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Part 6: Proposed EPAct Deduction Extension Would Create Deep Retrofit Tax Incentive
December 2012 -
Energy Efficiency Article Use Policy
The current commercial building energy tax incentive, known as Section 179D or EPAct deductions, is scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2013. A bipartisan bill to extend and modify Section 179D through 2016 was introduced in the Senate in the fall. The proposed EPAct deduction extension would create a deep retrofit tax incentive forf existing buildings.
Even if the extension passes, however, facility managers should consider acting on energy efficient lighting projects in 2013, because the proposed extension would raise the bar on qualifying for the deduction. Here are the highlights of the proposal as it would affect Section 179D:
New section 179F targets older buildings that are at least 10 years old. These buildings can earn a deduction of up to $4 per square foot by following a certified retrofit plan that requires a building to establish an energy benchmark based on current performance and then take steps to beat its own benchmark, as opposed to an ASHRAE standard. The deduction would come in two parts: a deduction for design and a deduction for implementation. Measurement and verification at the two-year mark is required to avoid recapture of the tax incentive.
— Charles G. Goulding, Energy Tax Savers
Part 1: Five Sources Of Data Can Help Facility Managers Analyze Energy Use
Part 2: Energy Star Automated Benchmarking Services (ABS) Can Aid Building Energy-Data Gathering
Part 3: Submeters Help Measure Energy Used By Specific Building Area
Part 4: Use Building Automation System To Learn Information On Energy Use
Part 5: Data Loggers Offer Specifics Of Equipment's Energy Use