NJHMFA administers the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) - Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP).  ENERGY STAR certification has been a threshold requirement in the QAP since 2003; creating buildings that are 15 - 30% more energy efficient than those built to code.  In 2006, a green point was added to the QAP, which awarded one point for either installing a Solar Photovoltaic system or for participating in the state's Affordable Green program, now called the Green Future program.  In 2007, another category was added as an option for the Green Point - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.  In 2009, the Microload category was added as a fourth option, allowing those projects that are accepted into the New Jersey Climate Choice Pilot Program to earn the Green Point. 

Green Future consists of a list of basic green building items that cover energy efficiency, renewable resources, siting & land use, water conservation, building durability, indoor air quality, and operations & maintenance.  Beyond energy savings and generation, the Green Future program works to create pleasant and healthy interiors for the residents.  Projects are reviewed in-house for Green Future items and additional materials can be found here.  LEED certification is available to projects that would like to earn the name recognition associated with the U.S. Green Building Council and/or are required to complete LEED items for other funding sources.  We recommend that only those experienced in green building select the LEED point option. If you select the Solar PV option, please click here for more information on available resources and the solar market in New Jersey.  Buildings built to the New Jersey Climate Choice (Microload) level will achieve energy efficiency of at least 50% better than required by energy code.  Climate Choice Homes are the first step toward widespread construction of near-Zero Energy homes. 

Review ‘2009 LIHTC Green Point Requirements' for LIHTC application documentation and submittal lists.  This document includes the Letter of Intent for each option of the Green Point and the Letter of Intent needed for the LIHTC 4% and 9% ENERGY STAR Requirement.