Grassi & Co. is helping companies take advantage of green tax credits

Green building initiatives are rapidly catching on across the country. This doesn't only affect construction companies, developers, and related individuals; Green building is being implemented in residential housing, affecting each and every one of us. In addition, commercial building codes are now requiring specific green initiatives. Everyone can have an affect on the green movement; from installing solar panels on your home, to heating it with geothermal heat, every improvement lowers our dependence on energy and oil. Grassi & Co. is helping companies take advantage of green tax credits, deductions, and rebates, and helping to identify green cost-saving opportunities. In 2009, we plan to roll out an entire Grassi Green initiative, with green resources, helpful advice, and everything you need to know about being green. Here is some interesting information about the current Green Building market: The U.S. green building market is accelerating at a dramatic rate, according to McGraw-Hill Construction's Green Outlook 2009: Trends Driving Change report released Dec. 1 at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston, Mass.  The value of green building construction starts increased from $10 billion in 2005 to $36-$49 billion in 2008 and could reach $96-$140 billion by 2013. Green building's rapid expansion can likely be attributed to growing public awareness, an increase in government regulations and recognition of bottom-line advantages, according to the report.  In addition, the perceived benefits of green building have grown, with operating costs decreasing by 13.6% and building values increasing 10.9% in 2008.  The report estimated the value of the U.S. green building market over the next five years based on data taken from construction industry surveys, data analysis and analysis of other indicators, including increases in LEED certification and government regulation. We look forward to providing you with all of the pertinent green resources and information you need to successfully implement these environmentally friendly and cost-saving strategies into your business. For more information on Grassi Green, visit www.grassicpas.com/grassigreen.