Summary
This bill would provide a green roof installation tax credit for of up to 55 percent of the cost of qualified installation expenditures on residential property, not exceeding $5,000. The bill would require the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to set standards for the plant material used in green roof construction and would require the inspection green roof installation against these standards.

Explanation

Green roof technology provides a number of environmental benefits. Green roofs can help reduce building cooling needs, thus saving electricity and preventing harmful air pollution. Green roofs can help cool air temperatures and help provide a check against the urban heat island effect, or the phenomenon that hard surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, radiate the sun’s energy and keep urban areas several degrees warmer than surrounding areas. Cooler air temperatures can have important health benefits for urban residents who are most vulnerable to extreme heat, especially children and the elderly. Green roof technology can also reduce the amount of runoff into sewer systems.

This bill would provide a tax credit for installation of green roof technology but also and provides for standards and inspection of green roof installations to ensure that proper and safe building practices are followed.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.