EPA Expands New Home Program to High Rise Residential Buildings

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expanding the ENERGY STAR New Homes program to include multifamily high rise buildings (MFHR). There are two paths to earning the ENERGY STAR for MFHR projects. Developers may choose a prescriptive package developed by EPA, or a customized approach using the ENERGY STAR MFHR Simulation Guidelines, a companion document to ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and ASHRAE 90.1-Appendix G.

After a successful ENERGY STAR MFHR pilot program, the EPA has finalized the program requirements and published web content with procedures and training for program stakeholders. The EPA launched its MFHR program on July 1.

Since the ENERGY STAR MFHR program shares fundamental goals, methods, and procedures with the COMNET project, EPA will work closely with COMNET and other interested stakeholders to refine the modeling protocols and determine the best way to validate modeling outputs. “The ENERGY STAR Simulation Guidelines are a good start to ensure energy consultants apply a consistent simulation methodology from building to building, but moving forward we need to work with COMNET and other stakeholders to facilitate the process and validate the models” said Ted Leopkey, the National Program Manager for ENERGY STAR MFHR buildings. For additional information click here.