Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction (Section 1331)
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$1.80 per square foot tax deduction for buildings
designed for 50 percent energy cost savings relative to a building designed to
ASHRAE 90.1-2001 Energy Standards for Buildings Except
Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
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Lighting systems, HVAC, and building envelope can each
qualify for a $0.60 per square foot deduction for their contribution to the 50
percent savings.
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In the interim lighting provision, lighting can receive
a $0.30 to $0.60 deduction for savings in power density from 25 percent to 40
percent respectively, with linear interpolation between 25 and 40 percent.
The interim lighting provision requires bi-level
switching in addition to the ASHRAE 90.1-2001 lighting controls for both new
buildings and “alterations”.
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Bi-level switching is defined as manual or automatic
control (or a combination thereof) that provides two levels of lighting power
in a space (not including off).
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A space is defined as an area enclosed by four or more
floor to ceiling walls.
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Dimming or switching would satisfy this definition.
Some additional highlights:
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The deduction is allowable for assets placed in service
from 1/1/06 until 12/31/08
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In federal, state, and local government owned assets the
person primarily responsible for the design gets the deduction
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A certification must be provided by a qualified individual (a
licensed engineer or contractor in the state of the project) and satisfy the following
requirements:
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Building Certifier Information
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Building Information
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Type of Project and Type of Rule Statement
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Energy Reduction Certification
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Field Inspection Statement
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Statement on Energy Efficiency Features
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Statement on Computer Software
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Statement on Components List
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Declaration of Qualification