Trends of Energy Tax Incentives for the Built Environment

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Abstract:

As the built environment evolves in response to policy shifts and decarbonization mandates, federal energy tax incentives have become a cornerstone in funding and accelerating sustainable construction. This session provides an in-depth exploration of the latest developments in the §179D deduction, §45L credit, and renewable energy tax credits—particularly as impacted by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Presenters David Diaz and Weston Lustig of Walker Reid Strategies will outline practical guidance on labor requirements, allocation processes for tax-exempt entities, and leveraging bonus credits for project feasibility. Attendees will gain actionable insights into qualifying methodologies and compliance strategies for both commercial and residential projects.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand Recent Changes in §179D and §45L Tax Incentives:
    Identify the key updates from the Inflation Reduction Act, including enhanced deduction amounts, recertification windows, and expanded eligibility for tax-exempt entities.
  2. Navigate Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements:
    Learn how labor compliance influences incentive value, including the 5x multiplier structure for meeting prevailing wage and apprenticeship criteria.
  3. Apply Allocation and Certification Processes Effectively:
    Gain clarity on how to manage §179D allocations for designers working on tax-exempt projects and follow the proper roadmap from intent to certification.
  4. Leverage Bonus Credits and Direct Pay Provisions:
    Understand how to capitalize on technology-neutral credits (Sections 48E), bonus credit stacking, and the new direct pay mechanism for nonprofits and public entities.

Sponsored by: Walker Blue (formerly Walker Reid Strategies)

Walker Blue (formerly Walker Reid Strategies) is a Boca Raton–based, energy‑engineering and specialty tax consulting firm founded in 2010. They specialize in delivering federal energy‑efficient building tax credits—like Section 179D, 45L, and 48E—through services such as energy modeling, measurement & verification, investment-grade audits, utility tax‑exemption studies, and technical/compliance support for ESCOs, architects, engineers, CPAs, and public-sector clients. In 2025, they merged with Blue Energy Group and rebranded as Walker Blue, LLC

Date

Aug 05 2025

Time

2:00 pm
Category

Speakers

  •   Weston Lustig   Weston Lustig Director, Walker Reid Strategies
      Weston Lustig
      Weston Lustig
    Director, Walker Reid Strategies

    Weston Lustig is the Director of Growth at Walker Blue. With a focus on marketing and business development, he helps shape internal training and go-to-market strategies, and frequently co-presents webinars on energy-tax-incentive trends alongside David Diaz.

  • David Diaz David Diaz Managing Partner, Walker Reid Strategies
    David Diaz
    David Diaz
    Managing Partner, Walker Reid Strategies

    David Diaz is a Managing Partner (or CSO) at Walker Blue. He has over 20 years of experience in construction and real estate and is nationally recognized for his expertise in Section 179D and 45L tax incentives. He leads the company’s energy-tax-incentives practice and oversees engineering efforts—like energy modeling and verification—guiding clients through compliance and optimizing financial returns.