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GRCC Receives EPAct Refund for Energy Efficient Features at Finkelstein Hall

Groesbeck Kelsey Horizontal LR

Kelsey Groesbeck, PE, LEED AP BD+C, LFA
Director of Building Science

On Thursday, December 14, 2023, our team was excited to present a check for $20,000 to Grand Rapids Community College. The donation was a result of the Federal Energy Policy Act 179D (EPAct) Program which incentivizes building owners to implement energy-efficient measures in their facilities. GRCC’s renovation of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall qualified for the tax incentive by incorporating new HVAC controls, LED lighting, and lighting controls. While public institutions are not eligible to receive EPAct tax incentives, they may be taken by the design firm. TowerPinkster believes in utilizing these tax credits and giving back to the institution in the form of a donation. Since 2006, the EPAct program has enabled TowerPinkster to donate more than 1.3 million back to our clients and communities.

The check was presented to GRCC’s president Dr. Charles Lepper, Executive Director Erin Van Egmond, and Executive Director of Facilities Jim Van Dokkumburg. TowerPinkster was represented by Director of Building Science Kelsey Groesbeck, PE; Director Sara Bergakker, PE; Senior Design Architect Ryan Archer, AIA; and Chief Operations Officer Adam Doubblestein, PE.

WHAT IS EPACT?

The Federal Energy Policy Act 179D (EPAct) tax incentives have been offered since 2006. Over the years, we’ve worked with several clients to apply and submit for these refunds. In total, these efforts have yielded more than $500,000 in savings returned to our clients!

A tax deduction is available to owners of new or existing buildings who install (1) interior lighting; (2) a building envelope; or (3) heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot water systems that reduce the energy and power cost of the interior lighting, HVAC, and service hot water systems by 50% or more in comparison to a building meeting minimum requirements set by ASHRAE Standard 90.1.

Interested in learning more about EPAct? Check out the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy by clicking here.