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Green initiatives are everywhere nowadays, which is great when considering how fragile the Earth’s environment is becoming. People are regularly being encouraged to seek greener and more efficient methods to cut down on carbon footprints and lengthen the life of the Earth. Unfortunately, several green initiatives are expensive for many people and companies. The good news is the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is giving tax deductions to companies, architects, and engineers who build their buildings using green methods.
What is Green Building?
Green building refers to making a building more efficient with energy, water, and by using environmentally friendly materials that will not poison the ground or air. A green building will not only keep the Earth’s environment safe, but also will help protect and improve human health, by not making construction workers handle damaging chemicals. All of the elements that are part of green building are the design, construction, overall maintenance, the operation, and any renovations, as well as the possibility of deconstruction. This will keep harsh materials out of the air and out of the ground, helping to better the environment.
How Does A Company Build Green?
A company can find materials that are EPA approved for construction jobs as well as, design a structure with energy efficiency in mind. The architects and engineers can design a building that has a better efficiency rating for water usage, electricity, and other important resources. The designers must also take into consideration the entire life cycle of the building such as how it will need to be maintained throughout the years and what will happen if it is destroyed or deconstructed. Construction companies can use reused and recycled materials or can use materials that are made from renewable resources, as well as creating healthy indoor environments that will not put harsh pollutants in the air.
What Is A Green Building Tax Deduction?
A green building tax deduction is a tax break the United States government has put in place to encourage builders to use recycled and renewable resources in projects. The company needs to meet the most recent EPA standards to receive this deduction but that is easily managed and many construction jobs already qualify or partially qualify. This tax is called the 179D and is a tax deduction for businesses, architects, and engineers.
What Does A Project Need to Qualify?
In order to get a 179D tax deduction for architects and engineers, they must meet the EPA regulations for building codes that are environmentally sound and friendly. As stated, most buildings are already at least partially qualified and use the methods listed above. Architects and engineers will then need to get a letter from the government to send to the IRS, as soon as possible. Many experts suggest that the architect or engineer request the letter immediately to avoid any potential delay.
Building green not only helps the environment but also helps companies receive sizeable tax deductions. The 179D tax deduction is something that all engineers and architects must take into consideration. For more information about this tax break, give Claris Energy a call today.
Steve Nanos
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