The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Washington, D.C., has issued a report titled “Financing for Multi-Tenant Building Efficiency: Why This Market is Underserved and What Can Be Done to Reach It.”
The report provides an in-depth look at barriers and potential solutions to energy-efficiency investment in markets for commercial-leased space, including offices and the multifamily subsector. Commercial buildings represent about 18 percent of the total primary energy consumption in the U.S. Because 60 percent of office buildings were built before 1980, ACEEE says there is substantial potential to install energy-efficient, cost-effective systems in these buildings that would reduce monthly utility bills.
Class B and C commercial office buildings, which often are older and sometimes not professionally managed, can be at a disadvantage compared to Class A buildings when it comes to accessing upfront capital for energy-efficient retrofits.
Today, most energy-efficient improvements in multi-tenant spaces are covered through traditional finance mechanisms and self-finance. Owners with credit constraints may be influenced by more attractive financing opportunities, according to ACEEE.