December 2007
Ecobuild Conference: Fiscal Incentives for Solar Use
If threats of global warming and dangerous greenhouse gases aren’t enough reason to seek alternative sources for energy, federal business and residential solar tax incentives can encourage homeowners and corporations to purchase solar energy systems.
A tax credit can provide significant savings because it reduces the amount of income tax a person has to pay. Unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subjected to tax, a tax credit reduces the tax itself. Credits similar to the consumer credits are also available to businesses that install qualifying solar equipment.
Boarding School Addition Expected to Achieve Significant Savings
WESTON, Mass. — The new 21,000-square-foot addition to the Cambridge School of Weston campus is designed to significantly reduce its impact on the environment through several water- and energy-saving features and sustainable elements.
The new Garthwaite Center for Science and Arts will provide educational program space for the boarding school’s 320 9th-12th graders and is expected to use 60 percent less water than conventionally designed school buildings and only 10 gallons of water a day.
Siemens Signs Contract With Monterey College to Lower Energy Use, Emissions
MONTEREY, Calif. — Siemens Building Technologies Inc. is working to implement several changes at Monterey Peninsula College that are expected to save the school more than $2.4 million in annual energy costs.
Part of a campuswide facility overhaul, the improvements are designed to lower operating costs and reduce energy consumption during the next 10 years, as well as increase student and faculty comfort in classrooms.
Language Center Features First Geothermal Heat System for University
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| The 18,000-square-foot center features a new transparent envelope consisting of low-E glass windows. Photo by James Steinkamp, Steinkamp Photography |