Energy retrofit incentives included in U.S. Congress debt recovery package

Despite the fragile economic situation in the United States, its federal government has not backed off from progams to give financial incentives for building energy retrofits and alternative energies.
When the U.S. Congress passed the $700-billion economic recovery package on October 3, the package included a number of special items. One provision was an extension the country’s commercial building tax deduction, which allows owners to claim a deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for HVAC, lighting or envelope upgrades that save 50% over ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) expressed relief that the programs were extended and commended Congress on including the energy provisions.
Bill Harrison, president of ASHRAE, said: “While the banking industry may be visibly suffering now due to these economic times, we will all suffer if we don’t find ways to take advantage of alternative energy sources and make our buildings more efficient.”