Archive for the ‘Going green terms’ Category

Green Energy Fuels National Tax Deductions

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

The Green energy buzz in Missouri, Oregon, and Kentucky–to name a few, legislatures serves as a gentle reminder that consumers and proprietors of the available tax credit incentives. Geothermal heating systems, solar panels and wind turbine powered energy represent some resources for running electricity as well as heating and cooing the home. But what many green energy consumers may not be cognizant of the green energy tax incentives and financing possibilities.

In Oregonians qualify for a green energy credit named a Residential Energy Tax Credit

More than 1.5 million dollars remain unclaimed via Kentucky’s Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. 

In Missouri, the incentives for going green are abounding. From household appliances to geothermal heating systems, residents have a slew of tax credits to take advantage of.. These include: 

  • Solar Panels
  • Water tankless heaters
  • Geothermal heating systems
  • Energy Star qualified household appliances
  • Turbine – wind energy

What most consumers don’t know about qualifying for an energy efficient tax credit is that  the contractors for the installation of the aforementioned products must meet specific tax-credit certifications. 

Minnesota, Pennsylvania and California have earned a reputation for implementing specific energy efficient legislations.

Regardless of what state one resides in the United States, the proceeding list reflects several green energy alternatives and household appliances which afford a tax deduction:

A Glossary of “Going Green” Terms

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Going green has a language of all its own.  The concept of being “eco-friendly” or “going green” means that it is conducive for the planet, saves energy or offers other well being benefits. Best House Floor Plans compiled a list of the most commonly used eco-friendly (green) jargon.  

Carbon Footprint – An environmental measure of carbon dioxide produced from the emission of greenhouse gases. From using fuel, electricity, charging a battery, every person has carbon footprint, which ultimately impacts the planet greenhouse effect.

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) are considered energy efficient alternative to incandescent light bulbs. Since CFLs save energy overtime and the longer they are in use, these light bulbs are touted as being “green.” 

ENERGY STAR –  Certain household appliances are manufactured for energy efficiency meet a number of standards predetermined by the United State’s federally funded ENERGY STAR program.

Geothermal Energy, considered to be one of the most energy efficient means of heating the home, geothermal energy is derived from the earth.

Greenhouse gases are vapors, which entrap heat in the hemisphere, raising the planet’s temperature via the greenhouse effect. If the earth did not endure the greenhouse effect, it would be too cold for human and animal habitation. However, excessive heat is unsuitable for any life to live.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design system for assessing commercial or residential building certification process, which meets various “green building” standards. Although LEED certifications vary by type, many consist of sustainable sites, innovation, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources. (All LEED certification categories have to meet a set of prerequisite requirements).

Renewable resources are energy derived from the earth’s natural resources: solar, wind and geothermal energy. All forms are considered to be less harmful for the environment than oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear power.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Organic substances have the capacity to release toxic elements via vapor, solid or liquid form.
USDA Organic is a white and green stamp, indicating that produce was cultivated and processed in accordance with the organic agricultural guidelines mandated by the United States Department of Agriculture.

 

Click “going green terms” to review other definitions and resources.