How many energy-saving home projects would you be willing to take on if stronger tax incentives were in place? That’s what the National Trust for Historic Preservation is asking, to get a sense of public opinion before moving a tax credit proposal through Washington. They’re asking us all to take a quick survey to indicate which green projects – from buying new appliances to repainting – we’d be willing to tackle.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is currently working with the new administration and Congress on a legislative idea that would save you more green in going green. We have proposed that the federal Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit – which currently allows taxpayers a 10% credit capped at $500 for energy-saving products – be significantly expanded for owners of historic and older homes to 20% with an annual maximum limit of $5,000. Under our plan, all costs associated with energy upgrades would qualify (including materials and labor). Homeowners would simply have to be mindful of local preservation ordinances in planning their projects.
All you have to do is check off the projects you’d be most likely to complete from among 11 choices – it’ll take you less than a minute.
Green building isn’t just about creating all-new structures. Historic preservation is an important element of sustainable development, and retrofitting existing buildings to be more energy-efficient is a big step toward fighting global warming.
