Wayland EDC backs specialized stretch energy code for commercial and multifamily buildings

WAYLAND — April 12, 2024 — Wayland EDC unanimously endorses specialized stretch energy code for commercial and multifamily projects. The committee, chaired by Rebecca Stanizzi, voted Friday to recommend adoption at town meeting but explicitly carved out single-family homes as outside its purview. Stanizzi told members she had pressed National Development — manager of the Zurich building and a developer in line for MBTA Communities housing — for real numbers; the firm pegged the cost increase at roughly 1 percent on multifamily and 3 to 4 percent on commercial work. Ellen of the Energy and Climate Committee said 34 Massachusetts towns have already adopted the code and that operating savings of about 10 percent mean projects "should pencil out within a year." Architect Jacob Bloom told the panel commercial incentives are "even more generous" than multifamily rebates. Member Brad Young joined remotely; the code would take effect Jan. 1 if town meeting approves.