Maryland strives to ensure housing meets BEPS
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day announced a new process, in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment, to ensure that affordable housing communities comply with the Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). The process, known as the Maryland BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap, will make it easier for housing property owners and operators to seek funding for required energy efficiency upgrades to improve the quality of buildings and ultimately reduce costs for residents.
“As Maryland scales up its housing production, we must also protect and preserve our state’s existing stock of affordable housing and make sure it remains viable and sustainable,” said Day. “The new BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap will help do just that by cutting red tape and clarifying processes to apply for state funds that support energy efficiency compliance, improving both the quality of the structure and the quality of life for residents.”
In alignment with the state’s housing, energy and climate goals, Maryland’s building standards require multifamily housing properties to meet energy efficiency goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, many properties need significant upgrades to meet these standards. The new roadmap refines government processes by creating a clearer path for housing communities to access funding to support necessary energy upgrades, prioritizing buildings with the greatest needs and the greatest opportunity to reduce emissions.
