Sustainability is hot these days. The trend toward both adopting more energy-efficient and eco-friendly practices at home, and tackling more substantial green building and green retro-fits in business continues to rise across the country.
In challenging economic times, consumers are choosing carefully where to spend their dollars. A growing percentage of those consumers are more likely to buy from businesses they perceive as being eco-friendly. The general population is becoming more aware of concepts like “carbon footprint” and consumers are looking to alternative energy sources, hybrid vehicles and responsibly produced food products. Consumers are buying less cheap, disposable products and are re-using and recycling more items.
Whether at home or at the office, state and federal tax refunds for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and systems are providing incentives for many to make the switch to a greener lifestyle. Tax benefits available to businesses through the Energy Policy Act of 2005 have been extended through 2013. A growing number of businesses are working toward LEED certification to make a positive contribution to the health of their employees and the environment, as well as benefitting from the improved financial health of their business.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) continues to actively promote green building, and most recently joined with the International Code Council (ICC), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) to create the International Green Construction Code (IGCC). The IGCC builds on the LEED certification system, and provides a set of standards and enforceable green building codes intended to facilitate the construction of green buildings in the U.S. The IGCC is designed to be continuously evolving, resulting in increased performance as new technologies are developed.
As the sustainability trend continues to evolve, it’s important for businesses to be aware of available programs and incentives, as well as understanding the potential impact on their bottom line. CRG can help your business target the maximum savings and develop a strategy for successfully riding the “green” wave.