Massachusetts Energy-Zero (E-Z) Code

The Massachusetts Energy Zero (E-Z) Code defines a zero-energy building as an ultra-low-energy, combustion-free building that sources 100 percent of its annual energy from additional renewable energy.

The MA E-Z Code offers multiple compliance paths for the design of zero energy buildings: a prescriptive path, a performance path (with prescriptive backstops), and a Passive House certification path. The prescriptive path may be selected for new buildings instead of the performance path which relies on energy modeling. The prescriptive path has been named the "E-Z" path because it enhances building energy efficiency, is simpler to apply, and supports a more streamlined regulatory review for compliance.