From 2003 until 2005, CEE facilitated the development of a proposal for an ENERGY STAR^® labeling program for new construction, high-rise multifamily buildings ("high-rise" is defined as four stories or more).

A working group, including both CEE members and non-members from all regions of the country, was formed to develop this proposal. This group formed after a session on ENERGY STAR and multifamily housing at the June 2003 conference, Multifamily Buildings, sponsored by NYSERDA and the Department of Energy.

In August 2005, the working group submitted to EPA the final proposal for a new ENERGY STAR labeling program for high-rise multifamily buildings. EPA committed to working with a limited number of program administrators to getting pilot programs started in 2006.

For the first phase, the pilot is limited to NYSERDA, the Energy Trust of Oregon, and the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

CEE is monitoring these pilot programs as they proceed and will be bringing news of successes and challenges to the broad CEE membership.

General research and resources on multifamily housing can be accessed through the link at the top of this page.

CEE's Super-Efficient, Apartment-Sized Refrigerator (SEAR) Bulk Purchase Initiative ended in 2004. For information on this past program or other multifamily efforts, contact Jason Erwin at 617-589-3949, ext. 212.