news

Energy efficiency upgrades in multifamily buildings could save building owners and residents up to $3.4 billion nationwide, according to a report released by CNT Energy and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Engaging as Partners in Energy Efficiency: Multifamily Housing and Utilities demonstrates that energy use in multifamily buildings could be reduced substantially, and cost-effective upgrades could result in utility cost savings of 15 to 30 percent in buildings with five or more residential units. The key to unlocking the savings, the report states, is for energy utilities and apartment building owners to work together more closely to develop effective energy efficiency policies.

Energy efficiency upgrades can improve the bottom line for multifamily building owners, help maintain affordable housing, decrease financial risk for lending institutions, and improve occupant comfort. However, building owners often have difficulty finding technical assistance, financing, or qualified contractors to upgrade their buildings. "Maximizing energy efficiency is a win-win for apartment residents, building owners, energy utilities and our energy infrastructure," said Doug Bibby, President of the National Multi Housing Council. "This report offers excellent ideas that we hope spur further cooperation between multifamily owners and utilities to create a more efficient partnership."

Better coordination between apartment building owners and energy utilities could address that, according to the report's analysis. The study states that there is a vast, largely untapped opportunity to engage utilities in providing effective energy efficiency programs that target the multifamily sector. The study examines utilities' involvement in energy efficiency efforts across the country and identifies strategies that the multifamily building community can use to work together for improved efficiency. The report also identifies regions where the multifamily sector could see particularly dramatic benefits from improvements in energy efficiency policy. These include Florida, Illinois, Texas, and the District of Columbia-regions that have a substantial number of multifamily buildings and energy policies that leave significant room for improvement.

This report was made possible by support from the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Living Cities. The full report is available online at http://aceee.org/research-report/a122 .