On August 22, NASEO’s Multifamily Efficiency Task Force -- collaborative of state energy offices, housing finance agencies, and other experts -- convened in Raleigh, North Carolina, to strategize on energy efficiency policies and programs in the multifamily sector. Launched in early 2013 with support from the Energy Foundation, the task force identified points of entry, policy and market barriers, and collaborative opportunities to increase multifamily retrofits. Through a series of working sessions facilitated by energy and housing experts, the Taskforce delved into three issue areas:
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Funding and Financing: Todd Nedwick, Assistant Director for Public Policy at the National Housing Trust (NHT), discussed the major market barriers to multifamily energy efficiency and NHT's efforts to engage utilities and other housing stakeholders (presentation). Additionally, Dave Good of the District Department of the Environment in Washington, D.C. led a discussion on design and implementation strategies for multifamily efficiency in commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs (presentation).
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Collecting, Storing, and Sharing Data: Ed Connelly, President of New Ecology and Founder of Wegowise, led a discussion on data collection, benchmarking, and disclosure practices, and how these translate into efficiency improvements in multifamily buildings (presentation).
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Policy and Program Considerations to Address the Split Incentive: Lisa Hodges, Senior Advisor, Oystertree Consulting, provided an overview of utility allowances for public and assisted housing, and helped Taskforce members better understand how to navigate the utility allowance process to incentivize energy efficiency (presentation).
Multifamily buildings, which consist of five or more units, represent a large opportunity to reduce costs, promote affordability, and enhance tenant health and comfort across the United States. This opportunity is especially prevalent in renter-occupied and income-assisted multifamily buildings, where energy costs per square foot are significantly higher than other types of housing. For more information on multifamily efficiency issues or the task force, contact Sandy Fazeli.