The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code will be in effect in Lowell beginning January 1, 2011.  This code requires new construction and major renovations to meet a higher standard for energy efficiency than the base building code.  As a result, buildings in Lowell will be cheaper to operate and will have less of a negative impact on the environment.  The City Council adopted the Stretch Code as part of the process for obtaining certification as one of the first “Green Communities” in the state.

 
The Green Community designation enables the City to receive additional grant funds from the state for energy conservation projects.  The City will be using some of this funding to help Lowell property owners with the costs of compliance with the Stretch Code.  Although energy efficient buildings provide long-term cost savings, not all of the potential additional up-front costs incurred will be immediately offset by the added value of an energy efficient building.  As a result, the City will be offering $250,000 in reimbursable grants for construction projects that must meet the Stretch Code standard.  The following grants will be made available through DPD’s Division of Development Services starting January 3rd:

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Grants for new or rehabbed residential buildings and/or additions:

• Reimbursement of 50% of documented enhancement costs with a maximum grant distribution of $2,000, which may be increased to $3,000 for buildings meeting the enhanced energy efficiency standard.
• The maximum grant may also be increased by $500 per unit for multi-family buildings ($750 per unit for projects that meet the enhanced energy standard).  Additional units must also include energy enhancements to qualify for additional funds.
• Up to $500 per unit for consultant fees to certify stretch code compliance on rehab/additions/conversions that are not covered by the Massachusetts New Homes with EnergyStar Program’s incentives.  Projects in Lowell will be eligible for up to $1750 in grant funding to reimburse the costs of a HERS rater from EnergyStar.

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Grants of up to $0.25 per square foot will be made available to reimburse the costs of Stetch Code compliance in new commercial building construction.  Commercial rehabilitation and additions less than 30% of the existing gross floor area and other projects that are not subject to the Stretch Code will not be eligible for grants.

All funding for this grant program is coming from a state grant through the Green Communities Act and will be available through November 2011.  Extension of the program will be subject to the availability and appropriation of future Green Communities Act funding.  For more information on these grants, please contact the Division of Development Services at 978-674-4144 or aclausen@lowellma.gov.

The City of Lowell has also partnered with the Lowell Development Financial Corporation and several local lending institutions to develop and service a low interest loan program to support the cost incurred for energy efficient retrofits of existing residential buildings with between 1 to 4 residential units.  Loans amounts are available from $5,000 to $20,000 repaid over a 5-year term at a very low 1% interest rate.  For more information on this loan program, please contact DPD at 978-446-7200.