EPA launched the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program in early 2019 to better serve the multifamily sector. New construction multifamily buildings permitted prior to January 1, 2021 may participate in any of the following programs, as long as the project meets the Eligibility Requirements defined within that program: the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes program, the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise program, or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
Follow either Decision Tree to determine project eligibility:
If choosing MFHR, projects must submit their project application no later than December 31, 2020.
Existing multifamily buildings with at least 1 year of actual whole building energy use data are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR using EPA’s Portfolio Manager. Portfolio Manager compares a multifamily building’s measured performance against a database of similar buildings to generate a 1-100 score. Buildings that score 75 or above earn the ENERGY STAR. For more information on how multifamily buildings can earn the ENERGY STAR with Portfolio Manager please visit the eligibility criteria for the 1-100 ENERGY STAR score page.
New construction commercial facilities such as motels/hotels, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities do not qualify under either the Multifamily New Construction program, however, they may be eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through the EPA’s commercial and industrial programs. To learn more about how these and other existing commercial buildings can earn ENERGY STAR certification, please visit the Buildings and Plants page. To learn more about the new construction program for commercial buildings visit www.energystar.gov/DesignToEarn.