Navigating the Inflation Reduction Act: Energy Tax Incentives for Architects and Designers

This comprehensive course delves into the intricate details of the energy tax incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with a specific focus on their implications for architects, designers, and the built environment. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the various tax credits, bonuses, and requirements that can significantly impact project planning, design decisions, and financial outcomes.

The course begins with an overview of the Alternative Energy Credits under Section 48, exploring the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and its applications. Participants will learn about the elective pay option, credit transfer mechanisms, and the conditions for qualifying for various bonus credits, including the 5 Times Bonus, Domestic Content Bonus, and Energy Community Bonus.

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the nuances of specific technologies eligible for these incentives, such as ground source heat pumps and thermal energy storage systems. Participants will explore the criteria for eligibility, including the concept of dual-use equipment and the importance of proper system design to maximize tax benefits.

The course also covers critical compliance aspects, including the Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship requirements. Architects and designers will learn how these labor standards affect project planning and execution, as well as the potential penalties for non-compliance and methods to mitigate risks.

Additionally, the course provides insights into the EPAct 179D deduction, its recent updates under the IRA, and how it applies to both commercial buildings and designers of tax-exempt entities. Participants will understand the new deduction levels, qualification criteria, and methods for monetizing these benefits in their projects.

The course concludes with an overview of related incentives, such as the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit and the Credit for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles, providing a holistic view of the energy-related tax landscape affecting the built environment.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Interpret and apply the various energy tax incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act to architectural and design projects.
2. Evaluate project eligibility for specific tax credits and bonuses, including the Investment Tax Credit, Domestic Content Bonus, and Energy Community Bonus.
3. Integrate knowledge of Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship requirements into project planning and execution to ensure compliance and maximize tax benefits.
4. Identify opportunities to leverage the updated EPAct 179D deduction in both commercial and tax-exempt building projects.
5. Assess the potential financial impacts of energy-related tax incentives on project feasibility and design decisions.
6. Develop strategies to incorporate eligible technologies such as ground source heat pumps and thermal energy storage into building designs to capitalize on available tax incentives.

Target Audience

This course is designed for licensed architects, architectural designers, sustainable design specialists, and other building industry professionals involved in the planning, design, and execution of energy-efficient building projects.

Course Level
Beginner to Intermediate

Course Duration
1 hour virtual event (Zoom call-in instructions will be sent the day prior to the event via an EVENT REMINDER)
1 CE credit