AIA Calls for Extension of Green Commercial Buildings Incentives

By GreenerBuildings Staff
Published September 15, 2008

Architecture & Design

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Building Materials

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The American Institute of Architects is calling for Congress to support the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction and prevent the incentive from sunsetting at the end of the year.

Signed into law in 2005, the Energy Policy Act established tax incentives and loan guarantees in a number of areas related to energy efficiency and the production and deployment of renewable or alternative energy. Among other things, the legislation established an incentive for green construction by providing a $1.80 per square foot tax deduction for the design and construction of energy efficient commercial buildings.

Extending incentives for green commercial construction would give the building sector an immediate boost and help refuel the economy, according to the AIA, noting that one in every ten dollars of the U.S. GDP derives from the design and construction industry.

"Many developers are reluctant to pursue new commercial projects because of uncertainty over whether federal tax incentives will remain in place beyond this year," Paul Mendelsohn, AIA vice president of government and community relations, said in a statement.

The National Electronic Manufacturer's Association, the AIA, standards organizations, associations for manufacturers, building and trades, energy efficiency groups, government officials and others joined forces to establish the Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition years ago when the measure was new.

Many of the coalition members including NEMA and renewable energy organizations are also urging that the incentive for green building be extended, AIA spokesman Scott Frank told GreenerBuildings.