Massachusetts Stretch Code & Boston BERDO Consulting
OUR EXPERTISE
Experts in Massachusetts Energy Code & Carbon Mandates
…so you don’t have to be.
Evolving energy codes and emissions-reduction mandates can add a layer of complexity to your projects. We can guide you through the requirements specific to Metro-Boston and throughout Massachusetts area to achieve compliance, incentives, and long-term sustainability goals.
Programs we Support
Massachusetts Stretch Code & Specialized Opt-In Code
Boston Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO)
High-Performance
Schools
Massachusetts Collaborative for High-Performance Schools (MA-CHPS) focuses on sustainable design and construction for educational facilities.
Green Communities Grant Program
Provides funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Massachusetts municipalities, including Boston
Article 37 of the Boston Zoning Code
Addresses sustainable design and energy efficiency requirements for large-scale projects
Renew
Boston
Encourages energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption in municipal facilities.
Services
Massachusetts & Metro Boston Consulting Services
Sustainability Planning & Analysis
Translate your needs and goals into a holistic plan based on our long track record of success.
Green Building Certifications
Achieve certifications via industry-leading sustainability and wellness programs.
Building Enclosures
Optimize building envelopes for maximum energy efficiency, occupant comfort, durability, and resilience.
Projects
Massachusetts & Metro Boston Projects
Knowledge Hub
Massachusetts & Metro Boston Resources
Massachusetts Stretch Code & Specialized Opt-In Code
We can help you put the stretch code within reach.
For new construction and major renovations, the Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Opt-In Code have been adopted by many municipalities as a path to reach 2050 net-zero targets.
What Compliance Pathway is Right for Your Project?
Depending on the project type, size, power-source, and other factors, you may have one or multiple options for compliance.
Why comply using the Passive House Standard?
Passive House is the only pathway that meets both Stretch and Specialized Opt-in Code compliance requirements for all building types. While HERS or Thermal Energy Design Intensity (TEDI) performance paths remain options dependent upon the building type, size, and code.
- Optimal operational energy and carbon savings
- Increased Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- Unparalleled thermal consistency and occupant comfort
- Market demand and asset value
Massachusetts Stretch Code & Specialized Opt-In Code Compliance Pathways
How will you comply?
See which options are available for you.
Boston Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO)
Our experienced consultants are ready to help with the three cornerstones of BERDO compliance:
Benchmark
BERDO sets requirements for large existing buildings to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. All existing multifamily buildings with more than 15 units and all non-residential buildings over 20,000 square feet must comply with BERDO to meet Boston’s 2050 net zero goals.
Our team can help you track and understand your building’s energy and water use annually.
Verify
Third-party data verification is required under BERDO. Building owners must have their benchmarking data verified by a qualified third-party to ensure accuracy in the data, fine exposure, and improve the city’s data quality.
SWA works with utilities and benchmarking providers to correct energy consumption and reported building characteristics to ensure that the data you are using to drive your decisions is accurate.
We have successfully reviewed and verified benchmarking data for 100s of buildings throughout New York and Washington DC.
Improve
Accurate, verified data leads to better decisions and planning for buildings.
We will partner with your team to develop a capital plan that integrates both short-term, low-cost interventions, as well as significant system upgrades for sustained impact and compliance with climate regulations.
Our targeted strategies will help you boost efficiency, lower energy costs, and ensure full compliance with climate regulations.
When is the next data verification deadline?
Third-party verification is required the first year a building reports, and then every five years following the schedule shown here.
The first year of verification only requires one calendar year data to be verified. If your building is due for verification in 2025, you’ll need to verify calendar year 2024 data. Buildings that completed reporting and verification in 2022, 2023, or 2024 do not need to verify again in 2025.
For future deadlines, verification is required for the previous five years’ worth of building energy data.
How likely is it that my data will need corrections?
If your data has not been previously verified—very likely. SWA has found that corrections are necessary in more than 75% of cases of benchmarked but not verified buildings.
The most common issues include:
- Missing or misclassified gross floor area (GFA)
- Incomplete meter lists
- Incorrect space use types
Learn more in our blog post, [LINK] Third-Party Benchmarking Data Verification: 7 Common Errors to Look Out For.
For building data that has already been verified, it is unlikely that total GFA will change, but space use classifications need to be revisited and the meters being pulled in should be reviewed.
Will data verification increase my chances of being fined?
Not necessarily. Verification improves data accuracy, which can actually reduce fine exposure if errors are caught early.
Our results show a 50/50 split between scores increasing and decreasing.
The real value is having reliable data to guide upgrades, planning, and compliance.
BERDO Data Verification Schedule
