	Making Grandpa proud. George W. Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate with sustainability top-of-mind. Great grandson, Jack Cecil, is designing Biltmore Farms communities with the same passion and vision. Many residents live in green homes, and everyone enjoys carefully planned parks. No litter! Photo courtesy of Biltmore Farms

	click on this image to read more about how to invest in green home improvement written by daniel d. chira, phd

Important Reminders: Tax Credits & Financial Incentives for Building a Green Home

emember that green renovation and green building financial incentives may not provide immediate payoffs. Sometimes, you are required to front total costs to get a rebate later.

Asheville’s building fee waiver is an example. It must be paid in full by you, the consumer, but a rebate is provided after the home clears certification.

However, Matt Siegel, green building director of the Western North Carolina Green Building Council (WNCGBC), reminds us that not all green technologies are about the immediate payback.

“People need to understand that it goes beyond initial costs,” he says. “There is a long-term benefit.” All of these technologies will more than pay for themselves over time.


In addition, the entities that offer incentives for residential buildings and renovations also offer incentives for other sectors, too, such as those incentives for commercial or government buildings. Make sure that the offers you apply for are specifically for the residential sector to avoid unnecessary applications. Lastly, the qualifications for attaining these financial benefits are strict. Your home must meet all required criteria, so it’s best to research these requirements before you begin your building or renovating. Also, documentation is equally as important, so be sure to be organized with your paper trail. Quick Links: Federal Incentives North Carolina Incentives South Carolina Incentives What First? Mr. Siegel gives the best piece of advice if you’re interested in acquiring one or several of these government and tax benefits. “If you have any training opportunities or can take classes, educate yourself,” he says. Trish Jerman, manager of policies and programs with the South Carolina Energy Office, agrees. “There are plenty of tools available, and people should take advantage of those — things that help you judge what makes sense,” she says. Her favorite means of education are the abundant online calculators that help you gauge exactly how much money you can save with different improvements. You plug in a few specifics and you’re armed with that glorious number that’ll keep you motivated to go green! Why is education about these incentives so important? “With just that knowledge, you can go home and save much more money,” says Mr. Siegel. After all, “anything you can do to cut on utility bills is important in times of financial distress,” says Ms. Jerman. Fortunately, you’ve already gotten the ball rolling with Carolina Living. Helpful Websites · Tax Incentives Assistance Project · U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Calculators · Your Local Utility Company’s Website – Found through your favorite internet search engine Explore federal and state financial incentives: Federal Incentives North Carolina Incentives South Carolina Incentives About the Author Maresa Whitehead graduated from Columbia College in May 2009 with a degree in English. She worked as an intern for Carolina Living during her senior year. She plans to begin graduate school in 2010 for a degree in creative writing, and she aspires to teach college-level creative writing while publishing her own creative work on the side. Currently, Maresa resides in her hometown of Lexington, S.C., with her two cats and her horse. Resources · DSIRE · Matt Siegel, Green Building Director Western North Carolina Green Building Council · Trish Jerman, Manager of Policies and Programs South Carolina Energy Office · N.C. Solar Center Fact Sheet on Residential Tax Credits, Federal and State of N.C · N.C. GreenPower