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Unprecedented study on housing and climate begins

By April 14, 2022No Comments

After months of discussion, negotiation and fundraising by the HBRAMA, a first of its kind study of the potential impacts of the Department of Energy Resources proposed net zero building code on construction costs and housing affordability in Massachusetts is finally underway.

The joint study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Real Estate and the Wentworth Institute of Technology will develop cost comparisons for a variety of housing types in Massachusetts, including both single-family and multi-family in both strong and weak housing markets. It will also include an analysis on the impacts of those costs on housing affordability and the state’s housing shortage, as well as developing potential state and federal public policy initiatives to mitigate any negative effects of a net zero building code.

This important initiative was led by HBRAMA Government Affairs Committee Chair Rob Brennan of CapeBuilt Homes. The association is grateful for the staff and financial support it received from the National Association of Home Builders, as well as the generous contributions from the following companies and organizations:

  • Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
  • Building Industry Association of Washington (State)
  • Cape Cod Five Savings Bank
  • Housing Assistance Corporation – Cape Cod
  • HBRAMA Public Policy Fund
  • Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Massachusetts Association of Realtors
  • National Association of Home Builders
  • Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Archdiocese of Boston
  • Propane Education & Research Council
  • Pulte Homes
  • SunPower
  • Toll Brothers
  • as well as many contributions from members of HBRAMA

The lead researchers for MIT and WIT are, Justin Steil, Assoc. Professor of Law and Urban Planning at MIT and Payam Bakhshi, Ph.D., P.E., CM-Lean, Associate Professor of Construction Management at WIT. An initial report is expected later this Spring, with the final report to be presented at the International Builders Show in 2023 in Las Vegas.