US Environmental Protection Agency Launches ENERGY STAR Multi-Family High Rise Program

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the launch of the ENERGY STAR Multi-Family High Rise (MFHR) program. 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 similar to the COMNET Modeling Guidelines and Procedures.

The U.S. Environmental Protection is expanding the ENERGY STAR New Homes program to include multifamily high rise buildings (MFHR). Currently, units in low rise multifamily buildings (some 4 and 5 story buildings, and all multifamily buildings with 3 stories or less) are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through the New Homes Program.  To date, mid and high rise multifamily buildings have been unable to earn the ENERGY STAR through either the commercial or residential programs. To close this programmatic gap, EPA has developed energy efficiency guidelines specifically for this building sector.

There are two paths to earning the ENERGY STAR for multifamily high rise projects. Developers may choose a prescriptive package developed by EPA, or a customized approach using ASHRAE approved energy modeling software. To facilitate the modeling, EPA developed the ENERGY STAR MFHR Simulation Guidelines, a companion document to ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and ASHRAE 90.1 - Appendix G which contains program requirements to assist modelers in developing the Baseline Building Design, Proposed Building Design, and As-Built models for each project. The intent of these guidelines is to:

• Facilitate consistent modeling among different modelers
• Facilitate consistent modeling of baseline components not mentioned  in Appendix G
• Establish modeling protocols for measures that ASHRAE 90.1-2007  leaves to the rating authority to determine; and
• Ensure that modeling results are used to drive the energy-efficient  design process.

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.

The ENERGY STAR website, www.energystar.gov/mfhr, provides the program requirements and training for program stakeholders.