Fannie Mae’s new report on energy usage in the multifamily sector found that affordable properties use 28% less energy per unit and are 29% smaller than market-rate properties. Market-rate units incur higher energy cost and use per square foot because there are more units per 1,000 square feet among affordable properties—1.29 affordable units, versus 0.91 market rate units per 1,000 sf.
The report, “Transforming Multifamily Housing: Fannie Mae’s Green Initiative and Energy Star for Multifamily,” provides comprehensive multifamily energy and water data. The first of its kind report serves as the basis for the EPA’s Energy Star Score for multifamily structures.
Costs differentials on energy use can be very steep for multifamily properties. The least efficient property could spend as much as $165,000 more in annual energy costs than a similar property operating at peak efficiently. When owners paid for all energy costs, median annual energy use was 26% higher than when tenants were responsible for paying energy costs.
In a related development, the EPA made its Energy Star score available for the multifamily sector on September 16. According to Fannie Mae, the score will enable owners and operators of multifamily properties with 20 or more units to quantify the energy performance of their properties.
(http://www.multihousingnews.com/news/fannie-mae-releases-major-study-on-multifamily-energy-use)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2018
California’s transportation problems could prevent state from reaching carbon reduction goals
Governor’s carbon neutral-by-2045 ambitions at odds with car culture.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2018
Strict seismic building codes credited with minimizing damage in Alaskan earthquake
Magnitude 7.0 temblor cracked roads and collapsed road ramps, but buildings held up well.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2018
Florida tops ABC’s 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard rankings
Michigan rose fastest after passing prevailing wage law.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2018
North American steel yields lower GHG emissions than Chinese steel
North American construction steel saves about half of GHG emissions on building project.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2018
Canadian retailer builds net-zero stores
Other chains also boost green efforts with PVs, EV charging stations.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2018
Action on building codes would spur low-carbon cities
Faster retrofit cycles, increased energy-efficiency requirements for existing buildings needed.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2018
Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn
Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2018
To build water-efficient cities, water managers and urban planners must coordinate better
Lack of time and resources, and practitioners not in habit of working together hamper efforts.