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Select Board asks town manager to press state for clearer energy-code guidance and training for building officials
Summary
Town staff and advocacy groups told the Select Board the 2023 energy code changes left local building officials without adequate checklists and training. The board authorized the town manager to send a letter to state agencies asking for reestablishment of an advisory committee and enhanced training.
Westborough Select Board members on March 25 voted to authorize the town manager to send a letter to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Department of Occupational Licensure asking state agencies to provide clearer implementation tools and training following the 2023 energy-code changes.
Community development staff and members of Sustainable Westborough said the changes that took effect in 2023 moved responsibility for code development to DOER and created ambiguity about how local building inspectors receive implementation support and checklists. "The energy code changed 01/01/2023... and in that change there's a pretty dramatic change in the stretch energy code which impacts Westboro today," a Sustainable Westborough representative told the board.
Fred Lenaro, the towns community development director, explained staff had escalated the issue to state officials and worked with professional associations to request more practical guidance. The motion approved by the Select Board asked the town manager to finalize a letter requesting reestablishment of the BBRS Energy Advisory Committee (or similar advisory capacity) and targeted training materials or checklists for local building officials.
Board members said they supported giving local inspectors the tools to enforce updated codes and to help the town pursue climate and resilience goals that require compliance with higher-efficiency standards. The motion passed 5-0; staff will finalize the letter and include both DOER and the state licensure agency in the outreach.
