News

The Commercial Building Modernization Act (S.3591), has been introduced to the Senate to reform, extend, and simplify the Section 179D federal tax deduction, with bipartisan support. The Section 179D federal tax deduction is currently available as a deduction of up to $1.80/ft.2 for new buildings and/or retrofits that achieve significant energy and power cost savings.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the release of the first in a new series of Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs) to aid architects and engineers in the design of highly energy efficient office buildings. The 50 % AEDG series will provide a practical approach to commercial buildings designed to achieve 50 % energy savings compared to the commercial building energy code used in many areas of the country. This 50 % AEDG for Small and Medium Office Buildings is the first in a series of four to be released in the coming months. These commercial building guides support President Obama’s goal to reduce energy use in commercial buildings 20 % by 2020 and will help drive demand for energy-saving products made in the United States.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Noting the need for immediate action on U.S. energy policy and for policies that encourage job growth and keep our economy competitive, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would enact a national energy efficiency strategy.