Multifamily Program Requirements
Eligibility
The ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program requirements apply to all multifamily buildings except detached two-family dwellings. 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, 189 KB). For quick reference, find the minimum Version required for certification in each state on the map below.
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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.
ASHRAE Path Performance Targets
If using the ASHRAE Path, the performance targets for each Version are summarized in Exhibits 1, 2 and 3 below.
State Code 1 | Savings (%) above varying ASHRAE 90.1 Baselines | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
90.1-2007 | 90.1-2010 | 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2016 | |
2012 IECC / 90.1-2010 | 20%2 | 15%3 | NA | NA |
2015 IECC / 90.1-2013 | 25%2 | 20%4 | 15%4 | NA |
2018 IECC / 90.1-2016 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15%4 |
2021 IECC / 90.1-2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15%4 |
- 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.
- These Performance Target options may not be used for projects using Appendix G from ASHRAE 90.1-2016.
- Appendix G from the referenced ASHRAE Standard or from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or later may be used.
- Appendix G from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or later must be used.
State | Buildings Permitted On or After This Date Must Meet the Adjacent Performance Target | Performance Target |
---|---|---|
CT, FL, IL, GU, HI, MD, NJ, NMI, OH, OR, VA, VT, WA | 01/01/2027 | 15% over ASHRAE 90.1-2019 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.
Version | Performance Target |
---|---|
CA v1.2 | 10% savings above Title 24–2016 |
CA v1.3 | 10% savings above Title 24-2019 |
CA v1.4 | 10% savings above Title 24-2022 |
Program Requirements
Program documents reflect Revision 04. Find details in the Policy Record. Historical documents can be found in the Archives.
National Program Requirements
- National Program Requirements Version 1 (PDF, 250 KB)
- National Program Requirements Version 1.1 (PDF, 353 KB)
- National Program Requirements Version 1.2 (PDF, 316 KB)
National Mandatory Measures
- Applicable to Track A & B:
- MFNC Rater Design Review Checklist (PDF, 870 KB)
- MFNC Rater Field Checklist (PDF, 1 MB)
- MFNC HVAC Functional Testing Checklist (PDF, 407 KB)
- MFNC Water Management System Requirements (PDF, 216 KB)
- Only Applicable to Track A – HVAC Grading:
- MFNC HVAC Design Supplement – Dwellings & Units (PDF, 350 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Design Supplement – Common Spaces & Central Systems (PDF, 97 KB)
- Only Applicable to Track B – HVAC Testing:
- MFNC HVAC Design Report (PDF, 557 KB)
Regional Program Requirements
- MFNC Oregon and Washington Program Requirements Version 1.2 (PDF, 318 KB)
- MFNC California Program Requirements Version 1.3 (PDF, 249 KB)
- MFNC California Program Requirements Version 1.4 (PDF, 242 KB)
- MFNC Caribbean Program Requirements, Version 1 (PDF, 227 KB)
Regional Mandatory Measures
- MFNC Caribbean Rater Design Review Checklist (PDF, 494 KB)
- MFNC Caribbean Rater Field Checklist (PDF, 684 KB)
Supporting Documents
Verification Files
- MFNC HVAC Design Report Excel Tool (EXCEL, 183 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Functional Testing Checklist Excel Tool (EXCEL, 384 KB)
- Multifamily Workbook (EXCEL, 2.6 MB)
- Photo Documentation Guidance (PDF, 205 KB)
- ASHRAE Model – using 90.1-2007 or 2010 Appendix G
- ASHRAE Path Calculator (EXCEL, 423 KB)
- Simulation Guidelines (PDF, 662 KB)
- ASHRAE Model – using 90.1-2016 Appendix G
Example Documents
- Multifamily Workbook Example (EXCEL, 2.7 MB)
- MFNC HVAC Design Report Example (PDF, 96 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Design Report Excel Tool Example (EXCEL, 190 KB)
- ASHRAE Path Calculator AppG2016 Example (EXCEL, 2.4 MB)
Additional Resources
- MFNC Partners and Stakeholders
- Building America Solutions Center
- Cost & Savings Document - MFNC National Version 1 (PDF, 779 KB)
- Cost & Savings Document - MFNC National Version 1.1 (PDF, 784 KB)
- Cost & Savings Document - MFNC National Version 1.2 (PDF, 998 KB)
- ERI Target Procedure - MFNC National Version 1 2019 (PDF, 312 KB)
- ERI Target Procedure - MFNC National Version 1.1 2019 (PDF, 277 KB)
- ERI Target Procedure - MFNC National Version 1.2 2019 (PDF, 74 KB)
- ERI Target Procedure - MFNC Oregon & Washington Version 1.2 2019 (PDF, 260 KB)
- Comparison of SFNH to MFNC (PDF, 114 KB)
- Comparison of MFHR to MFNC (PDF, 477 KB)
- Quality Control Checklist (ERI Path) (PDF, 799 KB)
- Quality Control Checklist (ASHRAE or Prescriptive Path) (PDF, 836 KB)
Based on the Version that applies to your state, use Exhibit 1, 2 or 3 below to determine the Performance Target for your state.
State Code 1 | Savings (%) above varying ASHRAE 90.1 Baselines | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
90.1-2007 | 90.1-2010 | 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2016 | |
2012 IECC / 90.1-2010 | 20%2 | 15%3 | NA | NA |
2015 IECC / 90.1-2013 | 25%2 | 20%4 | 15%4 | NA |
2018 IECC / 90.1-2016 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15%4 |
2021 IECC / 90.1-2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15%4 |
- 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.
- These Performance Target options may not be used for projects using Appendix G from ASHRAE 90.1-2016.
- Appendix G from the referenced ASHRAE Standard or from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or later may be used.
- Appendix G from ASHRAE 90.1-2016 or later must be used.
State | Buildings Permitted On or After This Date Must Meet the Adjacent Performance Target | Performance Target |
---|---|---|
CT, FL, IL, GU, HI, MD, NJ, NMI, OH, OR, VA, VT, WA | 01/01/2027 | 15% over ASHRAE 90.1-2019 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.
Version | Performance Target |
---|---|
CA v1.2 | 10% savings above Title 24–2016 |
CA v1.3 | 10% savings above Title 24-2019 |
CA v1.4 | 10% savings above Title 24-2022 |