Maryland Unveils New Initiative to Boost Energy Efficiency in Affordable Housing

The state of Maryland has introduced a new streamlined process designed to help affordable housing communities meet energy efficiency standards and reduce utility costs for residents, according to a press release from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), aims to simplify compliance with Maryland’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) and make it easier for property owners to secure funding for necessary energy-saving upgrades.

The Maryland BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap is intended to address a critical need within the state’s affordable housing sector. While Maryland mandates that affordable multifamily housing properties achieve certain energy efficiency goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many existing buildings require substantial improvements to meet these requirements. The press release highlighted that without access to supplemental revenue for these upgrades, owners often face delays or are unable to complete the work, leading to increased operational expenses and less efficient living spaces for tenants.

This new roadmap is designed to simplify government procedures by offering a clearer pathway for affordable housing developments to access financial resources for essential energy upgrades. The initiative prioritizes buildings that show the greatest need for improvements and offer the most significant potential for emissions reduction. By enhancing transparency and providing greater predictability regarding the availability of funding, the roadmap will better equip housing owners and operators to plan and communicate rehabilitation projects to residents and the wider community. These upgrades, which can include improvements to heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, and lighting, are expected to result in more efficient building operations and lower energy bills, thereby contributing to healthier living environments and ensuring that affordable housing communities remain safe and sustainable.

Funding for these energy efficiency improvements will be provided to owners and operators of multifamily apartment complexes through Maryland’s EmPOWER Maryland programs, specifically the Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) programs. The allocation of these funds will be guided by an assessment of need and potential impact, utilizing energy and emissions data to prioritize projects. The DHCD will serve as a central point of contact for the BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap, managing application intake and facilitating communication with the MDE for applicants. This consolidated approach aims to make the process more efficient for property owners seeking to invest in energy-saving measures for their properties.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

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