CS24 Energy Code Feasibility Study in Everett, Massachusetts
Energy code feasibility study for a 5-unit Multifamily in Massachusetts. Compares multiple design paths. Recommended: lowest-cost compliant path. View full study.
- Study Type
- Energy Code Feasibility Study
- State
- Massachusetts
- Units
- 5
- Building Type
- Multifamily
- Fuel Type
- All-Electric
Goal
This report is designed to help project teams identify the most cost-effective approach to energy code compliance early in design. The costs shown reflect only the efficiency measures required to meet code, not total construction costs, allowing a clear comparison of true performance and incentive differences between paths.
All estimates are grounded in real Massachusetts bid data, the Mass Save Energy Code Study, and RSMeans regional pricing benchmarks. The study provides a reliable framework for aligning incentives and assembly design, but should be confirmed through detailed design, energy modeling, and program review.
Project
- Everett, MA 02149
- 5 Units | 10,950 sqft
- 4 stories | 3 residential over garage w/ bonus room.
- New Construction | Townhomes | All Electric
Code & Paths
Stretch Energy Code
Stretch Code - HERS (ESTAR): This option fills the wall cavities with high-density spray foam and uses standard heat pumps, but leaves your critical air-tightness entirely dependent on the crew's manual vigilance to find and seal every single crack.
Stretch Code - HERS (ESTAR2): This option wraps the home’s exterior in continuous insulation and upgrades to high-efficiency heat pumps, while adding Aeroseal technology to mechanically guarantee a perfect air seal without relying on human precision.
Incentives
- ENERGY STAR (ESTAR)
- Mass Save Single Family New Construction – ENERGY STAR NextGen Tier: $15,000.
- ENERGY STAR (ESTAR2)
- Mass Save Single Family New Construction – ENERGY STAR NextGen Tier: $15,000.
- Other Incentives That Aren’t Worth It:
- DOE Zero Ready: This requires an indoor air plus and DOE Zero Ready certification which adds soft costs and complexity. Additionally it adds hard costs from requiring more efficient windows & hot water recirculators, the $500 incentive doesn’t come close to offsetting these increased costs.
- Induction Cooktop: Cost about $400 more than standard electric ranges, and with only a $250 incentive, you’d lose roughly $150, worth it only for personal preference, not savings.
- Split Heat Pump Water Heater: Cost about $3,000, roughly $1,200 more than a standard $1,800 unit, but with only a $250 incentive, the net loss is about $950.
Net Cost Summary
Path | Total Cost $/sf | Total Incentives $/sf | Net $/sf |
|---|---|---|---|
ESTAR | $79.73 | $6.85 | $72.88 |
ESTAR2 | $79.83 | $6.85 | $72.98 |
Envelope
Item | Path | Detailed Specifications | Cost $/sf | Incentive $/sf | Net $/sf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exterior Walls | ESTAR | 2×6 R-21 batt + R-31.5 high density spray foam insulation (all in cavity) | $13.50 | $0.00 | $13.50 |
ESTAR2 | 2×6 R-21 batt + R-6 continuous insulation (product rec) | $12.00 | $0.00 | $12.00 | |
Garage Walls | ESTAR | 2x6 R-21 batt insulation | $3.00 | $0.00 | $3.00 |
ESTAR2 | 2x6 R-21 batt insulation | $3.00 | $0.00 | $3.00 | |
Roof | ESTAR | R-60 high density spray foam insulation | $11.00 | $0.00 | $11.00 |
ESTAR2 | R-60 high density spray foam insulation | $11.00 | $0.00 | $11.00 | |
Raised Floor | ESTAR | R-30 batt insulation | $3.75 | $0.00 | $3.75 |
ESTAR2 | R-30 batt insulation | $3.75 | $0.00 | $3.75 | |
Slab | ESTAR | R-10 slab insulation: full slab plus a 4-ft interior perimeter skirt. | $3.25 | $0.00 | $3.25 |
ESTAR2 | R-10 slab insulation: full slab plus a 4-ft interior perimeter skirt. | $3.25 | $0.00 | $3.25 | |
Windows | ESTAR | U-0.30 / SHGC 0.30-0.40 | $11.00 | $0.00 | $11.00 |
ESTAR2 | U-0.30 / SHGC 0.30-0.40 | $11.00 | $0.00 | $11.00 | |
Doors | ESTAR | U-0.30 / SHGC 0.30-0.40 | $4.50 | $0.00 | $4.50 |
ESTAR2 | U-0.30 / SHGC 0.30-0.40 | $4.50 | $0.00 | $4.50 | |
Air Sealing | ESTAR | Plan & QA to hit ≤1.5 ACH50 (≤0.11 CFM/ft² shell area) | $5.50 | $0.00 | $5.50 |
ESTAR2 | Plan & QA to hit ≤1.5 ACH50 (≤0.11 CFM/ft² shell area) (product rec) | $6.60 | $0.00 | $6.60 |
Mechanical
Item | Path | Detailed Specifications | Cost $/sf | Incentive $/sf | Net $/sf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Space Conditioning | ESTAR | Ductless, cold-climate, ENERGY STAR certified, split heat pump, SEER2 ≥ 18, HSPF2 ≥ 9 (36-48 kBtu/h) | $8.50 | $0.00 | $8.50 |
ESTAR2 | Ductless, cold-climate, ENERGY STAR certified, split heat pump, SEER2 ≥ 19, HSPF2 ≥ 10 (36-48 kBtu/h) (product rec) | $9.00 | $0.00 | $9.00 | |
Mechanical Ventilation | ESTAR | ERV (85 CFM, 1.8 Max CFM/Watt, 77% Energy Recovery Percent) | $2.50 | $0.00 | $2.50 |
ESTAR2 | ERV (85 CFM, 1.8 Max CFM/Watt, 77% Energy Recovery Percent) (product rec) | $2.50 | $0.00 | $2.50 | |
Local Mechanical Exhaust | ESTAR | Bathroom(s): ≥ 50CFM, ≤3.0 Sones, exhaust directly outdoors, ENERGYSTAR. Kitchen: ≥ 100CFM, ≤3.0 Sones, exhaust directly outdoors, ENERGYSTAR. | $0.75 | $0.00 | $0.75 |
ESTAR2 | Bathroom(s): ≥ 50CFM, ≤3.0 Sones, exhaust directly outdoors, ENERGYSTAR. Kitchen: ≥ 100CFM, ≤3.0 Sones, exhaust directly outdoors, ENERGYSTAR. (Product Rec) | $0.75 | $0.00 | $0.75 | |
Thermostats | ESTAR | Wi-Fi thermostat | $0.25 | $0.00 | $0.25 |
ESTAR2 | Wi-Fi thermostat (product rec) | $0.25 | $0.00 | $0.25 |
Plumbing & Appliances
Item | Path | Detailed Specifications | Cost $/sf | Incentive $/sf | Net $/sf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DHW | ESTAR | HPWH In Garage (UEF ≥3.2, 59 gal, 208/240 volts, meets EPA’s ‘connected’ criteria or has an ANSI / CTA-2045 port (EcoPort).) | $2.75 | $0.00 | $2.75 |
ESTAR2 | HPWH In Garage (UEF ≥3.2, 59 gal, 208/240 volts, meets EPA’s ‘connected’ criteria or has an ANSI / CTA-2045 port (EcoPort).) (product rec) | $2.75 | $0.00 | $2.75 | |
Hot Water Piping | ESTAR | Hot water pipes insulated to R-3. | $0.65 | $0.00 | $0.65 |
ESTAR2 | Hot water pipes insulated to R-3. | $0.65 | $0.00 | $0.65 | |
Water Fixtures | ESTAR | Low-flow fixtures (Showers & Faucets ≤ 2.0 GPM) | $0.50 | $0.00 | $0.50 |
ESTAR2 | Low-flow fixtures (Showers & Faucets ≤ 2.0 GPM) (Kitchen-Product Rec) (Bathroom-Product Rec) (Shower-Product Rec) | $0.50 | $0.00 | $0.50 | |
Appliances | ESTAR | Standard All Electric Appliances | $2.50 | $0.00 | $2.50 |
ESTAR2 | Standard All Electric Appliances | $2.50 | $0.00 | $2.50 |
Electrical
Item | Path | Detailed Specifications | Cost $/sf | Incentive $/sf | Net $/sf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lighting | ESTAR | 100% high-efficacy | $3.50 | $0.00 | $3.50 |
ESTAR2 | 100% high-efficacy | $3.50 | $0.00 | $3.50 | |
EV Ready | ESTAR | Install a powered 208/240 V receptacle in the garage. The electric service panel must have a ≥40-amp breaker labeled ‘Electric Vehicle Charging.’ | $1.25 | $0.00 | $1.25 |
ESTAR2 | Install a powered 208/240 V receptacle in the garage. The electric service panel must have a ≥40-amp breaker labeled ‘Electric Vehicle Charging.’ | $1.25 | $0.00 | $1.25 |
Soft Costs
Item | Path | Detailed Specifications | Cost $/sf | Incentive $/sf | Net $/sf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modeling / Program Admin / Commissioning | ESTAR | ESTAR energy model, ENERGY STAR SFNH checklists, 2021 IECC checklist and incentive documentation. | $1.08 | $6.85 | -$5.77 |
ESTAR2 | ESTAR energy model, ENERGY STAR SFNH checklists, 2021 IECC checklist and incentive documentation. | $1.08 | $6.85 | -$5.77 | |
Testing & Verification | ESTAR | Blower Door Test, Mechanical Ventilation Testing, Room Balancing, Predrywall & Final Inspection. | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
ESTAR2 | Blower Door Test, Mechanical Ventilation Testing, Room Balancing, Predrywall & Final Inspection. | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |