The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) program promotes energy efficiency and housing affordability in affordable multifamily rental housing developments.
Funding Process Overview
Applications are accepted on an on-going basis and evaluated based on readiness to proceed, energy savings, and reduction of greenhouse gases. The funding process consists of the following steps:
- Owner submits application and application documents
- Owner commissions a Qualified Energy Professional to:
- Complete an energy audit for rehabilitation projects, or
- Complete an energy certification review for new construction projects
- Qualified Energy Professional submits Funding Request to DHCD on behalf of the project owner
- DHCD reviews and finalizes the Funding Request
- DHCD creates a funding agreement (grant or loan agreement) to be executed
- Project installs the funded energy efficiency or greenhouse gas reduction measures
- DHCD releases funding after equipment has been installed and inspected
- Project enters the affordability period after construction is completed
For more details, see the Detailed Funding Process section.
Application Submission
Detailed Funding Process
1. Application
The MEEHA funding process begins when a project submits an application.
- Projects also applying for Rental Lending Financing only need to submit a copy of the project’s 202 Application.
- A program team member reviews the application.
- Once approved, the team member contacts the Project Owner (or Project Owner’s representative) to explain the next steps in the funding process.
2. Funding Request
After the application is reviewed, the Project Owner must submit a funding request. The steps depend on the type of project.
A. Rehabilitation Projects
Rehabilitation projects require an energy audit to determine which measures are eligible for funding.
- A Qualified Energy Professional conducts the energy audit, including an on-site visit to assess current building conditions.
- The Qualified Energy Professional identifies eligible energy efficiency or greenhouse gas reduction measures.
- The Qualified Energy Professional discusses the recommended scope of work with the Project Owner.
- The Project Owner and the Qualified Energy Professional work together to prepare a Rehab Funding Request using the current Program Guidance.
- The Qualified Energy Professional submits the Funding Request to DHCD on behalf of the project.
- The Project Owner submits supporting application documents at the same time.
B. New Construction Projects
New construction project funding is based on the energy efficiency certification the project will achieve. Gut Rehabilitation or Change of Use projects can only receive new construction funding.
- A Qualified Energy Professional reviews the project’s design and determines which energy efficiency certification the project will achieve.
- The Project Owner and Qualified Energy Professional complete and sign a New Construction Funding Request.
- The request is submitted to DHCD.
3. Funding Request Review
A MEEHA Project Manager reviews the Funding Request to confirm that it meets the program's requirements.
- The Project Manager may ask for more information from the Qualified Energy Professional, Project Owner, or both.
- Once the review is complete, DHCD sends a scope confirmation spreadsheet outlining approved measures and funding.
4. Agreement Creation and Execution
Once the Project Owner accepts the scope of work, DHCD prepares the funding agreement for signature.
- All required parties review and sign the agreement.
- After signing, the project is cleared to begin construction.
5. Construction
Funds are provided during construction as work is completed and verified.
- The project team submits requisitions using the MEEHA requisition form.
- Requisitions must include supporting documentation showing installed measures and specifications.
- DHCD performs an inspection on a sample of the installed measures.
- Once approved, DHCD processes the requisition for payment, which usually takes 4–5 weeks.
6. Affordability Period
After construction is complete, the project enters the affordability period.
- DHCD will monitor the project to make sure it meets affordability requirements in the funding agreement.
Qualified Energy Professional
DHCD keep a list of
Qualified Energy Professionals approved to perform energy efficiency and decarbonization evaluations for MEEHA projects. To be included on the list, each professional must submit the
Energy Professional Qualification Form annually.
Qualified Energy Professionals can participate in MEEHA projects by:
- Performing energy audits for rehabilitation projects.
- Conduct electrification assessments for rehabilitation projects.
- Verify compliance with energy efficiency certifications for new construction projects.
Apply to Become a Qualified Energy Professional
DHCD accepts new applications on a rolling basis. To join, energy professionals must submit:
-
For Rehabilitation Projects
- Three comprehensive multifamily energy audit reports completed in the last 18 months.
- These will help DHCD evaluate applicants qualifications and require certification.
- The reports must demonstrate applicant’s knowledge of building science and recommendations of energy efficiency measures.
- Certification documents showing:
- BPI Building Analyst Professional or BPI Multifamily Building Analyst.
- At least one additional building science certification.
-
For New Construction Projects
- Certification documents showing proof of Energy Star New Construction rater or verifier status.
Resources
Application Documents
Other Documents and Information
Housing and Building Energy Programs
Community Development Administration
Email:
MultifamilyEnergy.dhcd@maryland.gov
