Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) Consulting
At KOW Building Consultants, we provide expert consulting and documentation support for Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) certification for New York City affordable housing projects.
EGC is a required standard for many HPD-financed substantial rehabilitation and new construction projects, and it plays a critical role in ensuring buildings meet energy efficiency, health, durability, and resilience benchmarks, while supporting long-term affordability.
As part of our broader sustainability services, KOWBC helps owners, developers, and project teams navigate EGC criteria, document compliance, and coordinate certification from early planning through construction closeout.
Enterprise Green Communities Consulting Services
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Email: incoming@kowbc.com
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Phone: (855) 966-5888
Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EST
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What Is Enterprise Green Communities (EGC)?
Enterprise Green Communities is a nationally recognized green building framework developed by Enterprise Community Partners to promote high-performance, healthy, and resilient affordable housing.
In New York City, EGC certification is a requirement for many HPD-funded projects, particularly those involving substantial rehabilitation, preservation, or new construction of affordable multifamily housing.
EGC criteria go beyond basic energy savings.
They evaluate a holistic approach to green building, including:
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Energy efficiency and carbon reduction
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Water conservation and stormwater management
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Healthy materials and indoor environmental quality
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Site conditions, durability, and long-term operations
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Resident health, comfort, and safety
KOWBC works with project teams to translate these standards into clear, buildable, and documentable requirements.
EGC Certification Levels & Standards
The current Enterprise Green Communities Criteria include two primary certification pathways:
Enterprise Green Communities (EGC)
Standard certification demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to green affordable housing, energy efficiency, and occupant health.
Enterprise Green Communities Plus (EGC+)
An advanced designation recognizing projects that achieve deeper carbon reductions and electrification readiness, supporting the Path to Zero.
Projects certified under recent EGC criteria may also align with ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction, WELL concepts, and local sustainability mandates.
How EGC Fits Into NYC Affordable Housing Requirements
In New York City, EGC certification is closely tied to HPD financing, zoning incentives, and long-term regulatory compliance.
EGC requirements frequently overlap with or support:
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NYC HPD design and construction standards
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ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction
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NYSERDA energy efficiency and electrification programs
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Long-term capital planning and asset durability
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Local Law 97 carbon reduction strategies
KOWBC ensures your project meets EGC, HPD, and programmatic requirements without unnecessary redesign or delays.
NYC-Focused Enterprise Green Communities Expertise
EGC requirements vary by jurisdiction. This service is primarily focused on New York City affordable housing projects, where HPD financing and local regulations make EGC compliance essential.
KOWBC supports projects throughout NYC and surrounding regions, including:
Our local experience helps teams navigate NYC-specific interpretations, agency expectations, and common compliance pitfalls.
Enterprise Green Communities FAQs
Is Enterprise Green Communities required for all affordable housing projects?
Not all projects, but many HPD-financed substantial rehabilitation and new construction projects in NYC require EGC certification. Requirements depend on funding sources and program guidelines.
How is EGC different from ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR focuses primarily on energy performance, while EGC evaluates a broader range of factors including water use, materials, indoor air quality, resilience, and resident health. In many cases, ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction is required alongside EGC.
When should EGC consulting begin?
Ideally, EGC planning starts early in design or feasibility. Early coordination avoids redesign, reduces costs, and ensures smoother certification later in the project lifecycle.
Why choose KOW Building Consultants for EGC compliance?
Clients choose KOWBC because we understand NYC affordable housing, HPD requirements, and real-world construction constraints. We don’t just interpret criteria—we help teams implement them efficiently and document compliance clearly.