Commercial and educational Building Energy Efficiency Assessment

I'm in need of an adept engineering review to assess the energy efficiency of a commercial or educational renovation projects, with a specific emphasis on lighting systems The Inflation Reduction Act created an alternate deduction path for renovation projects based on reducing a building’s energy-use intensity by 25% or more. Alternative deduction for retrofits Under prior law, the retrofitting of many older buildings was not eligible for the Sec. 179D deduction because the 50% energy savings threshold could not be met. The new law provides two amendments that make it easier for these retrofits to be eligible for a Sec. 179D deduction. First, the sliding scale discussed above under Sec. 179D(b)(2) provides a benefit for older properties that could only achieve the lower threshold of 25% or more in energy savings. Second, Sec. 179D(f) adds a new alternative deduction for retrofits that is elective on a building-by-building basis. Under this alternative, the level of energy usage, rather than the level of energy cost, is used to determine the extent the building is more energy efficient. To make this computation, the building’s specific level of energy usage intensity (EUI) before the retrofit is measured against the building’s EUI after the retrofit to determine a percentage reduction in annual energy usage. The same sliding scale described above is used to determine the amount of incentive allowed. The amount of this incentive is limited to the cost of the energy efficient property placed in service. Using the building’s own energy usage as a baseline helps taxpayers with older buildings that cannot meet the contemporary one-size-fits-all ASHRAE Standard 90. 1 to qualify for a deduction. This alternative requires a “qualified retrofit plan” that specifies the modifications to the building that are expected to reduce the building’s EUI by 25% or more. No governmental agency is required to review or approve the plan, although it must be certified by a professional (e.g., an architect or engineer). Under this alternative, the Sec. 179D deduction is not taken when the property is placed in service but rather is allowed one year later, upon the completion of a “final certification” establishing the percentage reduction in annual energy usage.” Key responsibilities: - Review the proposed plans to determine if they would meet reduce the building’s EUI by 25% or more. Ideal qualifications: - Proven experience in energy efficiency engineering - Proficient understanding of commercial renovations and associated energy conservation measures - Knowledge and experience with the 179D Energy Efficiency deduction - Familiarity with different lighting systems and their energy efficiency aspects As these are commercial or educational projects, the stake is high. Therefore, a solid understanding of the field and demonstrative experience is a must. I look forward to working with an expertly competent engineer.