Courtesy Sam LeVan/ Stock . XCHNG
Up to 25 business per year in Philadelphia can receive tax mention for “ going green . ” Philadelphia is the first urban center to extend this variety of bonus to sustainable businesses .
business concern owners in Philadelphia have a new inducement to go green . In December 2009 , the Philadelphia City Council passed a proposal to offer taxation incentives of up to $ 4,000 for certified sustainable business .
so as to qualify for the tax incentive , business must be manifest asB Corporationsby the non-profit-making organization B Lab , which is based in the Philadelphia area . More than just an environmental appellative , certifiable B Corporations must match social and environmental standards and commit those monetary standard to the companionship ’s govern documents . This is think of to ensure the company ’s sustainable character will go changes in direction or ownership .
During discussion at a city council meeting , Philadelphia ’s manager of sustainability , Katherine Gajewski , described asustainable businessas one that will “ minimize environmental impactswhile improving thelocal community . ” This can be accomplished through the standard sustainability initiatives , such asrecyclingand using high - efficiency lighting , as well as through biotic community - oriented practice , such as patronizing other local business organization or charter from local low - income communities .
The taxation incentive is expect to be mutually good for commercial enterprise and for the urban center . While a sustainable business reaps fiscal benefit , the city will bring in the advantage of business that support the occupant , the environs and imagination of their local communities .
The Philadelphia City Council ready a bound of 25 business sector per year that can be award the taxation motivator . Initially , the council had desire to offer the tax incentive to more businesses , but the economic climate caused them to take a more financially bourgeois plan of attack . The cowcatcher program is set to run from 2012 through 2017 , after which it will be eligible for renewal once it has been reviewed by the city council .
accord to B science laboratory co - founder Bart Houlahan , other Pennsylvania cities are considering following Philadelphia ’s model and create their own sustainable - business organization revenue enhancement incentive .
Although Philadelphia is the first city to tender a tax incentive to sustainable business , the federal authorities has several bonus for green businesses :
Additionally , several states have incentive for business organization and individuals using renewable energy or energy - efficient resourcefulness . For a guide to each state ’s programs , confabulate theDatabase of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency .
