Saving Money Through Energy Efficiency

 

Lake Needwood, Derwood, Maryland

There have already been a record-setting 23 billion-dollar weather disasters so far this year in the United States, according to NOAA.  That doesn’t rule out additional such disasters over the remaining 3+ months of 2023.  Hurricane season, for example, runs through November 30.

The state of Maryland has seen its fair share of weather disasters during the month of September, such as the 2001 severe weather outbreak that included the deadly College Park tornado and the widespread flooding and power outages that occurred during Hurricane Isabel in 2003.  Such destructive weather events present an opportunity to rebuild using energy efficient construction techniques. 

Both Maryland and the District of Columbia are implementing updated building codes with a variety of incentives to help with just that.  For example, the Maryland Energy Administration is in the process of updating its rebates and tax credits that are available to residents who implement sustainable technologies as part of their new home construction or repairs.  Some of these can include the purchase of Energy Star certified appliances or the installation of solar panels.

In addition, Maryland’s “Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022” mandated a new set of energy standards for commercial construction known as “Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS).”  The primary goals of this new law are a 20% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and n​et-zero emissions by January 1, 2040.  These goals are primarily designed for new construction with exemptions for things such as historic buildings and schools.

The District of Columbia also has its own green initiative that was passed last year.  The “Clean Energy DC Building Code Amendment Act of 2022” requires “…all new construction or substantial improvements of covered buildings to be constructed to a net-zero-energy standard” by the end of 2026.

Finally, the state of Maryland is also offering tax rebates that “…will be based on the estimated energy savings from retrofits and will be available for both single family and multi-family homes.”  These incentives were made available through Federal grants under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. 

Eligible home improvements include adding a heat pump for heating and cooling your home, as well as adding insulation to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.  To apply, residents should fill out the appropriate form on the Federal Government’s Energy Star website when filing their annual tax returns.