Want to Add Green Initiatives to Your Business or Residence? Chortek Can Help!
Whether you’re looking to bring renewable energy methods to your business, cut down travel with video conferencing, or take advantage of other tax credits or green business initiatives, Chortek can help! Browse the topics below for ways you can be more green with your business (or even your residence!).
Available tax credits for electric-powered vehicles
If you’re looking to get a tax credit for an electric-powered vehicle this year, for personal or business use, you’ll have to hurry. The federal tax credit maximum of $7,500, which launched in 2010, is quickly dwindling. However, there appears to be more incentives on the horizon.
Under the existing credit, there is a threshold on how many models per automaker the credit can apply for. EV models were being awarded $7,500 in tax credits, while PHEV models received various amounts depending on the size of the battery pack.
Tesla has already hit its threshold, as has General Motors. However, many manufacturers still have stock for this credit, including Audi, BMW, Ford, and more. You can find out the latest on The U.S. Department of Energy’s site.
Currently, the fate of electric credits is tied up in the infrastructure bill waiting to pass in the House. on August 10, 2021, the Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that included $7.5 billion to build chargers for electric vehicles. In the same month, an amendment passed in the Senate to cap tax credits for vehicles at $40,000 and under for buyers with income under $100,000. The amendment has yet to pass in the House and is likely to change by that point. Additionally, the infrastructure bill is currently held up in the House. House Democrats are also working on a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation with proposed EV subsidies, which should increase the incentives available above $7,500. As you can see, possibilities are open in a few directions. Only time will tell. We will update this page as news comes in.
For now, you can find more details about the current tax credit from the IRS here.
If you’re looking to get a tax credit for an electric-powered vehicle this year, for personal or business use, you’ll have to hurry. The federal tax credit maximum of $7,500, which launched in 2010, is quickly dwindling. However, there appears to be more incentives on the horizon.
Under the existing credit, there is a threshold on how many models per automaker the credit can apply for. EV models were being awarded $7,500 in tax credits, while PHEV models received various amounts depending on the size of the battery pack.
Tesla has already hit its threshold, as has General Motors. However, many manufacturers still have stock for this credit, including Audi, BMW, Ford, and more. You can find out the latest on The U.S. Department of Energy’s site.
President Biden announced on March 31 in his American Jobs Plan that he wants to put $174 billion into the EV market, which includes rebates, tax incentives, and charging stations. There is talk that the rebates may apply to more affordable models in order to improve access to electric vehicles. When we find out more, we will update this page with the latest.
For now, you can find more details about the current tax credit from the IRS here.
Renewable Energy Residential Tax Credits
Green initiatives don’t only have to apply to your business. You can also take steps to green your residence, and reap the benefits! These benefits have been expanded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
The sooner you place these systems, the greater benefits you will receive. Tax credits are available for fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, solar energy systems, and small wind turbines. They have also been made available to biomass fuel stoves in 2021 (for those, if you installed the system for service in 2021 or later, you are eligible for the below tax credits).
| Date when systems are placed in service | Tax Credit |
|---|---|
| By Dec. 31, 2019 | 30% |
| Jan. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2022 | 26% |
| Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023 | 22% |
The tax credits expire on December 31, 2023. They can be applied to both new and existing homes. Credits can also apply to both your principal home and your second home. More details about what can apply for this tax credit can be found on the dropdown of Energy Star’s page.
Focus on Energy Wisconsin
Focus on Energy is a Wisconsin utility partnership that works with farms, schools, local government organizations, businesses, and property owners to install renewable and energy efficient projects.
Focus on Energy Business Programs
Focus on Energy has a number of programs available to businesses depending on industry. Whether you’re in agribusiness, school, government, commercial, or industrial, there may be a program available to you. You can start by reviewing available programs on Focus on Energy’s site. You would then work with Focus on Energy advisors, partners, or contractors to help determine what you may be eligible for. (We can also help you figure out what might apply for you – contact us to learn more!)
Renewable Energy Program
Focus on Energy also has a Renewable Energy Program, that offers a few different incentives depending on what you are looking to do. If you’re installing renewable energy systems, like solar electric or geothermal heat pumps, you could receive incentives through either Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program (RECIP) funds or Prescriptive Renewable Incentives. There are even some study grants available for ambitious businesses looking to determine feasibility of biogas projects as a source of renewable energy.
Other Focus on Energy Programs
Other programs through Focus on Energy include:
- New Construction, which offers benefits to both design teams and building owners who commit to efforts to make new buildings energy-efficient. Programs are available for new homes, energy design assistance for buildings larger than 5,000 square feet, and more.
- Agribusiness, which offers incentives for upgrade in equipment for renewable energy projects.
- Commercial and Industrial incentives for commercial real estate, healthcare, data centers, hospitality, restaurants, manufacturing, multifamily, and retail and grocery businesses.
- School and government incentives for energy-efficient equipment and energy consumption reduction.
DSIRE Clean Energy Tech Center
DSIRE’s website has a long list of programs that are available to business owners in Wisconsin. Use this tool to search for rebate programs, grants, green power purchasing, tax exemptions, tax credits, and other energy-related programs that could apply to your business. Different programs are available based on geographic area, type of green initiatives you’re looking to enact, and so on. The listing includes information that can be found in other resources listed above, plus many more you may not know about.
The list can be overwhelming, but we can help you sift through it. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your business today.
DSIRE’s website has a long list of programs that are available to business owners in Wisconsin. Use this tool to search for rebate programs, grants, green power purchasing, tax exemptions, tax credits, and other energy-related programs that could apply to your business. Different programs are available based on geographic area, type of green initiatives you’re looking to enact, and so on. The listing includes information that can be found in other resources listed above, plus many more you may not know about.
The list can be overwhelming, but we can help you sift through it. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your business today.
TechDoc Portal
The TechDoc portal could not only be the missing piece to your IT documentation project, but it could also play an important role in cutting down on paper in your office.
What happens if your IT person, who holds all your IT documentation, is not available for some reason, and you need something right away? If you are not confident that your data available when you need it at all hours of the day, it’s time to improve your documentation processes. Learn more about our TechDoc Portal today, and never again worry about what might happen if the one person who holds your passwords gets “hit by a bus”!
Video Conferencing
There are clear environmental benefits to video conferencing. Meeting via video means you can cut down on driving or flying to offices to have face-to-face meetings. With video conferencing, you can feel like you’re in the room with someone, while lessening your carbon footprint.
Getting equipment that people want to use, like installing a Zoom Room, means that you won’t just be buying an “expensive paperweight” that ends up as electronic waste shortly after you buy it. You’ll get good use out of what you’re buying.
Learn more about our cloud video conferencing services and contact us to get a quote for your business today.
Backup and Data Recovery
What happens when disaster strikes your business? Do you have a backup system in place? Chortek has partnered with datto and installs data protection products to help you get back up in running in minutes. The bonus to this is that cloud backup recovery is also great for the planet! You’re cutting down on the physical space and materials it takes to create and store older forms of backup technology, like tapes and external hard drives. Plus you’re not at risk of losing data that is captured, and you can get back to work in a much more timely manner.
What happens when disaster strikes your business? Do you have a backup system in place? Chortek has partnered with datto and installs data protection products to help you get back up in running in minutes. The bonus to this is that cloud backup recovery is also great for the planet! You’re cutting down on the physical space and materials it takes to create and store older forms of backup technology, like tapes and external hard drives. Plus you’re not at risk of losing data that is captured, and you can get back to work in a much more timely manner.
Sadoff E-Recycling and Data Destruction
What do you do with your electronics when the technology is no longer the latest and greatest? You don’t want to just throw it away and contribute to more electronic waste. What’s the alternative? Find an electronics recycling facility that’s dedicated to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Chortek uses and recommends Sadoff E-Recycling and Data Destruction. It’s who we use when we need to recycle responsibly. They’re also dedicated to secure data destruction, so with Sadoff’s services, you know the data that lived on your old devices won’t fall into the wrong hands.
Engage in More Than Green Initiatives – Become a B Corporation
Becoming a B Corporation is not just about adhering to environmental standards, but it’s also about being a business that is publicly transparent, legally accountable, and socially aware and engaged. Inclusivity and sustainability are key.
Engaging in green initiatives at your business is one step in the right direction toward becoming a certified B Corporation, but to learn more about what else goes into it, visit the B Corporation website, take the assessment, or learn more about currently certified B Corps in Wisconsin.
More Local Resources
We know you’re inspired reading this list of green initiatives you can take for your business. Here are some other local resources you can use, along with our help, to commit to sustainable business projects.
The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council
The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council exists as a network of businesses that are interested in improving sustainability in their practices. Whether you’re interested in sustainability from a business case, a way to limit your risks, or as a way to make a difference with your business (or a bit of all three), this is an organization with which to get involved. The WSBC hosts in-person events, webinars, and a conference once a year. They’ve also launched membership for businesses that want to network and learn more with like-minded organizations.
The Green Masters Program
The WSBC also runs the Green Masters Program, which is open to any business looking to document and improve the sustainability practices at their companies. In order to join the program, you need to meet at least one requirement in nine different sustainability areas. Businesses can be designated as Green Apprentices, Green Professionals, or Green Masters, based on point levels from the evaluation process. They even have an awards ceremony to recognize products, processes, and leadership. Chortek joined the Green Masters Program in 2019 and became Apprentices. We look forward to documenting our progress and growing in the program in the years to come!
RENEW Wisconsin
If you’re looking to add renewable energy to your business, start by consulting with RENEW Wisconsin. The organization can help you whether you’re looking at solar and wind, or geothermal and biogas. RENEW Wisconsin can help you figure out which programs and renewables are right for your business.