New York Passes First Green Buildings Credit Bill

In May, Gov. George Pataki made history when he signed New York State’s Green
Building Tax Credit – the first in the nation – into law. It provides $25 million in credits over the next five years to encourage owners and tenants of commercial and residential buildings to incorporate environmental features into buildings. The credits are intended to offset some of the additional upfront costs associated with high performance buildings.

Buildings that meet the program’s minimum requirements will be 35 percent more energy
efficient than required by state energy code; renovated buildings will be 25 percent more efficient. Qualifying buildings will meet standards on indoor air quality, waste disposal, energy and water use, and will be eligible for additional credits for incorporating renewable energy.

For detailed information, contact Wayne
Tusa, chair of Green Building Tax Credit task force of Environmental Business
Association of NY State.