Inflation Reduction Act
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will change the way the United States produces and consumes energy in order to fight climate change. Monies, including tax credits, will be made available to reduce the emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) as well as to foster the creation of renewable energy sources. The IRA represents the largest piece of federal legislation to combat climate change.
The IRA should have a positive impact on the nation’s building (commercial and residential) stock as money is earmarked to assist the public and private sectors to invest in sustainable technologies that reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions.
Legislation
How 3M Window Film Applies
Cities such as New York, Boston, and Washington, DC are levying penalties against larger buildings that are not implementing energy efficient upgrades to reduce their carbon footprints. The IRA’s federal incentives, particularly the extension of 179D, is an additional carrot for owners to invest in the efficiency of their building envelopes.
First patented in 1966, 3M manufactures energy reducing window films in a variety of shades, from dark and reflective to practically invisible. 3M’s Thinsulate Climate Control Window Films improve the efficiency of a building envelope by lowering both the SHGC and U-Value of existing glazing. The installation of Thinsulate is like adding another pane of glass, all without the associated high cost and disruption of window replacement. And because Thinsulate is virtually invisible, it won’t change a building’s appearance, and no one will even know it’s there.
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions