Maryland Green Building Tax Credit Program

The Natty Boh Tower received funding through phase 1 of the Green Building Tax Credit.
Natty Boh LLC received a $2 million Green Building Tax Credit, and completed efficiency upgrades in 2005.

Maryland provides a tax credit for the construction of "green" buildings. The program advances the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act by helping Maryland developers construct and operate energy efficient buildings, and provides tax credits for the costs associated with the construction and/or rehabilitation of buildings. Credits can also be used toward the purchase of equipment for projects that meet LEED 2009 Gold certification with 20 out of 35 energy/atmosphere points among other LEED 2009 criteria.

Update: May 7, 2012

This program is no longer accepting applications. Legislation for the program expired Dec. 31, 2011.

 

 

Between 2001 and 2005, $25 million in credits were authorized across 18 projects. Those projects created green jobs, lowered energy demand, and reduced energy usage by 30% across the Maryland commercial and residential industries. However, harsh economic conditions forced seven projects to be cancelled, making $13 million available for new applications.

Projects will be required to meet all minimum energy performance standards, along with the other requirements of the legislation. Tax credits will be awarded only to qualifying applicants within the applicant pool.

How to Apply

Note: The Maryland Green Building Tax Credit Program is closed. The following documentation is provided only for informational purposes.

Download the How to Claim The Tax Credit document to better understand the process.

  • Complete building design and secure project financing.
  • Submit an Initial Credit Certificate (ICC) application to MEA with a paragraph explaining how tax credit money will be spent to upgrade the building to meet energy performance requirements.
  • After review, MEA will issue an Initial Credit Certificate that identifies the credit amount top be received by the applicant upon project completion.
  • Construct project and place the building in service within three years of obtaining the Initial Credit Certificate. A LEED-accredited professional must file an Eligibility Certificate (EC) with MEA.
  • Upon approval, file the Eligibility Certificate and a copy of the Final Credit Certificate (FCC) with the taxpayer’s Income Tax Return.

Forms

Additional Information

Contact

For more information, contact Dr. Nandini Mouli via email at nmouli@energy.state.md.us or phone at 410-260-2609.