Energy code and certification questions, answered

We focus on multifamily housing: new construction and existing buildings, including market-rate, affordable, and LIHTC projects. Our work spans the full project timeline, from pro forma feasibility modeling through post-construction certification closeout.

Multifamily projects in Virginia are governed by the 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code (VECC), which is expected to remain in effect until at least the end of 2027. Depending on building height and construction type, your project may fall under the residential or commercial provisions, which changes which compliance pathways and testing requirements apply. We confirm which set governs before recommending a pathway.

Under the residential provisions there are three routes: prescriptive compliance, Total Building Performance, and the Energy Rating Index (ERI) path. The 2021 code also requires Additional Efficiency credits on the prescriptive path. Projects that fall under the commercial provisions follow a separate set of pathways. Each route trades flexibility against documentation burden and first cost differently, so we model the options and recommend the one that best fits your design and budget.

Yes. The 2021 VECC requires envelope air leakage testing (R402.4.1.2 under the residential provisions, and C402.5.2 and C402.5.3 under the commercial provisions), along with duct leakage testing under R403.3.5.

We recommend informational testing on early units, before the whole building is built out, so assembly problems get corrected while they're still cheap to fix rather than discovered at final testing.

HVAC grading is a RESNET protocol that verifies refrigerant charge, airflow, and duct system quality on installed equipment. ENERGY STAR and HERS Ratings require either a credentialed mechanical contractor or RESNET-qualified HVAC grading.

We perform the grading ourselves, which keeps certification on track when your mechanical contractor doesn't carry the credential, a common and otherwise expensive surprise late in construction.

EarthCraft, ENERGY STAR (Multifamily New Construction and Single Family Homes), Enterprise Green Communities, NGBS, Passive House, Indoor airPLUS, and Efficient New Homes (formerly Zero Energy Ready Homes). We also hold WaterSense credentials.

As early as possible, ideally at schematic design or during pro forma development. Early feasibility modeling identifies the cheapest compliance pathway before design decisions are locked in, and constructability review catches coordination problems while drawings can still be revised.

Bringing a rater in only for final testing forecloses most of the available savings.

We primarily serve the Richmond metro area and Charlottesville, with projects across Virginia and neighboring Mid-Atlantic states. Regional focus means familiarity with the utility programs and with the specific issues of building in climate zone 4A, which covers most of the state, and climate zone 3A in the Virginia Beach area.

Yes. We work on existing multifamily properties as well as new construction, including energy auditing, retrofit scoping, and certification pathways for both moderate and substantial rehabilitation projects.

Yes. We perform ACCA-compliant Manual J load calculations, Manual S equipment selection, and Manual D duct design for each unique unit plan. Right-sized systems avoid the comfort, humidity, and operating cost problems that come with rule-of-thumb oversizing.