Benchmark Study on Green Buildings - Royal Architectural Institute ...

een called upon to reduce their energy use by 35% by 2010 in comparison to 1985 levels,
and the FEMP is the way to make this happen. By promoting energy efficiency and the
use of renewable energy resources at federal sites, the FEMP will help agencies save
energy and taxpayer dollars, as well as demonstrate environmental leadership through
responsible and cleaner energy choices.
Also starting in 2005 and for the first time, congressional office buildings will be required
to meet the same energy performance requirements as other federal buildings. Most
government buildings must cut energy consumption per square foot 20 percent below
their 2003 levels. Agencies may then keep the savings as long as they invest in additional
energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. Additionally, agencies will be required to
buy energy efficient products. They must be either Energy Star labeled or designated as
energy efficient by the Federal Energy Management Program. New federal buildings are
included as well. They must be designed to use 30 percent less energy compared to the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the appropriate standard form the
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Energy Star:
The United States also encourages the use of Energy Star, a voluntary labeling program
designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, while often saving the user money. Created in 1992 and only applying to
computers and monitors, Energy Star now covers more than 40 categories of products,
including heating and cooling equipment, lighting fixtures, and electronics. As Energy
Star certified products are now widespread in the marketplace, and priced competitively
with regular products, positive results are adding up. Americans, with the help of Energy
Star, saved enough energy in 2005 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to
those from 23 million cars — all while saving $12 billion on their utility bills. In some
cases, consumers are rewarded for purchasing Energy Star certified products. For
instance, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made an efficient window tax credit
available to owners of existing residences. The rebate applies to the installation of new
Energy Star certified windows, each window receiving a rebate of $25 for a maximum of
$200.
Energy Policy Act tax incentives:
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 also offers tax incentives intended to promote greater
efficiency in new and existing buildings. Residential buildings can receive the following
incentives: $2,000 for solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems; $2,000 for new
homes that save at least 50 percent compared to the IECC code; $500 for home
improvements; $200 for windows (outlined above); $300 for water heaters, air
conditioners and heat pumps; $50 for furnace blowers; $150 for furnaces and boilers; and
$50 to $200 for energy efficient refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers.
Commercial buildings can receive tax deductions up to $1.80 per square foot for new
buildings designed to use 50% less energy than required by the 2001 ASHRAE 90.1
model commercial code. Business tax credits will also be available for the use of fuel
cells and microturbines. Fueling facilities for ethanol, natural gas, compressed natural gas,
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