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 | Apr 9, 2020
Owners retrofitting properties, monitoring performance during epidemic
Covid-19 outbreak may lead employers to reevaluate office commitments.
Codes and Standards | Apr 7, 2020
Dept. of Labor publishes guidance on paid sick leave, expanded family and medical leave
Includes fact sheets for employees, employers, and a questions and answers document.
Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2020
Standards and codes meetings halted, postponed
ASTM International cancels in-person standards meetings; DOE’s National Energy Codes Conference postponed.
Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2020
Ransomware attack on Canadian contractor underscores need for cybersecurity
Victimized company Bird Construction has defense, law enforcement contracts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Contractors should scrutinize contracts carefully amid Covid-19 crisis
Compliance with time-sensitive notice requirements and careful documentation required.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Florida legislature passes bill to reduce retainage on state and local projects
House and Senate vote is nearly unanimous; law would go into effect Oct. 1.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2020
Feds prod use of eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes
Local officials that don’t comply could lose federal money to combat climate change.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2020
ASHRAE provides COVID-19 resources for operating, maintaining HVAC systems
Includes recently approved position document on Airborne Infectious Diseases.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2020
CaGBC launches new version of its Zero Carbon Building Standard
Version 2 draws on lessons from more than 20 zero carbon projects.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2020
Concrete industry reduces carbon footprint by 13% over five years
Result mostly due to more efficient use of Portland cement.