Could Stretch Codes Supercharge the Green Building Marketplace

Published in GreenBiz: Stretch codes are a promising solution that jurisdictions can use to drive better energy performance in the built environment and set a long-term vision for efficiency stringency in buildings further into the future. NBI released a model stretch energy code that targets 20 percent better efficiency than current national building energy codes. The new 20 percent Stretch Code offers jurisdictions a set of energy-saving building strategies that cover design aspects such as envelope, mechanical, water heating, lighting and plug loads. These measures also provide a potent recipe that developers and building owners can use to future-proof current building designs and construction practices.