Multifamily Program Requirements

Eligibility

The ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program requirements apply to all multifamily buildings except detached Dwellings (e.g., single-family homes and duplexes) and Townhouses. For details, visit the Multifamily New Construction Building Eligibility page and see the Program Requirements documents below. 

Program Versions

To determine the applicable MFNC program requirements, including the minimum Version and Revision, see the  MFNC Applicable Program Requirements, Versions, and Revisions by Location (PDF, 188 KB). For quick reference, find the minimum Version required for certification in each state on the map below. 

The map indicates that a Multifamily New Construction Version 1.2 implementation date is defined, but not yet required, in Connecticut, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, the Northern Mariana Islands, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington; that regional program requirements are applicable in California, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; and that, in all other states, Version 1.1 is required.

Key Updates: 
  • A Version 1.2 implementation date is defined, but not yet required, in the following locations: CT, FL, GU, HI, IL, MD, NMI, NJ, OH, OR, VA, VT, WA
  • Revision 05 of the program requirements has been released. Read the Highlights (PDF, 225 KB) here.

Partners should be aware that the § 45L tax credit may require a more rigorous version than the EPA requires for certification. To see the minimum eligible versions required for the tax credit, visit www.energystar.gov/45LTaxCredits.

Certification Process

The certification process offers three compliance paths, each with varying levels of flexibility: 

  1. Prescriptive Path: Use a prescriptive package of energy efficient measures developed by EPA and certify the building through an EPA-recognized Multifamily Review Organization (MRO).  (Not available in California); OR
  2. ERI Path: Use an approved rating tool software to determine unit-by-unit energy savings based on the ERI target (or savings above Title 24 in California) and certify the building through an EPA-recognized Home Certification Organization (HCO); OR
  3. ASHRAE Path: Use an energy modeling software approved to determine energy cost savings of the building’s energy efficient design compared to ASHRAE (or Title 24 in California) and certify the building through an MRO.

Regardless of which path is chosen, each building must meet certain minimum mandatory requirements, and these are verified in the field by an approved Rater. Visit the Multifamily New Construction Certification Process page to learn more about multifamily certification options.

Program Requirements

Program documents reflect Revision 05. Read the Highlights (PDF, 225 KB) here and find details in the Policy Record. Historical documents can be found in the Archives.

National Program Requirements

National Mandatory Measures

Regional Program Requirements

Regional Mandatory Measures

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Supporting Documents

Verification Files

Example Documents

Additional Resources

Based on the Version that applies to your state, use Exhibit 1, 2 or 3 below to determine the Performance Target for your state.

Exhibit 1: ASHRAE Performance Target for National Version 1.1 States
State Code 1Savings (%) above varying ASHRAE 90.1 Baselines
90.1-200790.1-201090.1-201390.1-2016
2012 IECC / 90.1-201020%215%3NANA
2015 IECC / 90.1-201325%220%415%4NA
2018 IECC / 90.1-2016N/AN/AN/A15%4
2021 IECC / 90.1-2019N/AN/AN/A15%4
  1. For Version 1.1, first determine the commercial code in effect in your state. While local city or town codes may differ from the state code, the determination for the ENERGY STAR program is based on the commercial code adopted by the state, not the local jurisdiction. In an instance where the building is permitted under a local code that is not the same as the state code, the Performance Target is based on the state code in place. The permit application or issue date will be used to determine what state code was in place in the state. To determine the code adopted by the state and its effective date, please visit Status of State Energy Code Adoption Web page and use the Current Commercial Code. Email energystarhomes@energystar.gov for code requirements for permits prior to the current commercial code.
  2. These Performance Target options may not be used for projects using Appendix G from ASHRAE 90.1-2016.
  3. Appendix G from the referenced ASHRAE Standard or from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or later may be used.
  4. Appendix G from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or later must be used.
Exhibit 2: ASHRAE Performance Target for National Version 1.2 States
StateBuildings Permitted On or After This Date Must Meet the Adjacent Performance TargetPerformance Target
CT, FL, IL, GU, HI, MD, NJ, NMI, OH, OR, VA, VT, WA01/01/202715% over ASHRAE 90.1-2019 1
  1. Appendix G from ASHRAE 90.1-2019 or later, the Simulation Guidelines_Appg2016, and the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard 90.1 Performance Based Compliance Form must be used.
Exhibit 3: Performance Target for California
VersionPerformance Target
CA v1.210% savings above Title 24–2016
CA v1.310% savings above Title 24-2019
CA v1.410% savings above Title 24-2022