ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program

NOTICE: See new temporary ENERGY STAR remote inspection guidance.

Multifamily mid- and high-rise new construction buildings can earn ENERGY STAR certification, EPA’s mark of superior energy efficiency, through the Multifamily High Rise (MFHR) Program. ENERGY STAR certified buildings cost less to operate and help protect the environment. For units in new multifamily mid- and high-rise buildings to earn the ENERGY STAR, the building must be designed to be at least 15% more energy efficient than a building built to code.

Home Innovation serves as a Multifamily Review Organization (MRO) to review and approve project submissions for the ENERGY STAR MFHR Program. Projects that wish to work with Home Innovation to earn ENERGY STAR certification for their new multifamily buildings should contact us - a member of our team will respond within a business day and explain how to proceed through the certification process. 

Performance vs. Prescriptive Path

There are two paths available to meet ENERGY STAR's MFHR requirements. 

1. ENERGY STAR MFHR Performance Path  (376KB): Buildings can meet program requirements using software to model the building’s energy use to verify that it meets the Performance Target. (See the specific program requirements to determine the Performance Target in your state.)
   • California ENERGY STAR MFHR Performance Path  (121KB): For projects in California, EPA modified its National Performance Path to align with the 2013 Title 24 Standards, instead of ASHRAE 90.1.
2. ENERGY STAR MFHR Prescriptive Path  (197KB): Buildings can demonstrate compliance if the building is constructed using a prescribed set of construction specifications that meet program requirements. (This path is not available in all states; see specific program requirements.)