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Guiding a Virginia Multifamily Development to ENERGY STAR MFNC Certification

D3G supported a multifamily new construction project in Virginia through a multi-year ENERGY STAR® MFNC certification process. Our team provided energy modeling, inspections, and field-driven guidance to help the developer overcome ventilation and air sealing challenges, meet LIHTC program requirements, and deliver a high-performing, energy-efficient property.

Project Snapshot

  • Location: Mid-Atlantic Region, VA 
  • Property Type: Multifamily New Construction 
  • Timeline: Multi-phase effort completed over 3.5 years
  • Certifications: ENERGY STAR® Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) Version 1 
  • Services Provided: Plan Review, Energy Modeling, Framing and Final Energy Inspections, Certification Consulting 

In pursuit of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), the development team sought ENERGY STAR MFNC certification to comply with state housing requirements. D3G was brought on board to lead the certification process through in-field inspections, energy modeling, and program expertise.

Meeting the Challenge: A Four-Year Certification Journey

Achieving ENERGY STAR MFNC Version 1 certification required full coordination between D3G, general contractors, and property management. Over four years, D3G navigated and provided guidance:

  • Multiple Points of Contact: Ensuring consistent communication across ownership and on-site management changes.
  • Air Infiltration Testing Setbacks: Several units failed initial blower door tests due to improper air sealing and faulty filtration systems. D3G’s team implemented targeted sealing strategies to meet the ≤0.30 CFM/ft² goal.
  • Ventilation Compliance Issues: During the final walk, microwave range hoods were underperforming, moving only 45 CFM (well below the 100 CFM requirement). The units had to be uninstalled and reinstalled using neoprene tape and EPA guidance to ensure exterior exhaust compliance, which is critical for both certification and resident air quality.
  • Framing Phase Discoveries: Framing inspections revealed incorrect insulation installation (3” installed instead of 6” exterior walls), requiring mid-construction adjustments. D3G’s proactive approach, walking the site alongside trades, allowed early issue detection before drywall installation.


These challenges exemplified the accountability required at every level of certification and construction.

D3G’s Role: Technical Rigor Meets Practical Solutions

D3G delivered comprehensive ENERGY STAR services, including: 

  • Energy Consulting & Modeling: Plans were reviewed with the ENERGY STAR requirements in mind, and strategic energy modeling informed construction decisions. 
  • On-Site Verification: D3G performs diagnostic testing after framing and drywall are in place, ensuring that what gets tested reflects real-world conditions. This helps provide owners with a more accurate understanding of performance at project completion. 
  • Collaboration & Communication: In frequent coordination with site supervisors, D3G issued short-form inspection summaries after each visit, highlighting unit counts, building-specific notes, and next steps. This helped the ownership team stay ahead of any necessary corrective actions. 
  • Adaptability: When unavoidable scheduling delays impacted the inspection timeline, D3G leveraged its program expertise to maintain compliance without impeding construction progress, helping the project stay on track without costly rework. 

Results & Benefits

The property received its ENERGY STAR MFNC Version 1 certification in February 2025, just before the phase-out of that program version. With the certification: 

  • The Developer Met LIHTC Requirements 
  • Energy Efficiency and Resident Comfort Were Enhanced 
  • The Project Gained Long-Term Cost Savings through Better Performance Metrics 


Most importantly, the project was a testament to what’s possible when technical expertise meets boots-on-the-ground diligence. 

Takeaways

This project showcases how D3G’s Energy team brings: 

  • Depth of Expertise: From plan review to final inspection, our team understands the nuances of the program and how to navigate technical challenges without derailing timelines. 
  • On-Site Accountability: Our inspections and construction-phase engagement ensure that performance targets are met with field-verified solutions aligned to what’s installed on-site.
  • Client-Focused Solutions: We help clients meet regulatory goals while optimizing construction efficiency by staying flexible and informed.

This multifamily development in Virginia marks a significant milestone as one of the last to be certified under ENERGY STAR MFNC Version 1 before the transition to newer program versions. Despite a complex four-year timeline, shifting site dynamics, and technical obstacles, including ventilation corrections and air sealing remediation, D3G guided the team to successful certification through consistent collaboration, adaptive planning, and technical accuracy. The result is a healthier, more efficient living environment for residents and a LIHTC-compliant project for ownership, delivered on time, without compromising quality or energy performance. 

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