Understanding the Integrated Physical Needs Assessment (IPNA)
Maintaining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance is a critical aspect of managing multifamily housing, particularly in the affordable housing sector. To support the preservation and improvement of these properties, New York City and State have introduced various programs. Among these tools, the Integrated Physical Needs Assessment (IPNA) serves as a comprehensive approach to evaluating and enhancing building performance.
What is an IPNA?
An IPNA is a detailed property evaluation designed for affordable multifamily buildings, combining assessments of physical condition, energy efficiency, water conservation, and health-related factors into one cohesive report. Jointly developed by New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), this assessment goes beyond traditional property condition surveys by identifying opportunities to improve sustainability, operational efficiency, and occupant health.
Integrated Physical Needs Assessment Methodology?
Per the IPNA Standard, the assessment incorporates three main components, offering a holistic understanding of a property’s current state and actionable recommendations for improvement:
- Needs Assessment: Conducted by a qualified Needs Assessor, this evaluation broadly follows the ASTM E2018-15 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments. It identifies physical deficiencies, prioritizes repairs and replacements, and provides a baseline for capital planning.
- Energy Assessment: Performed by a qualified Efficiency Assessor, this component adheres to the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits (2011 or the most recent version, if published), Level 2, and the IPNA Standard. It identifies inefficiencies in energy usage and recommends actionable, cost-effective solutions.
- Healthy Home Assessment: This element focuses on health-related conditions, such as pest activity, moisture issues, and ventilation problems, broadly following the IPNA Standard’s health inspection guidelines. Recommendations from this assessment aim to improve indoor air quality and overall living conditions.
IPNA Report
RAND’s written report will provide a detailed analysis of the property, highlighting deficiencies and categorizing needs as follows:
- Critical Needs: These include health and safety deficiencies, open Building Code or Environmental Control Board (ECB) violations, Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) violations in Hazard Categories B and C, and lead-based paint conditions requiring immediate remediation to meet regulatory requirements.
- Short-Term Needs: Repairs or replacements of entire systems or components that must be addressed within 12 months. This category also includes deferred maintenance items and cost-effective measures to improve energy and water efficiency, promoting healthier living environments.
- Long-Term Needs: Improvements planned beyond the first year, focusing on maintaining the property’s structural integrity and reducing energy and water consumption over the next 15 years.
Why consider an IPNA?
- Comprehensive Building Insights
The IPNA integrates assessments of a property’s infrastructure, energy performance, water efficiency, and resident health factors into a single report. This integrated approach provides a clear roadmap for making informed, strategic decisions. - Regulatory Compliance and Funding Opportunities
Many preservation programs and financial incentives require an IPNA. The assessment aligns with NYC’s Local Laws 87 and 97, addressing energy audits and carbon reduction requirements. Submitting an IPNA can unlock funding opportunities while supporting compliance with these regulations. - Long-Term Planning and Cost Savings
The IPNA categorizes needs into critical, short-term, and long-term priorities, offering a detailed framework for capital improvement planning. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected expenses and ensures that property upgrades are both strategic and cost-effective. - Healthier Living Environments
Through its Healthy Home Assessment component, the IPNA identifies opportunities to improve air quality, manage moisture and ventilation issues, and reduce pest-related risks. These enhancements directly benefit the health and comfort of residents.
How RAND’s IPNA services can benefit your building
As an approved IPNA provider, RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC offers four decades of expertise in building evaluation, design, and restoration. Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed architects, engineers, and Certified Energy Managers who specialize in delivering actionable insights and practical solutions tailored to each property’s unique needs.
RAND’s IPNA services include:
- Comprehensive evaluations of physical, energy, and health-related deficiencies.
- Recommendations for cost-effective upgrades to improve efficiency and sustainability.
- Categorization of needs for strategic capital improvement planning.
- Expert guidance through compliance requirements and funding opportunities.
By partnering with RAND, property owners can confidently plan for improvements that enhance building performance, promote resident well-being, and meet regulatory obligations.
What to expect during an IPNA
The IPNA process begins with an onsite evaluation by RAND’s team, which will check building systems, energy usage, and health factors. All relevant documentation, such as maintenance logs, repair records, and building plans, is reviewed to help develop a complete understanding of the property.
After the evaluation, RAND delivers a detailed written report that categorizes deficiencies, outlines recommended actions, and includes preliminary budget projections for repair, upgrade, and long-term investment. This report serves as a valuable tool for building owners to prioritize actions, reduce operating costs, and enhance the overall value of their property.
Next steps for building performance optimization
The Integrated Physical Needs Assessment is a vital tool for preserving the safety, efficiency, and health of multifamily housing. RAND provides expert guidance and actionable solutions to support sustainable improvements and long-term performance goals.
Contact us today at (212) 675-8844 or info@randpc.com to get started.