Massachusetts and Rhode Island have adopted some of the most advanced residential energy codes in the country. Whether you’re a builder, architect, or homeowner, meeting code requires verified testing, accurate energy modeling, and a certified HERS Rating.
Energy Geeks delivers the documentation, testing, and verification needed to ensure your project passes all state and municipal energy requirements.
Why Energy Code Compliance Matters
New England’s climate places high demands on residential construction, making energy code compliance essential for long-term performance. Properly meeting energy code requirements helps improve comfort and durability by ensuring that insulation, air sealing, and mechanical systems work together to protect the home from temperature extremes and moisture-related issues.
Code-compliant homes are designed to reduce heating and cooling loads, which lowers long-term operating costs and helps mechanical systems run more efficiently over time. These performance standards also support healthy indoor air quality by requiring appropriate ventilation and balanced airflow.
In addition to performance benefits, meeting energy code requirements is often necessary to qualify for utility incentive programs, making compliance an important step for homeowners and builders looking to maximize both comfort and financial benefits.
See how your HERS Score impacts compliance: Understanding Your HERS Score
Massachusetts Requirements (MA 780 CMR)
Base Code Requirements
Builders must complete:
- BlowerDoor Testing (ACH50 thresholds)
- Duct Leakage Testing (CFM25 limits)
- Verified insulation levels
- Manual J/S/D documentation
- RESNET-compliant HERS modeling (depending on compliance path)
Stretch Code Requirements
In Massachusetts, many municipalities have adopted the Stretch Code, which sets higher performance standards than the base energy code. Under the Stretch Code, a mandatory HERS Rating is typically required to verify that a home meets performance-based efficiency targets rather than relying solely on prescriptive measures.
Stretch Code homes must also meet more stringent airtightness (ACH50) limits, along with higher expectations for the overall building envelope and mechanical system efficiency. These requirements encourage better coordination between insulation, air sealing, and HVAC design, resulting in homes that are more comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient over the long term.
Learn more about HERS Ratings:
What Is a HERS Rating?
Rhode Island Requirements (2024 IECC )
Rhode Island’s statewide adoption of the 2024 IECC requires:
- Blower Door Testing for all new homes
- Duct Leakage Testing for non-conditioned duct locations
- Mechanical ventilation verification
- Performance-path compliance using HERS modeling
Testing services:
Required Documentation for Building Officials
Energy Geeks provides:
- Certified HERS Index
- Blower Door & Duct Leakage reports
- RESNET Energy Model
- Code-compliance certificates
- Supporting documentation for performance paths
See how testing fits into the workflow: The HERS Rating Process
Incentives Connected to Code Compliance
Many code-compliant homes also qualify for:
- Mass Save Residential New Construction or Renovations & Additions incentives
- Rhode Island Residential New Construction Program
Learn more: Mass Save RNC and R&A and RI RNC Integration
Need Compliance Testing?
Request a HERS Rating or schedule Blower Door/Duct Leakage Testing to ensure your project meets all requirements.
