ENERGY STAR® Fully Funded as Program Transitions to DOE | | |
Congress has appropriated funding for the ENERGY STAR program in a bipartisan show of support, ensuring continued backing for one of the nation’s most recognized energy efficiency initiatives. In related news, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to transfer responsibility for ENERGY STAR to DOE.
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While the transition may help strengthen long-term stability for the program, stakeholders are emphasizing the importance of transparency throughout the process.
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As Ben Adams, MaGrann’s VP of Strategy, recently commented on LinkedIn, “We all need to be the watchdogs.”
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The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) noted that the transition should remain open to stakeholder input as details continue to develop.
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Click here to read the IMT’s statement on the ENERGY STAR transition.
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Regional Energy Code Changes to Watch
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“Across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, evolving building energy codes continue to push our industry toward higher levels of performance. While these changes can introduce complexity during project planning, they also represent an important opportunity to raise the standard for how buildings are designed and operated," notes Rich Selverian, MaGrann President and CEO.
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“At MaGrann Associates, we view these updates not simply as compliance challenges but as pathways toward better buildings that improve comfort, resilience, and long-term affordability for communities.
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“We remain committed to helping our partners navigate these changes and translate policy and code evolution into practical design solutions.”
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Connecticut
Connecticut is in the middle of a major building code update cycle, with energy efficiency and climate‑aligned standards playing a central role. These updates stem from both the 2026 Connecticut State Building Code adoption process and pending or recent legislation aimed at tightening statewide requirements. Connecticut’s draft 2026 State Building Code amends the 2024 IECC and applies to permit applications made on/after adoption. Connecticut’s proposed building code updates and legislative initiatives collectively emphasize:
- Higher energy-efficiency requirements: Through adoption of the 2024 IECC and related model codes.
- Pathways for stricter municipal codes: HB 6618 would allow local adoption of more ambitious energy-efficiency standards.
- Statewide alignment with climate and decarbonization goals: Bills like HB 5726 support reducing energy use, emissions, and air pollution.
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New Jersey
New Jersey’s proposed and upcoming building codes reflect an aggressive shift toward high-performance, low-emission and eventually zero-energy construction. The core developments include:
- Adoption of 2024 IECC & ASHRAE 90.1-2022 (expected to come in 2026).
- A long-term strategy aiming for zero-energy building codes by 2030.
- Legislative proposals requiring zero-energy-ready construction starting 2027.
- Statewide energy and decarbonization initiatives that reinforce code ambitions.
It's important to note that the pathway to zero energy codes in New Jersey is still the subject of a robust stakeholder process that remains ongoing at this time.
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New York
New York, like Connecticut, is also in the middle of a major statewide upgrade of its building energy codes. These updates – effective between December 31, 2025 and March 30, 2026 – sharply increase energy-efficiency requirements and accelerate the transition to all-electric buildings. New York’s proposed and adopted building codes represent one of the most aggressive statewide pushes toward electrification, deep energy efficiency and sustainable construction in the US.
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Key trends include:
- Statewide fossil-fuel phase-out in new buildings (2026-2029).
- Substantial improvements in building envelope measures.
- Expansion of heat pump adoption.
- More rigorous testing and documentation, especially in New York City.
- Smart electrification strategies to balance grid impacts.
- Enhanced requirements for existing building retrofits.
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Contact our team at info@magrann.com for support navigating building energy code updates.
| Maryland Incentives for Multifamily – Updated Technical Bulletin Available | | |
MaGrann recently published an updated Maryland-focused incentives Technical Bulletin, which provides a detailed summary of funding programs available in Maryland for multifamily projects, all of which are contingent on the project meeting specific energy efficiency or building electrification criteria.
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To provide greater ease in navigating the numerous programs outlined in this document, users should refer to the directory on page 3 of the PDF, which allows for easy navigation to detailed summaries of each program.
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MaGrann can help businesses and property owners make well-informed decisions about their facilities and identify funding that can help offset the cost of upgrades. Connect with your Solutions Specialist or contact our team at info@magrann.com for more information.
| | PJM Price Cap Extension Aims to Protect Consumers from Energy Cost Spikes | | |
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced the extension of PJM’s electricity price caps, a move expected to help protect consumers from sharp increases in generation costs. The action is projected to save consumers billions of dollars on future energy bills and help stabilize electricity markets across the PJM region.
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MaGrann submitted supporting comments ahead of the decision, recognizing the importance of maintaining price stability while the region continues to expand electrification and modernize its energy infrastructure. Extending the price caps helps address concerns around disproportionate spikes in generation pricing that could otherwise impact both consumers and businesses.
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Read Governor Shapiro’s statement on the PJM price cap extension.
| | Another Phase of Alafia Development in Brooklyn, NY Earns Phius Design Certification | | |
We’re excited to share that another phase of L+M’s Alafia development in Brooklyn, NY, has achieved Phius Design Certification.
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Located on the former Brooklyn Developmental Center campus in East New York, Alafia is planned as a multi-phase project that will be completed in 2030 and will be an all-electric, mixed-use redevelopment delivering more than 2,400 affordable and supportive homes. The property includes healthcare, significant commercial, and community spaces. Phase II includes Buildings A1-A2 and B1, totaling 634 affordable homes across two 14-story buildings designed to Passive House standards.
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MaGrann is happy to be involved in the various phases by offering certification support services that include Phius, Efficient New Homes (ZERH), ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction, Indoor AirPlus, and Code Commissioning.
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Click here to read more about the project.
| | Young Village at Fort Belvoir breaks ground – The Michaels Organization and Urban Practice | | |
In early March, The Michaels Organization and US Army officials celebrated the groundbreaking of Young Village at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, which will bring 200 new townhomes for Army officer housing.
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The new community was designed by Urban Practice, featuring 2,500+ square foot three- and four-bedroom houses.
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We are thrilled to be a partner in supporting this project in pursuing their LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications.
| Hankin Group Partnership Milestone: 50 LEED-Certified Buildings | | |
We’re proud to celebrate a major sustainability milestone with our long-time partner, The Hankin Group. Congratulations to the Hankin team on achieving 50 LEED-certified buildings across their portfolio, demonstrating a commitment to high-performance, sustainable development across the region.
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Projects like their latest, Keva Flats, a multifamily community in Exton, PA, highlight how thoughtful design, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility can come together to create healthier, more resilient living spaces. Over the years, this collaboration has helped bring numerous high-performance buildings to life – each contributing to reduced energy use, improved indoor environments and more sustainable communities.
Reaching this milestone reflects the strength of long-term partnerships and the growing demand for environmentally responsible buildings throughout the Mid-Atlantic. We’re excited to continue supporting projects that advance sustainability goals while delivering lasting value for residents and communities.
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Click here to learn more or contact our team to discuss projects involving LEED certification.
| | Passive House Certification Achieved at Curtis Cofield II Estates in New Haven, CT | | |
Another major milestone has been reached – this time in New Haven, CT, with the successful Phius certification of Curtis Cofield II Estates, an affordable housing development led by The NHP Foundation. The project reflects the growing momentum behind high-performance housing that delivers exceptional energy efficiency, comfort and durability for residents.
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Congrats to all the team members involved in achieving this prestigious and well-earned Passive House certification: The NHP Foundation, Ken Boroson Architects and LaRosa Building Group. MaGrann supported this project with MEP engineering design and Phius CPHC + Verifier roles, helping ensure the development met the rigorous performance standards required for certification.
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Projects like Curtis Cofield II Estates demonstrate how strategic design and collaboration across the development team can bring sustainable, resilient housing to communities while reducing long-term energy costs and improving indoor living quality for residents.
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Click here for more information or contact our team to learn more.
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Company News
Our Growing Team
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David Del Giudice joined MaGrann Associates in December as a Technical Consultant. David performs inspections as part of the C&V team throughout New Jersey and New York. Outside of work, David is an avid cinephile and enjoys writing screenplays.
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“What drew me to MaGrann was the opportunity to do work I was proud of; at a company I could be proud of.”
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Maguette Ndiaye joined the MaGrann team as an Energy Engineer, working on IPNA projects and support updates to utility program workbooks, leveraging a background in energy audits, building performance optimization and energy modeling to improve efficiency and support data driven decision-making. Maguette is passionate about sustainability and enjoys exploring innovative solutions from renewable energy systems to building optimization, that help reduce environmental impact.
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“I chose MaGrann for its strong commitment to sustainability and the energy transition, and I’m excited to contribute to projects that drive meaningful improvements in building performance and environmental impact.”
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Manny Nunez also joined MaGrann Associates as an Energy Inspector, starting in February. Manny brings his extensive experience to help ensure buildings and homes achieve the energy performance and certification standards they are pursuing. Manny is also a professional guitar player in multiple bands.
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“I chose MaGrann to help pioneer the energy industry for the better living of mankind.”
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Emily Selverian started in February as well and is the new HR and Office Coordinator at MaGrann Associates, supporting the employee experience by assisting with HR processes, onboarding, employee relations and meeting compliance requirements. Outside of work, Emily is a Pilates instructor.
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“I chose MaGrann because of its mission-driven work and impact; and I’m excited to be part of a company that values its people just as much as the work it does.”
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Senior Electrical Engineer (PE): Lead a team by providing electrical and power engineering design services on a variety of multifamily residential, mixed-use and commercial building projects.
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Sustainability Consultant: Work with single-family and multifamily building projects from the design through construction stages, and act as a liaison with the project team’s architects, engineers, and general contractors to ensure successful green building certification outcomes.
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Mechanical Engineer (HVAC and Plumbing Design) MEP: Provide detailed mechanical, plumbing and fire protection engineering design.
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Sustainability Technical Manager: Play a pivotal role in overseeing technical staff engaged in a diverse range of multifamily building projects.
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Energy Engineer (NJ or NY): Focus on developing and implementing commissioning processes for existing multifamily projects.
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Energy Inspector/HERS Rater/RFI: Ensure projects meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals through performance testing and inspections. Accepting both experienced and entry-level candidates. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of performance verification and build your career in building sustainability with MaGrann.
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Certified LEED for
Homes to Date: 16,718
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Certified ENERGY STAR
Homes to Date: 63,433
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