BOSTON — Facility management and building professionals will have an opportunity to learn more about how Massachusetts’ Stretch Energy Codes apply to existing buildings during an upcoming webinar hosted by IFMA Boston.
The IFMA Boston Partner Series Webinar: “Stretch Energy Codes for Existing Buildings” will take place Thursday, October 22, from noon to 1:15 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is free for IFMA Boston members, while non-member guests can participate for $25.
The presentation will provide an overview of Stretch Energy Codes and their application to existing buildings, with a focus on renovations and projects that may trigger requirements for improvements to building enclosures.
Presenters will explain the circumstances under which the Stretch Code can require enclosure upgrades during renovation projects, as well as the process for calculating thermal enclosure performance. The session will also examine when the requirements apply, the types of projects affected and the various pathways available for compliance.
The program will combine technical information with practical examples. Design considerations and case studies will illustrate how the requirements can be addressed in real-world building projects, giving facility managers, architects, engineers and other professionals a clearer understanding of the implications for existing properties.
According to the organizers, the session will also examine how Stretch Energy Codes can encourage greater energy efficiency, promote the adoption of more advanced building practices and help communities pursue energy savings and emissions-reduction goals.
Experienced Building Enclosure Professionals to Lead Session
The webinar will feature Chelsea Vollmer, RA, CABS, and Sam Wesselman, RA, professionals from Gale Associates with extensive experience in building enclosure consulting, design and construction.
Vollmer is a registered architect and project manager with 15 years of experience in building enclosure consulting, design and construction. Her work includes building enclosure design and commissioning, forensic investigations, design reviews, technical documentation, construction administration and on-site observation.
She works on projects throughout New England and supports clients and multidisciplinary teams from initial building evaluations through construction and project closeout.
Wesselman is a registered architect and senior architect in Gale’s Building Enclosure Consulting Group. He has 10 years of experience specializing in the restoration and preservation of historic building enclosure systems.
His expertise includes enclosure evaluations, field testing, design and construction administration. His work takes a comprehensive approach to historic facade preservation, balancing architectural character with long-term building performance.
Focus on Existing Buildings
The webinar comes as building owners and professionals increasingly face the challenge of improving the energy performance of existing properties while navigating renovation requirements and preserving building character.
By focusing specifically on existing buildings, the session is designed to help attendees understand how energy-code requirements can affect renovation planning, building enclosure decisions and project design.
The discussion will also provide an opportunity for professionals to consider how energy-code compliance can be incorporated into broader building improvement strategies.
Gale Associates is a consulting engineering firm specializing in building enclosure consulting and commissioning, structural and civil engineering, athletic facilities planning and design, and airport engineering and planning.
The firm’s multidisciplinary team includes civil and structural engineers, architects, enclosure specialists and planners. Gale provides evaluation, design, renovation and restoration services for buildings, infrastructure and sites nationwide, with offices across New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Florida.
Event Details
What: IFMA Boston Partner Series Webinar — Stretch Energy Codes for Existing Buildings
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 12–1:15 p.m.
Where: Via Zoom
IFMA Boston Members: Free
Non-Member Guests: $25
The webinar is intended for professionals involved in facility management, architecture, engineering, construction, building ownership and related fields who want to better understand Stretch Energy Code requirements and their implications for existing buildings.
