State of Maryland Launches New Process to Ensure Energy Efficiency in Affordable Housing Communities
NEW CARROLLTON, MD (August 11, 2026) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced a new process in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment to ensure affordable housing communities comply with Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). The Maryland BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap will make it easier for affordable 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 Secretary 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 affordable multifamily housing properties to meet energy efficiency goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, many properties need significant upgrades to meet these standards, and without surplus revenue to self-finance them, upgrades are often delayed or not completed, leading to higher operating costs and less efficient buildings and units for residents.
The new roadmap refines government processes by creating a clearer path for affordable housing communities to access funding to support necessary energy upgrades, prioritizing buildings with the greatest needs and the greatest opportunity to reduce emissions. By increasing transparency and predictability of the funding pipeline, the Roadmap will make it easier for affordable housing owners and operators to prepare residents and communities for planned rehabilitation projects.
This improved process will support the creation of healthier homes for Maryland residents. Upgrades to heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, lighting, and other building performance systems result in more efficient building operations and lower energy costs, ensuring affordable housing communities remain safe and sustainable places to live.
The state will provide appropriate funding to owners and operators of multifamily apartment complexes through EmPOWER Maryland’s Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) programs, prioritizing the work based on need and impact using energy and emissions data. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will act as a “one-stop shop” for the Maryland BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap, providing a central point of intake for applications and serving as a liaison to the Maryland Department of the Environment for applicants.
“We want housing to be affordable, but utility bills need to be affordable, too,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “When we help buildings run cleaner and smarter, families will see the difference in energy savings. This roadmap is about making sure the Marylanders who need relief the most aren’t left behind as we build a healthier, more sustainable future for our state.”
“Today’s news demonstrates our whole-of-government approach to supporting building owners and managers as they work to decarbonize, increase efficiency, and reduce costs for residents,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Kelly Speakes-Backman. “We’re excited to showcase these resources and convene sector leaders at our upcoming Building Connections event on September 24.”
For more information, visit the Maryland BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap webpage.
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CONTACT
Allison Foster, Director of Communications | allison.foster@maryland.gov
