The current building stretch code in Ashland requires NEW construction of single family homes and additions over 1,000 square feet or over 50% of the current home is renovated1, to be designed for one of three energy category:

1. Zero Energy 

2. All Electric 

3. Mixed- Fuel 

These are measured by two pathways, HERS or Passive House2.

Zero Energy: 

Must have on-site electricity generation (PV solar) & meet minimum energy efficiency requirements prior to renewable offsets. Zero Energy homes must be heated using either an air source or ground source heat pump. For water heating it must be heated through a heat pump or solar thermal water heating. For homes under 4,000 square feet it must have a HERS 45 rating. 

All Electric:

Requires all space heating, water heating, and cooking, and drying equipment be powered by electricity and meet minimum efficiency standards. Solar is NOT required to be installed, but homes must be wired for solar. All electric homes must be heated using either an air source or ground source heat pump. For water heating it must be heated through a heat pump or solar thermal water heating. The home must also have all electric appliances. 

For homes under 4,000 square feet it must have a HERS 45 rating

Mixed Fuel: 

Solar panels are required on mixed fuel homes, but homes are capable of using heating systems, water heating systems, and appliances that use fossil fuels such as natural gas, heating oil, or propane. Mixed fuel homes will have to be pre wired for future electrical fixtures, In addition mixed fuel homes will have a minimal efficiency standard requirement for space and water heating. For homes under 4,000 square feet it must have a HERS 0 rating. 

For all three categories: 

Energy and Heat recovery:

The code adds that there must be ventilation requirements though either heat recovery or energy recovery system. Recovery systems replace stale indoor air with new outdoor air, this reduces energy consumption. Either through an ERV or HRV.  The use of fireplaces, pellet stoves, etc. are allowed as long as the combustion chamber is sealed.

Blower door testing will be required for every new construction along with having all recessed lighting sealed. 

Wiring for Electric Vehicles: 

Current code requires all new construction for residential homes be wired for at least one EV charging station. 

Existing Buildings:

Additions over 1,000 sq ft must follow the HERS Pathway for additions in Table R406.5.  Additions under 1000 sq ft. will continue to follow the Base Energy Code (IECC).

Additions that exceed 100% of the conditioned floor area of the existing dwelling unit (more than doubling it in size) must follow the HERS Pathway and meet the HERS requirements in Table R406.5.

Level 3 alterations (over 50% of the home renovated and reconfigured (as defined in the IEBC 2021) must meet the HERS requirements in Table R406.5. Levels 1 and 2 will continue to follow the Base Energy Code.

1 The average 3 bedroom home in Ashland is between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet

2 Both are nationally recognized systems for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance