Marion’s Energy Management Committee invites you to a public information session regarding the Town’s proposed adoption of the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Building Code at Fall Town Meeting. Come learn and ask questions at 7:00 pm on September 24in the Music Hall.
The Stretch Code requires a slightly higher standard of energy efficiency over that of the Base Building Code. Importantly, it would apply only to construction of new residential homes and commercial buildings over 100,000 square feet. Renovations and additions would not be affected. Additional energy efficiency measures would add about $2,000 to the cost of an average new home (about 0.5%), which would then be recouped in only a few years through savings in energy costs. The homeowner would save money every year after that.
By adopting the Stretch Code, Marion would meet one of the five criteria necessary to become a designated Green Community. The Town has already met two of the criteria, and progress toward the other two is well underway. Becoming a Green Community will open the door to about $20 million/year in state grant funds to pay for energy-efficient upgrades to municipal buildings: think new windows, insulation, heating/cooling systems, and smart thermostats for the Town House! Funding for this program comes not from taxes, but from a fee on all of our electric bills. Some of our neighboring Green Communities have already received substantial funding from this program – Acushnet about $500,000; Dartmouth $220,000; Lakeville $550,000; and New Bedford over $600,000. To date 241 of the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts (69%) have adopted the Stretch Code, and 210 have become Green Communities. It’s time for Marion to join the program and take advantage of these resources.
Bring your questions to the information session on September 24at 7:00 pm in the Music Hall, and please attend the Fall Town Meeting at 6:30 pm on October 22at Sippican School. For more information on the Stretch Code and Green Communities Program, go to https://www.mass.gov/guides/becoming-a-designated-green-community