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Besides the money saved on building costs, there is the energy and money saved on utilities, and more importantly better health and safer environmental benefits to those living in a green home. Now there are even more incentives to living Green. More and more we are finding that Local and State Government offices and Utility companies are offering rebates, tax breaks and other incentives for building green, or even adding or remodeling eco-friendly elements into their homes and businesses. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has many resources of both information and funding for green building. These are not just for homeowners but for industry, government organizations and nonprofits too. They come in the form of grants, tax credits, loans and other sources. Some of the major proponents of this Environmental initiative are the Department of Energy, The Natural Resources Defense Council, The Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, The Home Depot Foundation, Kresge Foundation and many others. On a National basis the Green Funding Opportunities for Government, Consumers, Industry, Nonprofits come from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). This network of companies works to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. EERE offers financial assistance opportunities to those showing conservation in their development and demonstration of such. Another incentive is the Green Communities proposal. It is a five-year, $555 million initiative to build over 8,500 environmentally healthy homes for low-income families. It will provide grants, financing opportunities, tax-credits, and technical assistance to developers who meet their criteria. They will be for affordable housing that promotes good health, conserves energy and natural resources, and provides easy access through public transportation to jobs, schools and services. The Foundation's Green Building Initiative and Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities are teaching others and increasing awareness of sustainable or green building practices among nonprofits. They are encouraging them to build and/or remodel green. Besides the educational resources it offers special grants to help nonprofits and role models that inspire, strengthen and expand philanthropic leadership in communities. Interstate Renewable Energy Councils', Emerging Renewables Rebates, Energy Commission, U.S. Green Building Council, and hundreds of other companies are going Green on a State and Local level. For Government, Consumers, Industry, the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. For Nonprofits, The Emerging Renewables Program provides rebates to consumers who install qualifying renewable energy systems and technologies. The Local Government Commission (LGC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization providing inspiration, technical assistance, and networking to communities and their leaders who work to facilitate healthy, communities with locally placed resources. They have made paved the road to incorporating green building into local ordinances, incentives and guidelines. Many companies have a list or toolkit which will provide invaluable samples, summaries, and outlines green building programs across the country. Look into your local tax credit for the construction of green building. The credit is worth up to 8% in many states. If you meet the requirements, you may for a Grant program which could provide you maximum savings for increasing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and reducing environmental impacts on the environment. |
