 |
|
|
| |
| 
|
| |
AIA Calls for Congress to Support Incentives for Green Commercial Construction
Additional Support for School Construction Funding
|
| |
|
For Immediate Release |
|
|
|
| |
Washington, D.C., September 8,
2008 — The Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction, a
federal incentive that provides a deduction of $1.80 per square
foot for the design and construction of energy efficient commercial
buildings, is set to expire at end of the year. As Congress returns
for a crucial four week period before the November elections, the
American Institute of Architects (AIA) strongly encourages the
extension of this deduction beyond 2008.
Extending tax incentives for commercial construction will provide
an immediate stimulus to the design and construction industry. The
design and construction industry accounts for nearly one in ten
dollars of United States GDP, creates millions of jobs and supports
millions of small businesses. In order to help get America’s
economy back on track, Congress must pursue policies to help
invigorate the building sector.
“Currently, many developers are reluctant to pursue new
commercial projects because of uncertainty over whether federal tax
incentives will remain in place beyond this year,” said Paul
Mendelsohn, AIA vice president, Government and Community Relations.
“Ensuring that the commercial buildings tax deduction remains
in place for years to come will remove this worry, help provide a
much needed jolt to the economy and address critical environmental
concerns.”
Support Funding for School Construction and
Renovation
Earlier this summer, the House of Representatives approved a bill
that would provide billions in federal dollars for the
modernization, renovation and repair of schools across America.
This legislation, the 21st Century High-Performing Public Schools
Facilities Act (HR 3021), should be passed by Congress this fall.
Schools across the country are in desperate need of renovation. HR
3021 will direct billions in federal funding to states and local
education agencies to revitalize these aging schools, stimulating
the creation of thousands of design and construction jobs. Passing
school modernization funding will help energize the building
industry and create economic activity in all 50 states, while also
creating better learning environments for students
nationwide.
About The American Institute of
Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects
have worked with each other and their communities to create more
valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and
cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and
techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the
leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address
climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design.
Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.
|
|
|
|
|
