Design-build services that keep your facilities working for you

The Inflation Reduction Act became law in August 2022, and it could mean significant increases in tax deductions for businesses that invest in energy-efficient design and construction. Companies that meet new energy efficiency requirements could see more than 2.5 times greater tax deductions starting in 2023. The act will raise the previous Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction to a new maximum of $5 per square foot. Until the end of 2022, the maximum deduction for energy-efficient new builds or retrofits is only $1.88 per square foot. That means an additional $312K in deductions on a 100,000-square-foot project under the new rules. The act also makes updates to some of the requirements to qualify for the deductions. With these changes, it’s more important than ever to partner with a team with experience in energy-efficient design and construction. With expert guidance, your organization can meet energy efficiency goals and realize additional tax savings. Highlights of the Section 179D changes The new Section 179D requirements and deduction maximums take effect for buildings put into service on or after Jan. 1, 2023. Deductions start at 25% energy use reduction and go up to a maximum of 50% energy use reduction. Businesses that show a reduced energy usage of 25% based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers standard may claim a $2.50 per square foot deduction. The dollar amount is then incrementally increased, with each percentage point equaling 10 cents. For example, a project that reduces energy usage by 35% could claim a $3.50 per square foot deduction. Projects that reduce energy usage by 50% will qualify for the maximum deduction of $5 per square foot. These projects must also meet new prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for workers involved in the project in order to receive the full incentive amount. Additionally, while the previous deductions had a lifetime cap, the new Section 179D deduction will reset every three years for commercial buildings. That means organizations have the opportunity to claim the full deduction again, encouraging ongoing energy efficiency improvements. Making your project more energy efficient To achieve a reduction in energy usage, businesses should work with a design-build partner to focus on key areas of energy efficiency, such as heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water systems, lighting, and building envelope. Some examples include: Central plant equipment: Central utility plants, including chillers for HVAC systems HVAC systems: new HVAC units with technology for reduced energy use, energy efficient roof-top units, HVAC and airflow studies, HVAC load modeling, indoor air quality assessments, optimal start for major HVAC equipment, and green cleaning program development Lab exhaust systems: Accounting for exhaust system load impacts and modifying designs to ensure the entire building runs efficiently Design and control strategy optimization: Modular heat recovery chillers, energy-efficient air handling units, direct digital control systems, demand-controlled ventilation, airside economizers, enthalpy-type heat recovery, high-efficiency variable air volume (VAV) systems, energy recovery units (ERUs), energy-efficient lighting, and energy-efficient glazing When it comes to Section 179D standards, detailed processes paired with guidance from a sustainability specialist are key. A team with multiple areas of expertise and ongoing collaboration will help your organization navigate the complex aspects of energy-efficient projects. Helping you find savings through sustainability Sustainability is one of the three pillars that C1S stands on. We offer a designated sustainability specialist on staff who focuses on LEED certification and commissioning, as well as engineers with extensive experience in energy-efficient design. Most importantly, we understand that energy-efficient buildings aren’t just about going green. They offer ROI for your organization. We help you accomplish sustainability projects that give you genuine savings in utility and energy costs. And now, these projects could mean even more cost-saving benefits for your company through the Inflation Reduction Act’s increased tax incentives.

In design and construction, there is a constant push to do more with less by completing projects faster and more efficiently. Accuracy 3D Laser scanning offers better accuracy and quality through the density and complexity of detail in the point cloud of your space. Laser scanning can determine where structural beams and columns are located, as well as the distance between the floor and ceiling, and all other fundamental systems and features. The point cloud data is then carefully and meticulously converted into the CAD or BIM product of choice. Our technicians and engineers are able to provide extremely precise as-built models which accurately record how things connect in real space within less than an 1/8 inch deviation. This is far superior to outdated methods and pictures that often provide inaccurate, warped, and distorted distances between objects. Time and Savings Efficiencies are gained by spending less time on site. A majority of our work is in large facilities requiring renovations and improvements. Traditional methods of data collection involved days and weeks of incurred travel expenses and labor at the job site. Laser scanning takes away a significant amount of the front-end labor hours by integrating technology to accomplish the same task faster. Access and Safety Data can be captured remotely and safely without disrupting operations. Elevated, dangerous, and hard to reach spaces become easily and safely accessible when laser scanning is utilized with professional survey poles and drones. Sharing and Storage Traditional blueprints of existing buildings are often inaccurate or lost over time, and they don’t allow for easy collaboration between project stakeholders who are working remotely. 360-degree panoramic images and scan data can be stored online for project stakeholders to view, highlight, and comment on particular areas from the comfort of their own desk.  Stored data is easily accessible to analyze current and future facility upgrades. And, when funds become available, future projects can be fast-tracked without the need for a costly revisit to the site. Download our 3D Scanning Capability Statement to learn more about C1S and projects that have been completed by our designers and engineers using 3D Laser Scanning >>