EPA Recognizes the First Buildings with Energy Star Certification

The first existing multifamily housing properties earns the Energy Star multifamily certification for superior energy performance. EPA recognized 17 apartment and condo buildings across the country for leading the industry in reducing energy use, increasing affordability, protecting public health, and combating climate change.

Current estimates show multifamily properties can become 30% more efficient by 2020, unlocking $9 billion in energy savings and preventing annual greenhouse gas emissions roughly equal to those from four million homes. By reducing the amount of energy consumed, these properties cut utility bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing energy, and help meet the goals of the President’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for multifamily buildings to be 20% more efficient by 2020.

Energy costs for renters have risen by 20% on average over the past decade, so energy efficiency represents a significant opportunity to reduce utility costs and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of energy, which contribute to climate change. Since multifamily buildings can now earn EPA’s Energy Star, renters may choose to live in a building that saves them money and protects the environment.

The 17 properties on the list demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits achieved by owners and managers when they apply a comprehensive approach to managing energy use in their buildings. These pioneering apartment and condo buildings perform among the top 25 percent of similar properties nationwide. They took a variety of approaches to save energy, from investing in technological upgrades, such as high-efficiency lighting, to low-cost operations and maintenance changes, such as adjusting the schedules for outdoor lighting and ensuring equipment was only running when needed.

The Energy Star multifamily score gives building owners and tenants a way to understand their property’s energy performance using a simple, accurate, nationally-recognized metric. The new 1-100 ENERGY STAR score and certification for existing multifamily properties is based on nationally representative survey data provided by Fannie Mae and will be integrated into other green building certification programs, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. It is the first time existing multifamily properties have been able to be certified as Energy Star. Previously, only new construction multifamily properties have been able to earn certification by meeting prescriptive design requirements for high performance. 

Energy Star certified buildings use an average of 35% less energy and are responsible for 35% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than typical buildings. since 1992. 

Source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency