The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act has many benefits for those planning residential green building projects, from home improvements, gut renovations, new builds, and electrification projects. For single-family or multifamily, homeowners, renters, and developers alike, there are many benefits to help alleviate increasing labor and product inflation to improve the sustainability of the places we live.

Join us as we take a high-level overview of these benefits, what to expect next, and discuss some of the concerns about content passed in the bill and the potential negative outcomes and/or the lack of access for BIPOC communities and those experiencing poverty.

Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in

• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects – AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)
• AIBD
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable

Lessons Learned

1. Understand the tax benefits available fund technology and certifiations that reduce energy use and improve home health
2. Know where to go to get more information on funding, technolgy and who to engage with at state and federal agencies to implement IRA
3. Articulate the concerns about IRA policies that may harm BIPOC communities and those experiencing poverty and where to get involved to assist and ensure they benefit
4. Review existing tax credits for sustainable construction that have been expanded in the IRA and where to get more information to achieve these.

Panelists

McKenna Dunbar acts as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Virginia Chapter and leads a team focused on building and home electrification developments through Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. Most of their work focuses on reducing dependence on fossil fuels in order to move the electric sector to clean energy. Dunbar is the Founder and President of Ecological Justice Initiative – an environmental advocacy non-profit organization focused on youth focused environmental research and engagement. Concerned Citizens of Charles City County, Bridging the Gap in Virginia, The North Face, Greening Youth Foundation, The Climate Reality Project, Stop the Abuse of Virginia Energy Coalition, DivestMVP, NASA SERVIR, and Mother’s Out Front are some of the organizations they have worked with in the past. Dunbar is passionate about energy policy, environmental law, and has a background in environmental justice, clean energy finance, and solar research. Dunbar enjoys hiking, listening to German rap, volunteering at her university’s Greenhouse, and listening to podcasts about sustainability and energy markets.

Jamal Lewis is the Director of Policy Partnerships and Equitable Electrification for Rewiring America. Previously, he led the energy and climate initiatives at Green & Healthy Homes Initiative and worked with states and localities across the country to advance electrification, healthy housing, and energy efficiency programs and policies. He has multiple publications outlining pathways to promoting equity by retrofitting our existing housing stock to be healthy, energy-efficient, all-electric, and affordable. He is a Young, Gifted, & Green 40 under 40 award recipient for his leadership in Environmental Justice. Jamal has an MPH from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Fall 2021 DC Cohort of the Clean Energy Leadership Institute.

Brandon Val Verde is a HERS rater within the Green Building Tax Incentives practice of KBKG. He has helped clients pursue and maximize various Green Building Tax Incentives by performing the necessary energy simulation modeling using various software packages that have been approved by the IRS and Department of Energy. His understanding of various energy standards and codes such as ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, and Title 24 allow him to properly identify all opportunities for Green Building Tax Incentives. Over the past several years, he has collaborated with architects, builders, and engineers to provide lighting, insulation, fenestration, and mechanical recommendations to achieve energy compliance. Additionally, he has trained and advised numerous energy consultants throughout the country and has prior experience as an energy and lighting auditor. Brandon earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Energy Management & Design from Sonoma State University.

Xavier Walter – State Outreach, Building Performance Institute. A hard working entrepreneur and lifetime learner who began a new career path in 2008 after serving in the United States Navy and spending over 10 years in the construction, finance & lending industry.After nearly a decade in the Home Performance industry, I have learned what it takes to make customer’s homes more comfortable, lower utility costs & save money, and reduce our overall environmental impact. I am involved in every aspect of the project from inception to completion, including but not limited to; current utility bill review, contract review, rebate and incentive details, installation oversight and Quality Control Inspection, post installation. Partnering with local elected officials to promote and expand the local green jobs market. Frequent consultations with various entities have allowed them to lower their overall operating costs and/or facilitate new Energy Efficiency Programs, a win for all involved and effected!

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