Hingham Considers Adopting Specialized Energy Code
Town also receives $250,000 grant for accessible pathways
HINGHAM - December 3 - The Hingham Select Board is exploring the adoption of a specialized opt-in energy code that would require new buildings to meet stricter energy efficiency standards. The code, which would apply only to new construction, includes requirements for solar panels on mixed-fuel homes and wiring for future electrification.
During a recent meeting, the board heard a presentation from Lisa Sullivan, Southeast Regional Coordinator of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, and Michael Rossi from PST Consulting, who provided details on the specialized code.
"The specialized code applies to new buildings only and there's no effect on existing buildings or historic homes," Rossi explained. He added that there are "no additional requirements for all-electric homes" under the specialized code.
For mixed-fuel homes under 4,000 square feet, the code would require a minimum 4-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array and wiring for future electrification. Homes over 4,000 square feet would need to be net-zero or all-electric.
Sullivan emphasized that adopting the specialized code could unlock funding opportunities for municipalities and schools. "Recently we had our first ever Green Communities Annual Summit and ... the Healey fiscal administration announced $60 million of new funding available for climate leader designation and grants," she said.
Building Commissioner Mike Clancy expressed confidence in the department's ability to enforce the new code for residential buildings but noted potential challenges with commercial projects. "We might need some more help when it comes to the commercial part of it because we haven't really seen a lot of that information in some training on that," Clancy said.
Select Board members raised concerns about the potential impact on economic development. Art Robert, Assistant Town Administrator Operations, noted that while there is concern about the code, there isn't much experience with it due to its newness.
"As businesses make decisions and as we work through our economic development strategic planning process ... there are a number of different factors that make Hingham a more challenging proposition," Robert said.
John Borger, a resident, offered empirical data to address cost concerns, citing Lexington's experience with the specialized code and ongoing development projects. "They are looking at projects that will add housing for approximately 3,000 people, that's 10% of the current town population," Borger said.
The board did not vote on adopting the code but expressed interest in further education and community engagement before making a decision.
In other business, the town received a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to support the build-out of accessible pathways in the Cronin Field complex.
Art Robert, town administrator, announced the grant, saying, "It's a great application effort led by the rec department and with the support of the rec Commission that's committed up to $25,000, which allows us to demonstrate to the state a great leveraging opportunity."
The project will provide about 3,500 feet of accessible pathways, connecting various investments made by the recreation commission in recent years, including playgrounds and parking areas.
"It's a great opportunity to really push Hingham forward with regard to accessibility and make that space available to all," Robert added.
The board also announced an upcoming community outreach session on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. to discuss the town's economic development strategic plan. The hybrid meeting will be held at Town Hall and available online via Zoom.
"We're going to experiment with some technology to gather information, gather input from people are in the room as well as people may be at home," Robert said, encouraging residents to participate either in person or remotely.