A new bill introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature would require that rooftop solar be included on new residential and commercial building projects.
Modeled after a similar policy in California, the bill would provide some exemptions. If the roof is too shaded, if a solar hot water system or other renewable energy technology is installed, or if the building has a green roof, it could be exempted. Affordable housing developments could also obtain exemptions.
According to the bill, amendments to the state’s building code would ensure that roofs are strong enough to support solar panels, that available roof space is maximized, and that buildings can make room for solar infrastructure. Single-family homes would need to produce enough electricity via solar each year to meet 80% of the average demand for similar houses. The state would set minimum solar energy system requirements for other buildings.
A report from an environmental advocacy group found that such a mandate would add more than 2.3 GW of solar capacity by 2045. That’s close to Massachusetts’ current total installed capacity, including utility-scale solar, of about 2.9 GW.
Related Stories
| Mar 15, 2012
New Florida building code establishes flood and storm surge provisions
The new 2010 code establishes minimum design and construction requirements to protect buildings from wind, rain, floods, and storm surges.
| Mar 15, 2012
Illinois city rejects international code due to home sprinkler requirement
Macomb, Illinois aldermen voted to recommend that the city not adopt 2012 international building and residential code standards requiring the installation of overhead sprinkler systems in newly constructed one-family and two-family homes.
| Mar 15, 2012
Tenant advocates propose licensing landlords in New York City
With thousands of New York City rental units posing potential dangers to tenants, city advocates are proposing measures to make landlords improve building safety.
| Mar 15, 2012
Construction industry a big winner in federal small disadvantaged business procurement
Last year, only 5% of federal contract dollars went to small disadvantaged businesses. Construction and facilities support firms were the biggest beneficiaries.
| Mar 15, 2012
ANSI approves new fall protection standards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved two American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) standards addressing fall protection.
| Mar 8, 2012
Engineering innovation provides new option for meeting seismic codes in skyscrapers
Two University of Toronto engineers have developed “viscoelastic-energy-dissipating dampers” to replace many of the heavy concrete beams used in tall structures.
| Mar 8, 2012
CSI webinar on building code compliance March 22
A March 22 webinar will provide an overview of a 28-step process during the design of a building to ensure compliance with building codes.
| Mar 8, 2012
Federal silica dust rule caught in bureaucratic limbo
A federal rule meant to protect the lungs of workers has been caught in bureaucratic purgatory for more than a year.