HUD recently provided information on its Energy and Water Benchmarking Service, available for sites participating in HUD’s Multifamily project-based rental assistance programs. The free service provides participating owners with data on energy and water consumption at their sites.
While up to 9,000 properties are eligible for the service, it’s concerning that only just over 700 properties have taken advantage of this opportunity. I encourage all eligible property owners to sign up for the Energy and Water Benchmarking Service to ensure they are not missing out on this valuable resource.
The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) is a game-changer, offering over $800 million in grant funding and $4 billion in loan commitment authority. It is the first HUD program to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, climate resilience, and low-embodied-carbon materials in HUD-assisted multifamily housing. This program presents a significant opportunity for property owners to improve their properties and potentially gain financial benefits.
Provided Data Leads to Actionable Improvements
The service’s data is not just numbers but a practical tool that helps owners identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. These improvements can benefit residents and promote green investment in individual properties or entire portfolios. Once the data is provided, owners can confidently use it to apply for GRRP grants and loans, knowing they are making informed decisions based on real data.
- Offers annual property analysis reports identifying usage trends and energy and water savings opportunities.
- Establishes eligibility for or prepares owners to use federal, state, and utility energy efficiency programs.
- It supports early compliance with local ordinances as more localities across the country become interested in the energy usage data of multifamily properties.
- Provides technical assistance, training, and other resources.
When an owner signs up for the service, they will receive personalized support in assessing the efficiency of their buildings for up to four years. HUD’s contractor, Leidos, will support property owners and management by contacting utilities to access the necessary energy and water use data and provide cost and energy savings recommendations.
Registration Information
There is no deadline for signing up for the service, but limited funding is available. Owners who delay signing up for the service may miss the opportunity or not be able to take advantage of the full four years of the initiative. Owners and managers interested in the program should email their interest and the property ID(s) to mfbenchmarking@hud.gov.