The EPA has announced that new multifamily high-rise buildings are now eligible to qualify as Energy Star projects.
In the past, only single-family homes and individual units in low-rise multifamily buildings were eligible to earn the Energy Star certification. To qualify, new or substantially rehabilitated multifamily high-rise buildings must meet energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and be designed to be at least 15% more energy efficient than buildings that meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers energy use standard. Qualified buildings feature a combination of energy-efficient improvements including:
· Effective insulation systems
· Properly sized heating and cooling equipment
· Tight construction and ducts
· Energy Star-qualified lighting and appliances
· High-performance windows
An independently licensed professional engineer or architect is required to verify that the program’s requirements are met through on-site testing and inspections conducted throughout the construction process.
For more information on Energy Star qualified multifamily high-rise buildings, visit http://www.energystar.gov/mfhr.
