Issues & AdvocacyFederal

Contact Your Member of Congress for Energy Efficient Building Tax Deductions
By Christina Finkenhofer, Manager, Federal Relations

At a time when the design and construction industry is beginning to recover from the financial crisis, AIA believes that providing incentives for energy-efficient design and construction is an effective strategy to encourage building owners to undertake renovations and energy efficient upgrades, leading to job creation across the industry. That is why we need your help today.

Congress demonstrated its commitment to sustainability in 2005 by approving a tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings within the Energy Policy Act (P.L. 109-58). This tax deduction allows for building owners to claim a tax deduction of $1.80 per sq. ft. of building area to install systems that reduce the total energy and power costs by 50 percent or more when compared with a reference building. The deduction applies to nearly all commercial, high-rise multifamily residential, health care, institutional, public, and educational facilities.

While this deduction is currently very effective, it could be even more effective with minor changes, including an increase from $1.80 to $3.00 per sq. ft. and other technical changes that would make it easier to use by small businesses.

Both political parties have indicated support in advancing legislation to incentivize energy efficiency this year. Congress needs to hear from architects that the best way to get the country moving again is by expanding programs that have a proven track record in getting clients to build green.

Please contact your member of Congress and tell them about the importance of expanding this tax incentive as a way to not only create jobs, but to help promote energy-efficient design. Without your voice, this opportunity may just pass us by.

Send a Message to your Member of Congress Today

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