The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched ENERGY STAR NextGen Certified Homes and Apartments, a voluntary certification program for new residential buildings.
The program will increase national energy and emissions savings by accelerating the building industry’s adoption of advanced, energy-efficient technologies, according to an EPA news release. It will recognize homes and apartments with increased energy efficiency; reduced on-site emissions through heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric cooking appliances; and residential electric vehicle charging.
Compared to typical code-level construction, homes earning ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will be 20% more efficient and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%–80%. Several early adopters have already begun to build to the ENERGY STAR NextGen specification including:
- Beazer Homes (Maryland)
- GreenSmith Builders (Minnesota)
- New Tradition Homes (Washington)
- Quantum Equities, LLC (Washington)
- Thrive Home Builders (Colorado)
Several utilities have announced early incentives for builders to adopt the specification, namely:
- EmPOWER Maryland, including Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), and Potomac Edison (PE) (Maryland)
- Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 (Washington)
- Utah Clean Energy (Utah)
- Xcel Energy (Minnesota)
- Xcel Energy (Colorado)
Related Stories
MFPRO+ News | Jul 24, 2024
Most popular cities for renters mid-2024
Rental activity in the U.S. continues to grow halfway through 2024. With the work-from-home boom stabilizing, more renters are eying desirable cities to relocate to.
MFPRO+ News | Jul 22, 2024
Miami luxury condominium tower will have more than 50,000 sf of amenities
Continuum Club & Residences, a new 32-story luxury condominium tower in the coveted North Bay Village of Miami will feature more than 50,000 sf of indoor and outdoor amenities. The program includes a waterfront restaurant, dining terraces with resident privileges, and a private dining room outdoor pavilion.
MFPRO+ News | Jul 22, 2024
6 multifamily WAFX 2024 Prize winners
Over 30 projects tackling global challenges such as climate change, public health, and social inequality have been named winners of the World Architecture Festival’s WAFX Awards.
MFPRO+ News | Jul 15, 2024
More permits for ADUs than single-family homes issued in San Diego
Popularity of granny flats growing in California
Vertical Transportation | Jul 12, 2024
Elevator regulations responsible for some of ballooning multifamily costs
Codes and regulations for elevators in the United States are a key factor in inflating costs of multifamily development, argues a guest columnist in the New York Times.
MFPRO+ New Projects | Jul 10, 2024
3 noteworthy multifamily projects for July 2024
These three multifamily projects on our radar include an artist-inspired complex, seven-acres of senior housing, and a budget-conscious rental community.
MFPRO+ News | Jul 8, 2024
Boston receives 304 new market-rate and affordable housing units
The Smith No. 99 in Boston, Mass., is a new 305,000-sf mixed-use apartment community featuring 304 market rate and affordable housing units.
MFPRO+ New Projects | Jul 2, 2024
Miami residential condo tower provides a deeded office unit for every buyer
A new Miami residential condo office tower sweetens the deal for buyers by providing an individual, deeded and furnished office with each condo unit purchased. One Twenty Brickell Residences, a 34-story, 240-unit tower, also offers more than 60,000 sf of exclusive residential amenities.
Senior Living Design | Jun 28, 2024
The country’s largest retirement community expands with educational facilities
The project will include a high school, a K-8 school, and an Early Learning Center aimed at serving the children of residents who work in qualified businesses within The Villages.
MFPRO+ New Projects | Jun 27, 2024
Chicago’s long-vacant Spire site will be home to a two-tower residential development
In downtown Chicago, the site of the planned Chicago Spire, at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, has sat vacant since construction ceased in the wake of the Great Recession. In the next few years, the site will be home to a new two-tower residential development, 400 Lake Shore.
