Sustainability Resources For Residents
High Performance Homes Tax Credit
In May 2010, Baltimore County Council passed a Property Tax Credit for high performance homes that are LEED certified, or have certified energy efficiency improvements. The tax credit is for new or existing homes in the residential sector which are being renovated. Review the information below to learn more about LEED certification.
Tax Credit Percentage for LEED Certified Homes
For a high performance home that is LEED certified, the tax credit is a percentage of the total County property tax assessed on the home as follows:
- LEED Silver Homes- 40 percent tax credit
- LEED Gold Homes- 60 percent tax credit
- LEED Platinum Homes- 100 percent tax credit
Energy Efficient Improvements for LEED Certification
- For a high performance home with certified energy efficiency improvements to qualify for the tax credit, the amount of increased energy efficiency achieved by renovations or construction is a minimum of 30 percent.
- The amount of increased energy efficiency must be measured by a certified passive house consultant, or a certified home energy rating system (HERS) rater. The consultant or rater must use an approved building modeling system.
- For existing homes, energy efficient measurements must be made prior to renovations to establish a baseline. A second measurement is to be made after renovations to determine if the project is eligible.
- New construction must follow design phase energy modeling.
- The baseline energy efficiency measurement for new construction is the existing requirements of the County.
Tax Credit Duration
- For LEED certified homes and energy improvements, the tax credit will last for three consecutive years.
- For “carbon neutral,” efficiency improvements, the tax credit will last for five years.
Download and complete the application.
For more detailed information, review the legislation, High Performance Homes, Bill No. 43-10.
Quick Tips to Save Energy and Money
- Turn down your water heater temperature to 120°F. Every reduction of 10°F can save up to five percent on heating costs.
- Turn off the "heat dry" option on your dishwasher, and open it up to air dry instead.
- Install energy efficient showerheads.
- Turn off home electronics when not in frequent use, such as DVD players, speakers, printers, etc.
- Reduce your air conditioning costs by planting shade trees and shrubs around your house, especially on the west side.
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit
Check out our Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit (PDF) to find out even more ways to save money at home.
Using our home energy audit will help you investigate parts of your home that you might not know affect your energy bill. Some of the factors contributing to your bill include insulation levels, tightness of windows and doors, what types of appliances you’re using and how often, and other elements.
Source 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book, Table 4.2.1., 2005 energy cost data.
Shorthand Guide to Making Sustainable Changes
Reusing and Recycling Unwanted Household Items
If you have unwanted materials that can be donated or reused, look through the Reuse Directory (PDF) provided by Baltimore County's Bureau of Solid Waste Management. It provides locations and businesses that accept used items such as small and large appliances, cell phones, clothing, books, paints, toys etc. Donating your items will not only conserve space in our landfills, but they will supply people with resources they might not otherwise be able to obtain.
When You Shop
- Bring your own reusable bags.
- If you use plastic bags, reuse or recycle them.
- Purchase reusable items, such as rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones, or reusable cloth napkins instead of disposable paper towels.
- Try purchasing slightly used goods from a consignment shop.
- Rent tools that you might not use frequently, or consider asking a neighbor if you can borrow some of their tools.
In Your Yard
- Start your own garden of native species and avoid planting invasive species.
- Use electrical or manual mowers and yard equipment instead of gas powered equipment. If you have to use gas powered, be sure not to spill when refilling the machine.
- Use organic fertilizers if possible. Always follow safety instructions for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
- When applying fertilizer from a spreader, do not allow materials to reach your paved surfaces. You're wasting fertilizer and it will wash into streams.
- Install a rain barrel or cisterns to capture rainwater for watering purposes.
- In the warmer months, water in the early hours of the morning to reduce water evaporation.
Pet-owners
- When cleaning up pet waste, reuse plastic bags that you have left over from the store or consider purchasing biodegradable bags.
- If you have cats, consider switching to biodegradable cat liter, and one without harsh chemicals.
- When it’s icy out, consider using non-toxic alternatives to salt and de-icers. You could try clay cat liter, sand, or fireplace ash.
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Fact Sheets
Check out the following fact sheets with tips and tricks to help you achieve an energy saving lifestyle. All PDFs open in a new window.
- Green Cleaning Tips(PDF)
Read about the different types of harmful chemicals found in many household cleaning products, and the safer alternatives readily available. - Green Driving Tips (PDF)
Find out how to change your driving habits that will help you save gas and money, emit less pollution while driving, and have less wear and tear on your car. - Common Green Myths and Questions (PDF)
Read about misconceptions and common questions about going green. - Green Your Holidays (PDF)
Read about ways to be environmentally friendly over the holiday season in addition to saving money and energy.
Sustainability For Kids
- Climate Change for Kids
Check out the EPAs Climate Change site with games and information for kids. - Energy Information for Kids
Have your children learn about how energy works. - Kids Saving Energy
Games, tips, and facts for kids who want to save energy!
Additional Resources
- EPA Water Sense
Provides tips on how to save water in your home. - Energy Star
Energy Star is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. - Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Learn about programs and projects aimed to help protect the bay. - Maryland Commission on Climate Change: Climate Action Plan
Learn more about Maryland’s initiatives to prepare for likely impacts of climate change in Maryland. - Department of Energy
Governmental department whose mission is to advance energy technology and promote related innovation in the United States. - National Geographic’s Green Guide
Provides tips on how to "green your life" and live healthier. - Green Business News
Learn about what businesses are doing to become more green.
Disclaimer: This information is offered as guidelines. Links to various sources are included when available. Baltimore County does not endorse nor recommend specific products.
Revised September 29, 2011
