Energy Star SEDI Score
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has retrofit programs for pre-existing buildings, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer financing options for new constructions. In order to apply for HUD's Green MIP reduction program for new market-rate multi-family construction projects, which requires energy modeling results, you need to document an ENERGY STAR SEDI Score. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer green financing programs that require applicants to retain a qualified consultant to collect design data and input it into an energy model to develop a Statement of Energy Design Intent (SEDI) on multi-family properties.
For ENERGY STAR certification and HUD financing, Owners and Developers are required to achieve an ENERGY STAR score of at least 75. This indicates that a building’s energy performance is in the top 25% of similar buildings in the same sector after the building has been substantially completed and allowed a period of 15 months for lease up. To raise the score, you can work with an experienced consultant to have an energy audit conducted, which also earns points towards LEED certification. During an energy audit, a sustainability consultant may perform building system analyses, energy calculations, and data collection to identify low- or no-cost efficiency options and provide detailed recommendations.
Experienced sustainability consultants and engineers are key as design teams navigate the shifting nature of incentives and requirements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also incentivize renovations that improve a building’s energy consumption. With the help of qualified consultants, Owners, Developers, and their project partners can make data-driven decisions to achieve green building certification and financing.