The expansion of a tax-abatement program for green roofs under New York state law doubles the previous maximum benefit of $100,000, adds new plant species to the list of those applicable for the tax break, and allows new drainage and other structural provisions to make installation easier.
The amendment to the law will increase tax breaks for green roofs from $4.50 to $5.23 per square foot, with benefits that could reach a maximum of $200,000.
Green roofs would be required to cover 50% of the rooftop space under the mandate, contain 80% vegetation, and include a waterproofing membrane, insulation, drainage and a separate layer to collect water.
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Group developing BIM data standards
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New green code spells out thermal requirement for roof retrofits
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| Dec 22, 2011
AGC’s safety conference Jan. 11-13 in San Antonio
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| Dec 22, 2011
Proposed New York City zoning revamp encourages rooftop solar and wind energy
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| Dec 15, 2011
Dayton, Ohio schools saving $2.6 million annually by building to LEED
On average, green schools save about $100,000 a year on operating costs, including energy and water savings.
| Dec 15, 2011
Building to LEED standards can pose new risks for construction workers
Workers on these projects suffer a 24% increase in falls to lower levels during roof work, which researchers attributed to the installation of solar panels, and a few other risks.
| Dec 15, 2011
NRDC charges Maine governor with weakening green wood requirement
The FSC program is administered through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and requires wood to be harvested in a sustainable way.
| Dec 15, 2011
Post-tornado, Tuscaloosa seeks to create walkable urban, retail areas
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| Dec 15, 2011
Allentown, Pa. city council asked to repeal union-friendly law
The mayor of Allentown, Pa. asked the City Council to repeal a year-old ordinance that forces contractors to hire union workers for large city projects funded with state and federal dollars.
| Dec 13, 2011
LEED-EB outpaces LEED for new construction
The U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC's) LEED certifications for existing buildings standard is outpacing LEED for new buildings for the first time.
