Does the stretch code apply to major renovation projects as well as new construction?
For commercial buildings: No, for residential buildings: Yes. The ‘stretch’ energy code does apply to residential building renovation and addition projects, but has less stringent energy performance requirements for renovations than for new buildings. In addition, renovators have the option of using a simple ‘prescriptive’ path to code compliance, installing specified efficiency measures, instead of performance testing. This greater flexibility is available for residential renovations due to the greater design constraints in working with an existing building. Due to the wide variety in types and conditions of commercial buildings, at this time there are no widely-accepted standards for renovating such buildings, so only new commercial buildings are covered by the stretch code requirements.
