New Net Operating Losses Policy

In November 2009, the federal government introduced the “Worker Homeowner and Business Assistance Act of 2009.” The Act was designed to stimulate the economy by reducing the taxes for struggling businesses and homeowners. 

For businesses, the new law means that businesses can carry their Net Operating Losses (NOL) for five years, as opposed to the three years allowed by previous legislation.  NOL refers to tax deductions that exceed the company’s gross income.  Companies that claim NOL are eligible for speedy refunds that they can use for a variety of improvements including structural and equipment upgrades.

Green Energy Savings

Businesses can maximize their energy savings by using the windfall to purchase energy-efficient equipment including:

• Installation of green energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines
• Improvements to insulation
• Replacement of old windows with airtight, energy-efficient ones
• Placement of energy optimization and power factor correction equipment

These types of equipment can ultimately save a business big money on a monthly basis through reduced electric bills, and decreased equipment downtime and maintenance costs. Also, some equipment may qualify for tax credits as well so be sure to tell your accountant all the energy efficient upgrades you made for your business.

Why Make Energy Improvements?

Many businesses have moved to make green improvements in the past decade, and there has never been a better time to go environmentally friendly in the workplace.  Aside from some tax credit benefits, business owners can realize significant long-term savings through energy optimization.

• Energy optimization decreases electrical waste directly from the breaker, improving overall efficiency.
• Green appliances significantly reduce electric bills, for long-term savings that last for the life of the appliances.
• Investing in energy-efficient lighting both reduces wasted electricity and eliminates the production of excess heat, which necessitates additional cooling.

For savvy business owners, the time is ripe for investing in energy efficiency.  Taking advantage of the current policies can translate into dramatic savings in the long run.

This means you will be held to higher standards for your building’s energy consumptions and GHG, Green House Gas, emissions. There will likely be some flexibility on how you will have to comply with the new regulations and changes to reduce energy usage and improve GHG emissions will have other benefits for your business. Being a Green Building means your business will see a decrease in utility bills and maintenance costs while increasing your bottom line. Now who doesn’t want that?

Instead of being reactive, let’s try to be proactive. We can foresee these regulation changes on the horizon, so why not start Going Green now. V-Blox has put together a list of 10 Tips to Help Your Business and Building Go Green today.

10 Tips for Green Buildings

1. Use Energy Efficient Lighting

2. Conduct an Energy Audit and determine if you have any options for energy optimization, power factor correction or surge protection products. Contact V-Blox

3. Choose sustainable woods and recycled materials for construction

4. Use insulation designed to help reduce energy costs of the building

5. Reuse and Recycle materials including paper, aluminum and plastic; encourage and/or reward employees for participating

6. Use Green cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals that are bad for our environment

7. Utilize mugs vs. Styrofoam cups; an average person uses 500 disposable cups a year, you do the math

8. Turn off electrical equipment when they are not in use

9. Program your thermostat so that energy consumption will be reduced during off hours

10. Continue learning about new ways you can take your building Green

Just making some simple changes to your building or facility will go along way in helping protect our environment for the future. This Thanksgiving, remember to give thanks to the thing that gives us so much, our Environment.

V-Blox is thankful for everything the environment has given us and is dedicated to helping improve the environment for the future through energy optimization for buildings.

On our blog we will be sharing some of the hottest energy news along with company updates and green standards. We look forward to sharing this information with all of you and hearing your responses. V-Blox has a YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/user/TECVBloxEnergy. Visit our channel to view many videos to provide more insight into the benefits of energy optimization along with the presentation of the “Keeping America Strong” Award.

Please stay tuned for our blog posts and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.

Have a great day!