
* Commercial construction under 5,000 square feet
* Commercial renovations or additions
* Supermarkets, laboratories, warehouses if under 40,000 square feet
* Other commercial buildings with unusual energy usage profiles  

OK, OK, I get that there is a new code, but who is watching; wink wink?  The answer is your local building code official.  They are slated with reviewing the HERS and Thermal Bypass Checklists for compliance.  A HERS or Thermal Bypass Checklist must be completed and signed by both the building official and builder.  If this does not happen a home is considered to not have met the necessary requirements of the stretch code.    

OMG OMG OMG

So you are telling me that if I am replacing windows and using the prescriptive checklist that I need to check the entire house?!  NOOOO!!!!  You are only required to adhere to the stretch code for areas changed during your work.  The code is not to affect pre-standing products or attributes.  Breath easy my friend... 

What towns have the stretch code, who will, and who does not?

CURRENTLY FOLLOWING STRETCH CODE
GLOUCESTER
HAMILTON
SALEM
WENHAM
TOPSFIELD

CODE TO TAKE AFFECT JULY 1st
BEVERLY

NO CODE YET
ROCKPORT
ESSEX
IPSWICH
MANCHESTER
DANVERS
PEOBODY

So at the end of the day the stretch code means more up front building costs for far greater energy savings down the road.  In many cases the "new" parameters are not all that different from what we have been practicing.  There has been a HUGE energy efficient push across the entire industry for years.  Without even realizing it most of the windows, doors, and insulation we are installing already meet the requirements.  

The biggest challenge of this like any change is communication.  It is important that when bidding jobs that you communicate and budget for these changes.  What you do not want to have happen is to be standing there bearing these costs.  

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  We are together in these changes working to outfit homes with the necessary products and provide support when questions arise.  If you are looking for any more in depth information on the subject please be in touch with us.   

HELPFUL LINKS
Energy Star Thermal Bypass checklist
HERS TESTERS

Complete Stretch Code Guide

For more information call GRAND BANKS 978-281-2421

Dirty Little Words - STRETCH CODE

We talk about it in the same way we talk about the boogie monster.  Did you see it?  I heard it feeds off household pets.  I know a guy who knows a guy that said it is really scary.  But we are not talking about the boogie monster we are talking about Gloucester's 9 month old STRETCH CODE.  

It is enough to make grown men's eyes gloss over and call mercy.  Enough to make you retire?   NOOOOOO you can do it!

Let's start from the beginning; what is the stretch code?  The stretch code is a new energy standard for building that is being paraded around the state.  The code at the basic level states that construction is required to be 20% more energy efficient.  So we need to improve energy efficiency of the things we are building by 1/5. Woah! 

Why in the *&%! did we agree to this?  It is all about the trees maaaaan, be green.  No really, why?  The answer, MONEY!

Towns that agreed to adopt these new more stringent regulations get the dolla dolla bills ya'll! How much money you ask, don't ask that.  The answer requires another story and the title of this story is Green Communities.  In order for us to be eligible for money we need to be an approved Massachusetts Green Community.  In order to be a Green Community we need to meet 5 criteria, one of those criteria being the STRETCH CODE.  Still with me?

CRITERIA 1
Provide as-of-right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative energy generation, research & development, or manufacturing facilities.

CRITERIA 2
Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities. 

CRITERIA 3
Establish an energy use baseline and develop a plan to reduce energy use by twenty percent (20%) withing five (5) years.

CRITERIA 4
Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles.

CRITERIA 5
Set requirements to minimalize life-cycle energy costs for new construction; one way to meet these requirement is to adopt the new Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) Stretch Code.

 

Now!  If we meet all five of these criteria THEN we are eligible for the monies.  OK, great!  How much money and what is it for?  Well that too is a slippery fish.  Money in the $15 - $20 million range are available for eligible (Green Community) towns to apply for.  Towns are able to apply for the money for different approved initiatives.  The initiatives must be either efficiency initiatives, renewable energy projects, or innovative programs.  

Last year the town received $198,200.  The money was used:

"To fund energy conservation measures including improvements to the O’Maley Middle School building envelope, 

demand control ventilation upgrades, and the installation of an energy saving ceiling (Low E) and heat exchanger at the O’Maley Rink"

Gloucester is one of 86 Green Communities in Massachusetts.  By populations about 41.8% of Massachusetts residents reside in a town that is one of the 86 Green Communities.  Last year $17,689,893 was paid out to approved towns for different initiatives.  Take a look at the map for a illustration of participating towns:

 

So before a town can mandate the Stretch Code it must become a Green Community.  Even after a town becomes a Green Community it must wait at minimum 6 months before it can enforce the Stretch Code.  

In part 2 of this post we will look at the Stretch Code regulations and what it means for us.

The Green in gonna getcha!

 

For more information call GRAND BANKS 978-281-2421

Are you kidding me!?

 

Twitter, Facebook, 4 Square, Google+, Mysapce, Instagram, LinkedIn we have all heard these names.  They are the hottest names in a growing market of social media companies.  



What is social media you may ask?
Social media is a Internet based form of communication between individuals, organizations, and communities.  

Think of it like the virtual version of your favorite real life hang out; be it coffee shop, bar, beach, or movies.  What these companies provide is an online place for you and people of similar interests to get together and share.  The sharing could be anything from text to videos.  

You see these companies everywhere; on the radio, in tv and movies, on the news, and on packaging for some of your favorite products!  It has become something that we are all aware of if not directly then peripherally.

What does any of this mean to me?

What this means is that there are online communities where individuals are gathering, sharing, encouraging, and complaining to one another.  If I am a company and I know there is a place that people are talking about me I want to hear what they are saying.  Call me nosy.  I want to know what they are saying, why they are saying it, and how I can use that info to generate more business.  

Generating more business, we all want that right?  But how do you turn these online communities into sales?

ENGAGE!

Listen, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ these are all free services.  FREE!  They cost nothing and give you the opportunity to reach your customers in places you could not before.  The way you engage these folks is by posting content.  The content can be anything; photos, quotes, questions, comments whatever inspires you.  The most important thing is that you post something, you do not want to have a dusty Facebook account that get's used twice a year.  

Despite all that none of this helps to answer the question; who cares?
In all honesty, no one cares.  It is up to you the business owner, the community organizer, or the book club president to take the initiative.  No one is going to roll out the red carpet and invite you to share.  You need to be invested in sharing and spreading your message.  

Social Media Best Practices

1) Create a Facebook or Twitter account, it is free!
2) Use the account.  If you are not going to use it do not open it.
3) Start with a small goal, post one time per week.  
4) Add some friends, like some groups, reach out!

What to Post
Whatever is important to you!  Do not try to contrive something you think people will be interested in.  
Be yourself.  Whatever you think is neat or cool talk about it.

If you are still on the fence, do not forget, it is FREE!!

 

For more information call GRAND BANKS 978-281-2421

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8. Aging in place and universal design: Older Americans not living with their children want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. That means universal design that allows them to age in place. Easy-opening windows, large showers with benches and grab bars, lower countertops – all help make homes more accessible and comfortable for older residents.
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