EPA Issues First ENERGY STAR Certification for Existing Multifamily Buildings

EPA Issues First ENERGY STAR Certification for Existing Multifamily Buildings
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the first existing multifamily housing properties to earn the new ENERGY STAR Multifamily certification for superior energy performance. EPA recognized 17 apartment and condominium buildings across the U.S for reducing energy use, increasing affordability, protecting public health, and combating climate change. The buildings took a variety of approaches to save energy, from investing in technological upgrades, such as high-efficiency lighting, to low-cost operations and maintenance changes, such as adjusting the schedules for outdoor lighting and ensuring equipment was only running when needed. EPA estimates that multifamily properties can become 30% more efficient by 2020, resulting in $9 billion in energy savings and preventing annual greenhouse gas emissions roughly equal to those from four million homes.