Leveraging Multifamily Air Barrier Tests
Many builders are requesting a Whole Building Tightness Test or Air Barrier Test to meet building codes. Washington State has required Air Barrier Testing for several code cycles. Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) lays it out in C402.5.1.2 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2021 in C402.5.
Why choose Energy Incentives, INC
Completed training from (ABAA)
We are qualified to test air barriers. Our Air Barrier Technicians have successfully completed training from the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA).
25 years’ experience
Energy Incentives, INC has over 25 years’ experience in energy efficiency 3rd party verification
Tests ranging from 10,000 sq. ft. to 200,000 sq. ft.
We have performed Whole Building Air Tightness tests on commercial buildings ranging from 10,000 sq. ft. to 200,000 sq. ft.
Here are several ways that you can leverage an Air Barrier Test for your Multifamily building:
- 45L tax credit certification
- Energy Star Multifamily New Construction (ESMFNC)
- Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH)
- LEED Ratings
- Reduction in MIP premium via National Green Built Standard (NGBS)
- Demand for Affordable Housing
45L TAX CREDITS FOR MULTIFAMILY
In 2023 the IRS changed the 45L tax credit requirements to Energy Star Compliance. For multifamily buildings, that choose not to use prevailing wages, there are 2 levels of credits.
$500 per unit for Energy Star for Multifamily. (ESMFNC)
$1,000 per unit for Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH)
An Air Barrier Test for multifamily housing can be either a Whole Building Air tightness Test or Compartmental Testing. Both can be used in the energy model that is used to qualify for 45L tax credit. If Energy Incentives, INC is your Air Barrier Testing Company we will make sure that you are maximizing our services to include 45L tax credits requirements. To avoid costly callbacks and ensure your project meets energy efficiency standards, explore our tips in Prevent Call-Backs with an Air Barrier Test, where we discuss how air leakage testing can help reduce these issues.
USGBC LEED RATINGS
The US Green Building Council has a special LEED-H rating for low-rise (one to three stories) and mid-rise (four or more stories) multifamily buildings. Buildings that are more than four stories can receive LEED-BD+C for larger multifamily buildings. Several Cities and Governmental Entities require a minimum LEED rating. Energy Incentives, INC is a certified LEED Green Rater. Leverage your Air Barrier Test by bundling our services and adding a LEED rating to your building.
NATIONAL GREEN BUILT STANDARD (NGBS)
Home Innovation regulates and implements National Green Built Standard (NGBS). NGBS is a green standard that is similar to a LEED rating but is exclusively used in residential housing. NGBS is as stringent as LEED, but many builders consider NGBS to be more flexable. NGBS is a tool that builders can use to show 3rd party verification of energy, water, resources used, indoor air quality, and education for the operation of your building. Energy Incentives, INC will leverage your Air Barrier Testing by incorporating a NGBS designation. We partner with other companies to offer this service throughout the United States.
DEMAND FOR AFFORADABLE HOUSING
The United States is facing a housing crisis. Particularly in the demand for affordable housing. While new building codes reduce the energy burden on tenants, by lowering costly monthly electric bills, a builder can also benefit in several ways from multiple programs.
If a builder is required to have FHA mortgage insurance, they can reduce their Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) by adopting one of several acceptable independent verified standards. If you’re looking for expert advice on improving your home’s energy efficiency, read our article Mastering the Blown Door Test for essential tips on optimizing energy performance. Energy Incentives, INC can assist you in complying with these allowed programs:
- Energy Star Multifamily New Construction (ESMFNC)
- LEED-H
- National Green Built Standard (NGBS)
In addition to complying with these programs, the owner must certify that it has achieved a score of 75 or better on the 1-100 Energy Star Benchmarking, using EPA’s Portfolio Manager. Energy Incentives, INC specializes in Energy Star Benchmarking of commercial buildings, especially multifamily.
Contact Energy Incentives, INC to find out how to combine and leverage the code requirements with 3rd party energy efficiency programs.
Expert Team
Lori Sanders
Lead Consultant of Energy Incentives, is a certified a HERS and Energy Star Rater. She holds certifications as a LEED Green Rater, Energy Star Multifamily New Construction (ESMFNC) verifier, and is a level 2 Thermographer. With advanced certificates in Energy Auditing and Inspections, Lori holds an Associate of Science degree in Engineering Technology and has extensive experience in energy efficiency. Lori serves her community as an elected Public Utility Commissioner and has served on the Executive Board of Energy Northwest.
Daniel Sanders
Director of Administration and wearing many hats! Daniel is a HERS and Energy Star Rater as well as an Air Barrier Technician. He manages all of our HR, Safety Programs, and Schedules. Daniel brings his “Eagle Scout” skills to work every day. He will work hard to deliver your project in a timely manner so as not to interfere with other trades.
Jordan Sanders
with an Associate of Arts degree and background in construction management Jordan is a master problem solver. He has extensive experience is the mechanics of air flow (fluid dynamics) and excels in diagnostics. Jordan is our Director of Field Operations. Also an Eagle Scout, Jordan has a passion for rock climbing, hiking, and the Pacific Northwest. He is always up for an adventure and enjoys the travel required for some of our projects.
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