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A Message from Rich Selverian, MaGrann President & CEO:
Enterprise Green Communities 2020-2026 Transition – COMPLETE!
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Here at MaGrann, we work tirelessly to stay on top of the many codes, standards, programs, and protocols that are so important to our clients and our work, and the near-continuous process of updates and revisions promulgated by each.
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So, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate when a particularly significant milestone is accomplished. In this case, big congratulations and high-fives all around to the MaGrann sustainability consulting team upon completion of 53 project submissions in advance of the transition to the Enterprise Green Communities 2026 standard, which went into effect October 1!
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EGC 2026 is the 20th Anniversary Edition of the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria, the leading national green building standard specifically designed for affordable housing.
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I am thrilled that we were able to support our clients with a timely transition to this updated standard with an accompanying understanding of the impacts on criteria, costs, and compliance. We are excited to see what new strategies and opportunities emerge with the 2026 version as we continue to support this critically acclaimed program for the advancement of high-performance affordable housing.
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Thank you to the entire team at MaGrann and especially to David Cohen, Matt Cunningham, Andrew Dicken, Zachariah Gharrafi, Anna Marino, Brandon Miller, Brian Stanfill and our newest addition, Adeti Afe!
| | Unlock New Funding for Affordable Multifamily Projects through New Jersey’s M-RISE Program | | |
The Multifamily Retrofit Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (M-RISE) Program is now available to help eligible developers and property owners access incentives and technical assistance for energy efficiency improvements. Administered by Resource Smart on behalf of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), M-RISE leverages federal Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates funding to support comprehensive building upgrades that improve energy performance and resident comfort. M-RISE is also designed to complement other eligible funding sources including utility incentives and the New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP), helping developers and property owners maximize available funding.
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As a long-time provider of multifamily energy consulting services throughout New Jersey, MaGrann is ready to help property owners navigate M-RISE requirements and identify opportunities to strategically layer M-RISE funding with existing state and utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs.
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From energy assessments to program application support and project implementation, our team can help maximize both energy savings and financial benefits.
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Contact MaGrann today at info@magrann.com to determine how our team and M-RISE can help support your next multifamily energy improvement project.
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City of Alexandria Replaces 2019 Green Building Policy with New Green Building Plan
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The City of Alexandria, VA has replaced its 2019 Green building Policy with a new Green Building Plan, effective July 1, 2026. Newly submitted concept applications for projects requiring a Development Site Plan (DSP) or Development Special Use Permit (DSUP) must comply with the updated requirements.
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The new plan shifts the focus from traditional third-party certifications to building performance. Under its standard compliance pathway, key requirements include:
- Energy use intensity (EUI) targets, including a site EUI target of 35 for multifamily developments
- On-site renewable energy supplying at least 3% of anticipated annual energy use, a contribution to the City’s Clean Energy Fund, or a combination of both
- Electric building systems and appliances, with limited exceptions for on-site combustion
- Provisions addressing EV charging infrastructure and low-emitting materials
Alternative compliance pathways remain available for qualifying green building certifications, affordable housing, and certain other project types.
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Additional information is available on the City of Alexandria’s Green Building website or in the full 2026 Green Building Plan. Or, contact our team at info@magrann.com to discuss how we can help.
| Connecticut Expands Weatherization Opportunities for Multifamily Properties | | |
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is expanding weatherization assistance for small multi-unit and multifamily properties through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding. The effort supports weatherization and energy efficiency improvements for eligible housing serving income-qualified residents.
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Property owners pursuing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for existing multifamily projects in Connecticut should explore whether weatherization assistance could support their planned upgrades. Applicants should review the Connecticut Weatherization Assistance Program Operations Manual for eligibility criteria and applicable federal requirements, including Build America, Buy America (BABA) and Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements. Applicability varies by property and funding source.
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Additional information is available on DEEP’s Weatherization in Connecticut webpage.
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Contact the MaGrann team at info@magrann.com to discuss how our team can help evaluate your project’s eligibility, navigate program requirements, and identify opportunities to coordinate weatherization funding with other energy efficiency resources.
| | NYSERDA Enhanced Commissioning Program | | |
As highlighted in our previous newsletter, MaGrann is an approved Enhanced Commissioning Provider for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) New Construction Program. The program provides up to $75,000 per project for Enhanced Commissioning Support Services at eligible multifamily properties.
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Enhanced Commissioning identifies and resolves operational issues with HVAC, domestic hot water, lighting, controls, and other building systems. Services can also include verifying performance improvements and providing building operator and/or occupant training to support comfort, indoor air quality, and long-term operational success.
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Eligible new construction, adaptive reuse, and gut rehabilitation projects must have at least 10 months of occupancy and 25,000 square feet of conditioned space, with less than 50% non-residential area. Buildings must be fully fossil fuel-free across all systems, although exceptions may be considered.
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Projects must also meet one of the following performance criteria:
- ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G: At least 20% source energy savings over 202 NYS Code, excluding renewables
- Phius or PHI certification with energy modeling
- ENERGY STAR® MFNC; ERI ≤ 0.75 x MFNC v1.1 target
- DOE ZERH Multifamily v2
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For more information, contact our team at info@magrann.com.
| | The Faircliff Earns Two Phius Awards | | |
The Faircliff is a 125-unit affordable housing community in Washington, D.C.’s Columbia Heights neighborhood. The project was named Best Overall Project and Affordable Housing Winner in the 2026 Phius Passive Projects Design Competition, announced at PhiusCon 2026 in Phoenix, AZ on October 9. The recognition follows the project’s achievement of Phius CORE 2021 and LEED Platinum certifications.
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Developed by Jonathan Rose Companies, Somerset Development Company, and Housing Up, the eight-story, 145,000-square-foot community combines all-electric building systems with a 67 kW solar-integrated green roof, 19 EV charging spaces, carbon-injected concrete, ENERGY STAR appliances, and healthy building materials.
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MaGrann supported the project as the Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) and Verifier, providing sustainability consulting, energy modeling, verification, and testing through the Phius certification process. We are proud to celebrate these milestones with the entire Faircliff project team and congratulate everyone whose collaboration helped bring this exemplary affordable housing community to life.
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Learn more about The Faircliff.
| | Crosskey Project in Connecticut Wins EEBA Award for Multifamily/Affordable Housing Design | | |
80 South, a 65-unit community in Farmington, CT has received the 2026 Department of Energy’s Efficient New Homes (DENH) Attached & Affordable Award. Presented during the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) High Performance Home Builder Summit in Saint Paul, MN, the award celebrates thoughtful design, efficient construction, and high-performance building practices in attached and multifamily housing. and high-performance building practices in attached and multifamily housing.
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One-quarter of its units were designed to exceed Universal Design standards. The all-electric community features solar panels and central heat pump hot water, meets LEED for Homes v4 Gold and DOE Efficient New Homes standards, and achieved a HERS Index of 42 or lower.
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Congratulations to Crosskey Architects and the entire 80 South project team, along with all of this year’s EEBA award winners and finalists. The MaGrann sustainability consulting team is very happy to have supported this innovative project’s achievement of ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Efficient New Homes (formerly Zero Energy Ready), and LEED Midrise certifications.
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Contact our team at info@magrann.com to discuss opportunities for your next multifamily project.
| Oak Tree Village II Breaks Ground in Griswold, Connecticut | | |
Oak Tree Village II recently celebrated its groundbreaking in Griswold, CT, marking the start of construction on 60 new homes in two three-story, garden-style buildings. Xenolith Partners and Connolly and Partners LLC/First Hartford Realty Corporation joined project partners and neighbors to celebrate this next phase of the community.
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Like Phase I, Phase II is designed to Passive House standards, with a focus on lower energy use and healthier, more comfortable homes for residents. Building 1 has achieved Phius CORE 2021 Design Certification, an important step toward final certification.
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MaGrann Associates is supporting the project as the Phius Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) and Verifier, working alongside the design and construction teams through energy modeling, design optimization, field verification, and performance testing.
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Congratulations to Xenolith Partners, Connolly and Partners, LLC/First Hartford Realty Corporation, and the entire project team on this milestone. We are so proud to support the continued growth of Oak Tree Village and look forward to seeing the new homes take shape.
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Learn more about Oak Tree Village Phase II’s Passive House design.
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Contact our team at info@magrann.com to discuss high-performance certification opportunities for your next affordable housing project.
| | Chelsea Beacon Adaptive Reuse Project Breaks Ground in Chelsea NYC | | |
Construction is underway at Chelsea Beacon, formerly known as Liberty Landing, transforming the vacant Bayview Correctional Facility into affordable and supportive housing in Manhattan. The project will bring new homes and community services to the historic property at 550 West 20th Street.
The $167 million redevelopment will create up to 131 permanently affordable homes, including at least 79 supportive housing units, along with a 15-bed short-term transitional residence. The project will preserve the building’s historic character while incorporating all-electric building systems and modern sustainability and resiliency features. Originally built as the Seamen’s House YMCA, the property later became Bayview Correctional Facility and has been vacant since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
MaGrann is working with the project team to meet Enterprise Green Communities 2020 and ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction certification requirements. We are grateful to support this collaborative effort to preserve a historic property while creating new affordable housing. Congratulations to the entire project team on reaching this construction milestone.
Click here to learn more about Chelsea Beacon and the start of construction. Contact our team at info@magrann.com to discuss high-performance certification opportunities for your next affordable housing project.
| W Squared Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting at Princeton Junction Station, NJ | | |
Avalon Bay’s W Squared transit-oriented development recently celebrated its official opening with a ribbon cutting in West Windsor, NJ. Developed by Vivmark Residential (formerly AvalonBay Communities) adjacent to Princeton Junction Station, the community includes 535 apartments arranged around a central promenade with space for ground floor retail.
MaGrann supported W Squared with MEP design as well as LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications.
“Our Sustainability Consulting and MEP engineering teams are thrilled to have had the opportunity to support another spectacular Vivmark transit-oriented project in the heart of Central Jersey. Congratulations to everyone involved for revitalizing a long-neglected site, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way, and creating much needed quality housing for West Windsor,” stated Ben Adams, VP of Strategic Development.
Click here to learn more about Avalon W Squared.
| | Coulter Place, Ardmore, PA, Receives ENR MidAtlantic Award of Merit | | |
Coulter Place in Ardmore, PA has received an Award of Merit in the Residential/Hospitality category of Engineering News-Record (ENR) MidAtlantic’s 2026 Best Projects competition. Submitted by Bozzuto Construction Co., the project joins this year’s honorees recognizing construction and design achievements across the region.
Projects were evaluated on construction and design quality, safety, contributions to the industry and community, and the project team’s ability to overcome challenges. This year’s competition recognized 35 projects across 16 main categories.
MaGrann supported the Coulter Place project with LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications. We are proud to celebrate this recognition with Bozzuto Construction and the entire project team. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this achievement.
Click here to learn more about the 2026 ENR MidAtlantic Best Project winners. Contact our team at info@magrann.com to discuss LEED and/or ENERGY STAR certification for your next project.
| | HR Crawford Gardens Named Finalist for ULI Housing Impact Awards | | |
HR Crawford Gardens in Washington, D.C. has been named a finalist for Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) inaugural Housing Impact Awards, which recognize exemplary developments that expand housing supply and affordability.
The 76-unit, affordable community in Ward 7 is designed for seniors and grandfamilies, with all homes reserved for households earning between 30% and 50% of area median income. Built to Passive House standards, the project combines a concrete podium with prefabricated, modular wood-frame construction above, offering a replicable approach to high-performance affordable housing on constrained urban infill sites.
MaGrann supported the HR Crawford Gardens project with Phius and Enterprise Green Communities 2020 certifications. We are proud to celebrate this recognition with the project team and congratulate everyone involved in creating this affordable housing community.
Click here to learn more about the ULI Housing Impact Awards and this year’s finalists.
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Company News
Employee Highlights
| | At MaGrann, progress takes many forms – from industry leadership to the steps we take to improve our own operations. This quarter, we’re highlighting Brian Stanfill’s candidacy for the RESNET Board, our latest contributions to reducing our carbon footprint, and the new colleagues who have joined our team. We’re also sharing open positions for those interested in building their careers with MaGrann. | |
The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is the standards-setting organization for the Home Energy Rating System (HERS®), on which MaGrann and so many of our clients depend. It provides a foundation for residential energy modeling, construction verification, and quality assurance, supporting everything from energy code compliance through the Energy Rating Index (ERI) Path to ENERGY STAR and other program certifications.
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MaGrann has a long history of Board representation dating back to the organization’s formation. This year Brian Stanfill, our Manager of Certification Services, is running for one of the open HERS Provider seats. A degreed engineer, Certified HERS Rater and Quality Assurance Designee (QAD), Brian has more than 20 years of experience working with the technical standards, software, and programs that support and use HERS.
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Brian would bring an essential perspective on multifamily buildings, drawing on experience with thousands of rated units across multiple states and a wide range of building types. Voting in this category is limited to peer RESNET Accredited HERS Provider companies.
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Good luck in the election, Brian!
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MaGrann’s Growing EV Fleet
MaGrann recently added two, new fully electric vehicles and one plug-in hybrid to our field fleet. This expansion marks another step on our “Path to Zero” as we work to reduce emissions from our operations. We track our Scope 1 & 2 emissions annually to monitor progress and help guide our next steps toward net zero.
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Adeti Afe started in August as Technical Sustainability Consultant to manage pre-build submissions, inspect, and verify green building developments. Adeti chose MaGrann “because I wanted sustainability to be at the forefront of my career, and it is truly a core value of the company. I enjoy visiting a variety of job sites and witnessing the different stages of development for potential green certified buildings. I look forward to gaining more experience [and] growing my confidence in this role.” Additionally, Adeti is fluent in French.
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Jeannette Stavrou joined the MaGrann team as a Contract Specialist supporting the business development team by helping review and coordinate proposals, contracts, and related documentation to keep projects moving smoothly and efficiently. Jeannette was drawn to MaGrann “to be a part of such a welcoming and collaborative team. I’m looking forward to learning more about the organization, contributing my contract experience, and growing with the company.”
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Some of Jeannette’s favorite moments in life are the simple ones spent at home with family.
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Rishi Patel joined MaGrann Associates in August as a Finance & Accounting Associate after serving as a Drexel Co-op with MaGrann. Rishi is supporting the company’s financial and accounting operations, helping to ensure that financial information is accurate, organized, and timely.
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“I chose MaGrann because of what the company stands for and the people who make up the team. I’m excited to grow, learn, and contribute alongside such a great group of people.”
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Outside of work, Rishi is a big sports fan – a fan of the Lakers, Raiders, and Phillies.
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Sandro Kikacheishvili joined the MaGrann team this month as an IT Support Analyst, working closely with the IT and Operations teams to support task automation and other projects.
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“I chose MaGrann because sustainability is a serious issue that always needs to be addressed, and MaGrann is recognized as an expert in delivering effective sustainability solutions. I look forward to learning more about how MaGrann can help solve these challenges.”
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A fun fact about Sandro is that he doesn’t know how to ride a bike.
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Do you know someone interested in starting or furthering their career in building sustainability? MaGrann offers a unique range of role opportunities, workplace flexibility, and exceptional company culture. Refer potential candidates to our careers page or make a personal, direct connection through any of our MaGrann team members.
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Certified LEED for
Homes to Date: 16,928
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Certified ENERGY STAR
Homes to Date: 66,167
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