Energy-Saving Resources
Energy Solutions — www.greenbuildingadvisor.com
The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling
green homes.
Putney Energy Committee Web Site — pec.putney.net
A very good resource for energy saving and green / net zero building.
Publicizes excellent resources for
home energy audits, renewable energy system installers, and much
more. There is also a blog on
which you can ask questions and get additional information.
SEVCA (Southeastern Vermont Community Action) — www.sevca.org
Provides programs and services to low-income people, including
help with weatherization.
VECAN (Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network) — www.vecan.net
VECAN helps start and support town energy and climate action committees
in their efforts to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and advance renewable energy projects. The site also provides a list of
Vermont's town energy committees.
Renewable Energy Vermont — www.revermont.org (solar,
wind projects)
Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) is working to bring about an intelligent
transformation from a foreign fossil fuel based economy to an economy
increasingly based on our own renewable energy.
Efficiency Vermont — www.EfficiencyVermont.org
Efficiency Vermont provides technical assistance and financial
incentives to Vermont households and businesses, to help them reduce
their energy costs with energy-efficient equipment and lighting
and with energy-efficient approaches to construction and renovation.
Co-op Power
— www.cooppower.coop
Co-op Power supports the development of community-owned wind,
solar, hydro, biomass, and biofuel plants and green jobs — helping
local communities form and capitalize these new businesses, distribute
the energy produced, and sustain these businesses over time.
Energy Star — www.energystar.gov
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money
and protect the environment through energy efficient products and
practices.
Vermont RideShare — www.VermontRideShare.org
Go Vermont is a resource for commuters who want to reduce the
cost and environmental impact of driving. The program features
a free carpool/vanpool matching service, ridesharing tips, and
other practical information on getting around by biking, walking,
bus, train and ferry.
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Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
Home Improvements
Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010
(for existing homes only) for: windows and doors, insulation, roofs
(metal and asphalt), HVAC water heaters (non-solar), and biomass
stoves. Click here for
more details.
Efficient Cars
Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric,
diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles.
The tax credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle
weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models.
These credits are available for vehicles placed in service starting
January 1, 2006. For hybrid and diesel vehicles made by each manufacturer,
the credit will be phased out over 15 months starting after that
manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. For vehicles made
by manufacturers that have not reached the end of the phase-out,
the credits will end for vehicles placed in service after December
31, 2010. (Click here for
up-to-date information.)
Solar Energy Systems
Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit
through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for geothermal
heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy
systems, and fuel cells. Click here for
more details.
Fuel Cells
An investment in clean and efficient technologies On August 8, 2005,
President Bush signed into law the highly anticipated Energy Policy
Act of 2005. In addition to the research and development, demonstration
and market transition programs for fuel cells and hydrogen, the law
contains new incentives for the purchase of fuel cells. One of these
incentives, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), has been as a top priority
for the industry and is seen as a key step in the commercialization
of fuel cell technology. See the US
Fuel Cell Council publication (PDF) for more details.
Tax Credits for Home Builders (IRS Form 8908)
Home builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energy
efficient home that achieves 50% energy savings for heating and cooling
over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements.
At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope
improvements. See IRS
Form 8908 (PDF) for details.
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