Green Incentives Recommended for Economic Stimulus
Congress should approve green provisions for building owners, businesses and educational facilities as part of an economic stimulus package, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) says.
Congress should approve green provisions for building owners, businesses and educational facilities as part of an economic stimulus package, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) says.
In a letter sent to Congress, the AIA supports several initiatives, including extending the energy-efficient commercial buildings deduction through December 31, 2013 and deepening it from $1.80 per square foot to $2.25 per square foot, and providing accelerated depreciation of equipment and incentives for businesses that invest in energy efficient products, such as energy- efficient windows and HVAC systems.
Extending the 15-year depreciation period for changes to existing restaurant and leasehold properties, including new construction, and funding the construction and modernization of more energy-efficient schools are also suggested.
Stimulating the construction industry, because of its size, could help the economy overall, says Andrew Goldberg, AIA senior director, federal affairs. The design and construction industry accounts for nearly one in ten dollars of United States GDP and creates millions of jobs while supporting millions of small businesses, Goldberg says.
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