Stretch Code

The Stretch Energy Code was adopted at November 2020 Subsequent Town Meeting and became effective in Reading on April 1, 2021. It can be found in Section 7.10 of the Reading General Bylaw (PDF).

Below is information leading up to November 2020 Town Meeting:

Stretch Code - Virtual Educational Session

Thank you to all who attended! View the RCTV YouTube video of the session:

Stretch Code Flyer

The purpose of the Stretch Energy Code is to provide a more energy-efficient alternative to the Base Energy Code for new buildings. Buildings constructed to the Stretch Code use significantly less energy than buildings built to other current and previous building codes. As of August 2020, 284 municipalities in Massachusetts have adopted the Stretch Code. View a Map of Communities (PDF) that have adopted it.

Adopting the Stretch Code is a necessary step toward Reading becoming designated as a Green Community. More information on the Green Communities Program can be found on the Massachusetts Green Communities Designation & Grant Program page.

Additional links to resources on the Stretch Code can be found on Massachusetts' Criterion 5.

Stretch Energy Code (PDF) - Reading a Department of Energy Resources (DOER) primer

In June 2020, representatives of DOER and MAPC gave an overview of Green Communities, and the Stretch Code, to a small group of Town staff, Select Board and RMLD stakeholders. View the Zoom recording (the first 25 minutes are most relevant): Password: 1q*h %2RF