As architects, we always take into consideration how a building will impact the environment around it. This can be from something as simple to removing trees, or the materials we use, positioning of the home to the energy systems installed. Over the years we have written numerous articles on sustainable practices, solar energy, LEED certification, adaptive reuse, and city design amongst others. It is something we are very passionate about here at Hlevel.
Life is getting HOT… Heatwaves, fires, floods, followed by droughts, and extreme weather have become a constant in the yearly cycle across the globe! Something has got to give; we are slowly spinning into a pit of destruction that we can no longer climb out of. There can be no denying that the world is heating up… Yet there is hope. Countries around the globe are making commitments to implement measures to mitigate the issue, and it is important as we are in this together.
Here in the U.S. the recently passed “Inflation Reduction Act” would invest nearly $375bn over the decade in climate-fighting strategies, including investments in renewable energy production and tax rebates for consumers to buy new or used electric vehicles.
For us regular humans there will be tax breaks given as incentives to go green. One of these is a 10-year consumer tax credit for renewable energy investments in wind and solar. There will also be a $4,000 tax credit for purchasing a used electric vehicle, and even better $7,500 for one you buy new.
In short, this bill could put the USA on the path to reducing greenhouse gases by 40% by 2030! – That is kind of a big deal – right?
What could this mean to you? For starters, you would be rewarded for installing alternative power sources in your home. Solar is currently the most accessible. It could actually be less expensive than the conventional energy provisions you have currently. There is a pretty good PBS article on what the Inflation Reduction Act will do to green energy HERE.
The American Institute of Architecture (AIA) has been diligently working on climate and equity goals for the past 2 years, in their “Buildings are Infrastructure” project. The new bill has taken a big step towards fulfilling some of these requirements. Among those provisions are:
Tax incentives for energy-efficient commercial and residential buildings
$330 million in grants to states and local governments to adopt the latest energy codes
$670 million for jurisdictions to adopt zero-energy stretch codes
$4.3 billion for a residential energy rebate program
$4.275 billion for an energy-efficient electric home rebate program
$1 billion for grants and loans to improve energy efficiency and resilience in affordable housing
This is HUGE. It enables Architects, to promote and work on projects with clients across a broader budget base. Building “better buildings” does not have to mean “more expensive” anymore!
Hlevel Architecture has provided sustainable practices and services ever since it started in 2010. Our firm looks to promote the design of healthy environments and smart energy consumption. In addition to this, Hlevel offers building certifications, such as LEED, Energy Star, or Florida Green Building Coalition. These rating systems help guide clients and builders throughout construction and can also increase the building’s market value. Each day, we discover new and better options for green design. That is why it is important for our team to stay up to date on sustainability developments through continuing education. ♣
