Tax Credits Encourage Green Remodeling as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Did you know that "spending $10,000 to retrofit a 1960's home with energy efficient features could save 8.5 tons of carbon... by comparison, increasing the energy efficiency of a new home 35% over current state requirements would cost $5,000 and would only reduce emissions by 1.1 tons."* In conclusion, "retrofitting existing homes with energy efficient features is 4-8 times more carbon and cost efficient."* I guess this is due to the waste and pollution caused by new construction as well as the further diminishing of our ever shrinking, precious green spaces.

Well, there is good news for you home owners out there who want to reduce your carbon footprint as well as save dollars on your water and energy bills. If you've been watching or listening the the news lately you've probably heard a lot of talk about the United Nations Climate Change Conference currently under way in Copenhagen. Then adding to that, there's still constant chatter on the economy. To both combat climate change and stimulate the economy, through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, our states have been given money (our tax dollars) to provide tax incentives for purchasing and installing certain Energy Star appliances. This is being detailed and carried out by each individual state. You can find more information about these rebates by clicking here. North Carolina will begin phasing the rebate initiative in April of next year! If you happen to be in New York City over the holidays you can view Fagor's green kitchen installation at the Wired pop-up store through December 27. So far, the types of appliances that will qualify (that are of a particular interest to me) include Energy Star clothes washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators/freezers (there are of course others).This is Electrolux's front loading washing machine. Not only does it have the Energy Star label for its energy and water efficiency, my favorite feature is its 18 minute wash cycle!! AND it partner drier.... 18 minutes too! "Ready before you are."

All Miele dishwashers qualify for the Energy Star Program. The G 2002 Series uses only 5.1 gallons of water in the normal cycle, and a measly 1.2 gallons in the economy cycle. Above, take a look inside.

GE has a whole slew of Energy Star refrigerators. Above I've pictured there Profile model.

With the new year approaching, now is a good time to begin thinking about ways to decrease your carbon footprint. If you decided to do a complete kitchen or bathroom renovation, here are a few more green products (that do not qualify for the tax rebate) to give you "feel-goods" and maybe even lower some bills...

This is TOTO's Eco Promenade toilet and one of MANY water efficient models out there. The EPA has partnered with WaterSense to develop third party testing for water-efficient products. Toilets with the WaterSense-label use 32% less water and perform as well or better than non-labeled products. These save the average household 11 gallons of water per day!

Faucets can also earn the WaterSense label. This RSVP faucet by Brizo has earned the label due to it's laminar flow.

This beautiful surface is from the ECO line by Cosentino (makers of Silestone). These products incorporate recycled bottles, mirror, cystal ash and ceramic; they are non-porous products that will never need to be sealed; and installing it can contribute to 5 LEED points.

Not only can bamboo add beauty and visual interest, it is a highly renewable (aka. green) resource. Bamboo can be used for countertops, floors, accents, accessories, and much more!

If you are interested in a kitchen or bathroom remodel or addition, please visit our website at thekitchenandbathpeople.com


*Nations Building News Online; Expanded Energy Tax Credit to Boost Demand for Renovation Jobs; February 16, 2009