Green Certifications for Multifamily Housing
A closer look at the green certs OTHER than LEED. What the relative cost is for certification for the building owners vs. how difficult it is to achieve that certification.
There are several green and wellness certifications that multifamily developers, architects, and investors pursue beyond LEED. These certifications not only boost marketability but also impact financing, operating costs, and tenant appeal. Here are the most popular ones in the multifamily housing space right now:
Focus: Energy efficiency.
Why it matters: Multifamily projects can earn ENERGY STAR label by meeting the EPA’s performance requirements. It’s widely recognized by tenants and investors and is often a baseline requirement for affordable housing tax credits and financing.
Can Magiglide closet systems help? Not on this one. Energy star is based on exterior finishes. Interior closet doors will not aide in this certification.
Focus: Health and wellness in the built environment.
Why it matters: Gaining momentum in multifamily because it emphasis air, water, light, fitness, and mental well-being. Appeals to health-conscious renters (especially Millennials and Gen Z)
Certifying Body: International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
Can Magiglide closet systems help? Yes, in the categories of Air, Light, Comfort and Mind.
National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
Focus: Energy, water, resource efficiency, lot design, and indoor air quality.
Why it matters: Tailored to multifamily and single-family projects. Backed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), making it a trusted certification in U.S. housing. Often easier and more cost-effective than LEED.
Can Magiglide closet systems help? Yes, see NGBS resource guide last updated March 2025.
Focus: Health and wellness through design, policies, and operations.
Why it Matters: Originally developed by the CDC and GSA, Fitwel is gaining traction in multifamily as a lighter, more affordable alternative to WELL. Strong marketing appeal for resident wellness.
Can Magiglide closet systems help? Yes, Magigide closet systems can be used in Indoor Air Quality under section 6 of Procurement, for materials transparency.
Focus: Ultra-low energy consumption, airtight envelopes, superior insulation, and ventilation.
Why it matters: Particularly popular for multifamily affordable housing projects, where operating cost savings are crucial. Growing rapidly in North America for large-scale multifamily.
Can Magiglide closet systems help? Yes, in terms of the accessibility standards shown on the Passive House website.
Living Building Challenge (LBC)
Focus: The most rigorous sustainability standard-net-positive energy, water, and materials.
Why it matters: Rare in multifamily (due to cost and difficulty) but highly prestigious. Often pursued for flagship or luxury projects.
Can Magiglide closet systems help? Yes, take a look at the document provided by clinking the link here to access the manual for the most up to date LBC.
Focus: Sustainable affordable housing.
Why it matters: Specifically tailored for affordable multifamily housing, especially when public funding or tax credits are involved. Well-recognized by municipalities and housing authorities.
Can Magiglide closet systems help? Yes, under portion 6 for materials, Magiglide closet systems can help in the following subcategories:
6.1 Ingredient Transparency for Material Health
6.2 Recycled Content and ingredient transparency
6.4 Healthier Material Selection
6.7 (possible) Regional Materials
7.12 Beyond ADA: Universal Design
Quick Takeaway
Most common in multifamily: ENERGY STAR, NGBS, and Fitwel
Luxury/Flagship projects: WELL, Passive House, Living Building Challenge
Affordable Housing: Enterprise Green Communities, Passive House, ENERGY STAR
