Stretch Code Debate Continues in Worcester

 

Hank Stolz spoke with Lisa Cunningham, the director of Zero Carbon MA, a statewide nonprofit organization that assists communities in passing local climate legislation and Mara Pentlarge a local climate activist involved with groups such as 350 Central Mass and Worcester Congregations for Climate and Environmental Justice, on the Talk of the Commonwealth.

 

Cunningham argued that the city’s claim that the code hindered housing development was false, citing state data showing a 44% increase in permitted housing units since the code’s adoption. They highlighted the financial benefits of the code, including access to over a million dollars annually in state grants through the Climate Leader Program, “Why would Worcester want to put that kind of money at risk in this tight budget environment where every dollar matters when they have the opportunity of getting over a million dollars from the state on a yearly basis by being part of this climate leader program…”  She also argued the code serves as a critical consumer protection measure. It ensures new buildings are pre-wired for electrification and built to higher efficiency standards, saving future residents from high utility bills and expensive retrofits. According to Cunningham passive house construction, a key component of the code for larger buildings, offers superior performance. She says the buildings are healthier, more comfortable, more resilient, and 40-60% cheaper to operate.  

 

While they were pleased the immediate pause was averted, they acknowledged that the city could still vote to opt out in approximately 18 months and affirmed their commitment to continue advocating for the code.