SEDI Energy Modeling & Compliance Support


What Is an ENERGY STAR SEDI Score?

A Statement of Energy Design Intent (SEDI) is the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager document that reports a building design's estimated 1–100 ENERGY STAR score, based on professional energy modeling. It applies to commercial and multifamily design projects and predicts a building's energy efficiency before construction is completed, facilitating access to certification programs and green financing options. A score of 75 or higher places the design in the top 25% of similar buildings.


Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR

A SEDI with an estimated score of 75 or higher is the application for Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR recognition. To qualify:

  • The design must be modeled by an energy professional and entered as a design project in Portfolio Manager
  • The estimated ENERGY STAR score must be at least 75, placing the design in the top 25% of similar buildings
  • If the estimated score is below 75, the design is revised and remodeled until it qualifies

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Green Financing Advantages

Major mortgage lenders offer preferential financing terms for energy-efficient multi-family properties:

  • Lower interest rates for qualifying projects: Fannie Mae offers a pricing break for properties with a recognized green building certification (list updated March 2026)
  • Increased loan amounts: Freddie Mac's Green Up and Green Up Plus raise the loan amount by up to 50% or 75% of projected energy and water savings
  • More favorable terms

HUD Green MIP Reduction (ended October 1, 2025)

HUD has reduced the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) to 0.25% for all FHA multifamily programs and eliminated the separate green and energy-efficient category for applications submitted or amended on or after October 1, 2025, along with Green MIP compliance requirements for existing loans. Loans applied for earlier may still follow the old terms. The program previously required:

  • An ENERGY STAR SEDI score documented through professional energy modeling
  • An ENERGY STAR score of at least 75, placing the building in the top 25% of energy-efficient buildings in its sector
  • Documentation after substantial construction completion and a 15-month lease-up period

Application Requirements

  • Retain a qualified energy consultant
  • Collect comprehensive design data
  • Develop a Statement of Energy Design Intent (SEDI)
  • Complete energy modeling to verify performance

Improving Your ENERGY STAR SEDI Score

Working with experienced sustainability consultants provides several pathways to enhance your building's energy performance rating:

  • Professional Energy Auditing
    • Comprehensive building system analysis
    • Detailed energy calculations
    • Systematic data collection and evaluation
  • Strategic Energy Efficiency Recommendations
    • Identification of low-cost or no-cost efficiency improvements
    • Targeted optimization strategies for building systems
    • Data-driven decision support for design teams
  • Expert Guidance Through Incentive Programs
    • Navigation of shifting requirements
    • Optimization of financial incentives
    • Streamlined certification processes

Benefits Beyond Financing: LEED Certification Points

Conducting professional energy audits and implementing SEDI score improvements also contributes valuable points toward LEED certification, enhancing your property's marketability and value.


Renovation Incentives for Existing Buildings

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also provide financial incentives for renovations that improve a building's energy consumption profile. Our qualified consultants help owners and developers:

  • Evaluate current energy performance
  • Identify high-impact improvement opportunities
  • Document efficiency gains for financing applications
  • Make data-driven decisions for cost-effective retrofits

Why Choose InversEnergy for Your ENERGY STAR SEDI Score?

InversEnergy's team of experienced sustainability consultants and engineers provides comprehensive support for navigating green building certification and financing requirements. Our expert guidance helps owners, developers, and project partners achieve optimal outcomes through:

  • Professional energy modeling and simulation
  • Strategic recommendations for enhanced energy performance
  • Complete documentation for certification and financing applications
  • Ongoing support throughout the design and construction process

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve your green building goals and secure advantageous financing through optimized ENERGY STAR SEDI scores.

Designing a building that should score 75 or higher?

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