Low-Rise Multifamily Lessons Learned in Utility Programs February 28, 2012 Prepared by: Michael Flatt ICF International 7160 North Dallas Parkway Suite 340 Plano, TX 75024 0 Market Potential Demand for Apartment Complexes Analysts at Capital Economics predicted a significant rise in both single-family and multifamily housing construction starts for 2012, a development which experts anticipate will improve the overall housing market this year. Multifamily housing construction starts rose 56 percent in 2011 and further growth is expected as rental vacancy rates fall to new lows. Capital Economics predicts a continued rise in demand over the next few years, with an anticipated 850,000 households joining the rental sector yearly. Analysts at the firm suggest this demand will boost multifamily construction starts by as much as 50 percent in 2012. Source: http://www.lender411.com/mortgage-news-2012-to-be-strong-year-for-multifamily-construction-starts/ 1 1
Current Construction Practices 2 Reported Construction Practices Only one developer is installing a 14 SEER unit, vinyl windows, ENERGY STAR appliances, and exceeding code requirements for insulation Besides installing ENERGY STAR appliances, none of the other developers surveyed were exceeding the basic code requirements All of the developers surveyed are interested in participating in the Program All of the developers surveyed, except one, believe they are incorporating energyefficient measures into their building practices Construction Practice Number of Developers Incorporating energy-efficient measures 12 92% Using vinyl windows 1 8% Using HVAC systems of 14 SEER or 1 8% higher Using HVAC systems with heat pumps 0 0% Installing ENERGY STAR appliances 4 31% Exceeding code requirements for 1 8% insulation Installing ENERGY STAR qualified light 0 0% fixtures Installing CFLs in the apartment units 1 8% Expressing interest in participating in the LRMF ENERGY STAR Program 13 100% % 3 2
Field Analysis Results The field verification produced the following results: Average Range Sq Feet 1065.96 3066-632 Duct Leakage 26.36 55.67-8.19 ACH at 50pa 7.01 11.42-3.86 Window/Floor Area 11.4% 64.0% - 0.0% Upflow System One developer used an upflow air handler located in the hallway that minimized the duct leakage. The units tested registered 8.19 and 9.47 CFM per 100 square feet. The range for the pancake system was 13.08 to 55.67 CFM per 100 square feet No discrepancies were found between the survey questions and the field verification 4 Field Verification Observations Reasons for High Duct Leakage: Developers utilize the building cavity as a ductless return The distance between the return and air handler ranged from 4 to 20 feet Eight developers used the First Company Air Handler pancake system The air handler is located above the bathroom tub to minimize space 5 3
Impact Estimates SAVINGS - ENERGY STAR - BOP HOME COMPARED TO BASELINE HOME Average Maximum Minimum KWH SAVINGS (%): 9% 21% 4% KW SAVINGS (%): 21% 33% 12% SAVINGS -ENERGY STAR - BOP HOME WITH HEAT PUMP COMPARED TO BASELINE HOME Average Maximum Minimum KWH SAVINGS (%): 13% 26% 5% KW SAVINGS (%): 21% 33% 12% 6 Overview of Typical LRMF Building Strategies for Improving HERS Index Ducts In Conditioned Space Air-Source Heat Pump High Efficiency Lighting Fixtures Tight Shell with Mechanical Ventilation Impact of Using Gas vs. Electric Heating 7 4
Infiltration in LRMF Buildings Infiltration levels impacted by: Common walls vs exterior walls Elevator shafts Stairwells Penetrations in floors & ceilings Benefits of tight shell include noise reduction Field testing can be done, but is more challenging than single-family detached homes 8 Infiltration in LRMF Buildings Side Elevation Front Elevation Units Hallway 9 5
Infiltration in LRMF Buildings Side Elevation Units Hallway 10 Infiltration in LRMF Buildings Side Elevation Units Hallway 11 6
Ventilation in LRMF Buildings To take full credit for tight shell, ventilation is required Common types: Balanced Exhaust-only Air cycler Based on our climate zone and building practice, no developers optioned for this path 12 Ventilation in LRMF Buildings RESNET requires that mechanical ventilation systems: Meet AHSRAE 62.2 ventilation rates Have automatic controls In addition, ASHRAE 62.2 limits the use of exhaust-only systems in hot-humid climates 13 7
Duct Testing in LRMF Buildings Ducts in conditioned space can still produce leakage to the outside Side Elevation Front Elevation Units Hallway 14 Duct Testing in LRMF Buildings A few options for determining duct efficiency: Use RESNET default Test total leakage Test leakage to outdoors using multiple blower doors RESNET default: For ducts in conditioned space, default distribution efficiency of 88 percent Does not require testing Generally is a very conservative estimate of efficiency 15 8
Duct Testing in LRMF Buildings Test total leakage: Seal ducts very tightly Test total duct leakage Assume all leakage is to the outdoors, as a conservative estimate of leakage 16 Duct Testing in LRMF Buildings Test leakage to outdoors: Seal ducts tightly Test leakage to outdoors using simultaneous blower doors Use resulting value of leakage to outdoors in RemRate 17 9
Benefits to Multifamily Developers Financing Incorporating green and energy-efficient technologies helps developers during the financing process Market Differentiation Tenant Retention Possibly increase resale value of complex 18 Questions Contact Information: Michael Flatt mflatt@icfi.com Phone: 469.467.4404 19 10
Multifamily Buildings: Labeling and Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Massachusetts Multifamily New Construction Pilot RESNET Conference 2012 Austin, Texas February 28, 2012 20 Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Agenda A history and lessons learned form a 3 year multifamily new construction pilot program 1. Caught in the Middle 2. Climate & Assumptions 3. Modeling is not an Option 4. A Prescriptive Path 5. The Role of HERS Raters 6. Not a Residential Program 7. The Multi in Multifamily 8. New Tool/New Approach 9. Energy Savings 10. Big Buildings, Big Picture 21 11
Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Caught in the Middle ENERGY STAR 1 to 3 stories HERS Raters / Software 4 stories and above??? Whole building rating??? Residential programs servicing commercial meters Project funding requirements LEED, Enterprise, ENERGY STAR or equivalent 22 Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces MA MFNCP Climate & Assumptions Climate 2000 2004 Smart Growth & T.O.D. 2008 Green Communities Act MF development is the norm Mill Buildings Assumptions Electric Residential Program 4 to 8 stories In-unit and central systems in equal measure Existing prescriptive offerings can be used but with residential schedules of operation Modeling is not an option 23 12
Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Modeling is not an Option Not cost effective equest/doe2 modeling is expensive Insufficient savings What baseline to use ASHRAE 90.1-2004, 2007, 2010 IECC 2006, 2009, 2012 Residential or Commercial Standard building practices The alternative to a performance program 24 Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces A Prescriptive Path Fixed design thresholds 6 Reporting Categories 154 ECMs Average savings No incremental savings Not a BOP No labeling Implementation - easy HERS Raters not required 25 13
Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces The Role of HERS Raters Healthy MA Rater Industry Recruit projects Educate the project team Influence design & energy savings Verify measures Envelope In-unit ECMs Sampling Protocols Developers pay the rater not a residential practice 26 Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Not a Residential Program Lack of Residential Meters Size System Sizes Res:Comm Area Ratio 75:25 Development time lines A multitude of stuff 27 14
Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces The Multi in Multifamily Apartments Appliances HVAC Equipment Lighting Walls Windows How to keep track of all of this? How to measure energy savings? How to qualify for a label? 28 Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces New Tool/New Approach Current Design Fixed design thresholds 6 Reporting Categories 154 ECMs Average savings No incremental savings Not a BOP No labeling Implementation - easy HERS Raters - optional New Design Multiple design thresholds 6 Reporting Categories Unlimited ECMs Specific Savings Incremental Savings Not a BOP No labeling, but Implementation more complex HERS Raters - required Multiple baselines Multiple user inputs New technologies easily adopted 29 15
Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces New Tool/New Approach 30 Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Energy Savings kwh 1,500,000 100% Electric Savings by Meter Type kwh 100% Therms MMBTUs 1,000,000 500,000 0 57% 43% 3% 0% 2% 2% 0% 4% 8% 2% 50% 21% 8% 0% 50% 0% Residential Commercial ECM Category 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 100% 2% Gas Savings by Meter Type 98% Therms 46% 39% 13% 1% 1% 0% 100% 50% 0% Remember the #1 assumption: This is a residential electric program 10,000 5,000 0 100% 26% Energy Savings by Meter Type MMBTUs 74% 25% 29% 22% 11% 1% 0% 2% 1% 1% 5% 0% 4% 100% 50% 0% 31 16
Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Big Buildings, Big Picture Lessons Learned 1. Common spaces yield savings 2. Common Area Lighting (targeted lighting power densities) 3. Builders get it - Design Teams, not so much 4. Get in early (energy efficiency doesn t warrant a change order) 5. Big projects - Big demands - Disproportionate savings 6. Complex system require commissioning 7. VFDs should be a program requirement 8. Ventilation conundrum 9. Compartmentalization challenge 10. Infiltration and Adiabatic Walls 32 Multifamily Buildings: Labeling & Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces Lessons Learned Exterior Wall Interior Wall 33 17
Thank You! David Ruggiero ICF International druggiero@icfi.com 781.413.4720 34 Multifamily Buildings Labeling and Energy Efficiency Beyond Residential Spaces RESNET Conference 2012 Austin, Texas 18
Opportunities in the MF Market 36 Opportunities in the MF Market 37 19
Value Proposition = Energy Efficient Affordable Comfortable Properly Ventilated Durable How ENERGY STAR Delivers Efficient, Durable, Affordable, Comfortable Buildings Control Air Flow Control Thermal Flow Control Moisture Flow Efficient Equipment Verification Air Sealing Air Sealing Air Sealing Efficient HVAC Modeling Protocols Tight Ducts Air Barriers Pressure Balancing Tight Ducts Air Barriers Low E Windows Insulation Installation Min. Thermal Bridging Tight Ducts Air Barriers Air Sealing Right-Sizing Ventilation Air Barriers Efficient Lighting Efficient Appliances T & V Protocols/ Checklists Licensed Professional or Rater Air Barriers 20
Eligibility Requirements for ES New Homes Program New Homes Program (v.3) Single family Manufactured/Modular Homes Low rise MF units (3 stories and less) 4 or 5 stories (in-unit systems)* MF buildings with 4 units or less regardless of number of stories or system Large percentage of multifamily market * Except where the space occupied by dwelling units is less than 80% of the occupiable residential square footage of the building, as of July 1, 2012) 40 Eligibility Requirements for ES New Homes Program New Homes Program (v.3) Single family Manufactured/Modular Homes Low rise MF units (3 stories and less) 4 or 5 stories (in-unit systems)* MF buildings with 4 units or less regardless of number of stories or system Large percentage of multifamily market * Except where the space occupied by dwelling units is less than 80% of the occupiable residential square footage of the building (as of July 1, 2012) 41 21
Attached Housing Policy Version 2 Each unit modeled individually or the unit per floor with the highest percentage of exposed wall area can be used as a proxy for all other units on that same floor if the other units have the same or less window-to-floor area ration, and the same or more stringent energy features 4 stories = 4 models Version 3 Each unit modeled individually or follow RESNET Sampling where the worst case configuration of each unique floorplan would need to be modeled 4 stories =?? models Ex. 8 unit types x 3 = 24 models EPA is reviewing decision on allowing whole building modeling to generate HERS index for all units in building 42 Eligibility Requirements for ES Multifamily High Rise MFHR Program (v.1) 4 or 5 stories (central systems) 6 or more stories Mixed use buildings The residential and residential-associated common space must consist of more than 50% of the occupiable square footage of the entire building; and The residential space must be separately metered from the commercial space More information available at www.energystar.gov/mfhr 43 22
Developing the MFHR Program 44 ENERGY STAR Residential Program Design Design Define energy efficient building Set requirements to demonstrate design intent Build Integrate market ready building science principles Set energy conservation measure performance testing requirements Perform Encourage strategic management through benchmarking* *Currently, MFHR only 45 23
Design Low Rise Multifamily ENERGY STAR Reference Design 15% savings above 2009 IECC Prescriptive Path High Rise Multifamily 15% cost savings above ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Prescriptive Path Performance Path RESNET HERS Index Target Performance Path ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G ENERGY STAR Simulation Guidelines 46 Build Low Rise Multifamily ENERGY STAR v.3 Inspection Checklists Thermal Enclosure HVAC Installation Water Management Verification performed by certified HERS Rater High Rise Multifamily ENERGY STAR Testing and Verification Protocols Thermal Enclosure Distributed and central HVAC and DHW Other ECMs Verification performed by an energy consultant(s) and validated by a licensed professional 47 24
Multifamily Completions and Pipeline Low Rise Multifamily Low rise multifamily ENERGY STAR units reported Over 77,000 Units (2002-2011) High Rise Multifamily High rise multifamily ENERGY STAR units Pilot (2005-2011) Complete 2,605 Units (27 buildings) Pipeline 813 Units (8 buildings) Full Implementation Pipeline 11,773 units (158 buildings, mostly NY) 48 Piloting ENERGY STAR MFHR Guidelines (2005 2011) City Row 1212 MLK - 20% Casey Building - 44% (1) Parker Hall - 21% Newark Genesis - 28% Myrtle Avenue - 21% Projects Under Development (4) (1) (2) (19) Intervale Green - 33% The Cedars- 30% (1) (1) Atlantic Ave. Apts. - 20% Silver Gardens (2) Atlantic Ave. Residences 1-22% Trinity Bluff - 34% Las Colinas- 25% Atlantic Ave. Residences 2 and 3-26% The Eltona- 32% Brookhaven - 25% 25
90 Minute Session on ENERGY STAR MFHR Session: ENERGY STAR for MFHR Day: Wednesday 2/29 Time: 3:30 PM Room: Glass Oaks 50 Training Webinars Online training for MFHR developers, modelers, licensed professionals, and other program participants available at www.energystar.gov/mfhr Ten webinars that cover: Prescriptive and Performance Paths Modeling Testing and Verification protocols Tools that facilitate program reporting 51 26
More Information Questions/Comments: Low Rise: energystarhomes@energystar.gov High Rise: mfhr@energystar.gov Website: www.energystar.gov/mfhr 52 27