Overview:

Energy Credits Present Opportunities in the Marketplace
The growing market for energy credits, both in the U. S. and internationally, may present real financial opportunities for their creation, trading and use. Energy credits basically consist of two categories: carbon credits and renewable energy credits (or RECs).

Introduction to Carbon Credits
The Kyoto Protocol is a 1997 international treaty that became effective in 2005 and is up for renewal in 2012. It binds every developed nation, except the United States which has not ratified the treaty and therefore is not bound by it, to a cap and trade system for the six major greenhouse gasses.

Introducing to the Emerging Green Tag (REC) Marketplace
Both energy providers and energy consumers should be aware of the potential benefits offered by the growing marketplace for RECs. The term “REC” refers to a Renewable Energy Certificate (also known as a Renewable Energy Credit or a Green Tag).

Sales Tax Policies Provide Potential Benefits for Solar Energy System Providers
Many states have created tax credits or rebate programs designed to encourage clean energy projects, but most states have not yet enacted appropriate sales tax exemptions for clean energy projects. State policy-makers willing to support clean energy initiatives, are often unaware that their state’s sales tax policies may work against their clean energy initiatives.

Federal and State Tax Energy Incentives
Recent federal legislative efforts promote energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy resources. These Federal tax incentives include: (i) tax credits ranging from ten to thirty percent for a company’s expenditures in the installation and use of solar technologies, fuel cells, solar hybrid lighting and microturbines, (ii) tax deductions for building owners and, in some cases, tenants, for installing equipment that reduces a building’s total energy and power cost by certain specified levels, and (iii) tax credits for electricity created from qualified sources of renewable energy.

Building Green: Why You Need to Know About LEED Certification
With the heightened concern over energy prices, global warming and in an attempt to foster more earth friendly and cost efficient building practices, a number of organizations around the world have been advocating for “greener” or “sustainable” buildings. Their advocacy has apparently gained a strong foothold in the United States, particularly with the Federal and many State and local governments.

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