Energy Efficient and Fossil Fuel Free Building Requirements

This website provides information on the new Opt-In Specialized Stretch Energy Code and Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program for permit-seekers, members of the development community, and the public. This website is a collaboration among the Towns of Acton, Arlington, and Lexington.

The Municipal Opt-In Specialized Stretch Energy Code (“Specialized Code”) was developed by the Commonwealth in 2022 (and updated in 2024) as an option for municipalities. The Specialized Code applies only to new construction and requires builders to meet high performance standards and prepare buildings for all-electric heating and cooling. The effective date of the code in each municipality depends on when the municipality voted to adopt the code. In Acton, Arlington, and Lexington, the Specialized Code went into effect on January 1, 2024.

The Municipal Fossil Fuel Free (FFF) Building Demonstration Program (“Demonstration Program”) allows 10 municipalities to adopt and amend general or zoning ordinances or by-laws requiring new building construction or major renovation projects to be fossil fuel-free (mass.gov). This pilot program was established by the Massachusetts Legislature and developed by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). More information can be found at  Mass.gov.info-details/municipal-fossil-fuel-free-building-demonstration-program .

Nine Prioritized Communities, including Acton, Arlington, and Lexington, were accepted into the Demonstration Program in December 2023. Northampton was accepted into the Demonstration Program as a Substitute Community in October 2024. The Towns of Acton and Lexington received authorization to implement their local bylaws on 3/21/2024. The Town of Arlington received authorization to implement its local bylaw on 5/21/2024.

Resources are available to support the development of the high-performance, energy-efficient buildings required by the Opt-In Specialized Stretch Code and Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program.

The Towns of Acton, Arlington, and Lexington have compiled a non-exhaustive list of state and federal rebates, tax credits, and informational resources. Click the button below to view the list.