Dive Brief:

• Multifamily buildings that meet the requirements for green certifications could qualify for lower interest rates from Fannie Mae, the lender said.

• Fannie Mae said it will reduce interest rates on refinancing, acquisition and supplemental loans by 10 basis points for multifamily developers whose buildings qualify for LEED, Energy Star or Enterprise Green Communities programs.

• On a $10 million, 30-year loan, the discount could save a building owner $95,000 in interest payments.

Dive Insight:

Buildings constructed using established green standards have been shown to consume 25% less energy and 11% less water, and to cost 19% less to maintain. The overall impact on the building’s tenants, according to a U.S. Department of Energy study, is more comfortable living spaces, healthier indoor air and more disposable income.