The 179D incentive is a federal tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot available to architects, engineers, and contractors for their work on newly constructed and renovated government buildings. Designers and builders of K-12 schools, city and county buildings, state universities, and federal and military buildings are taking advantage of this lucrative tax incentive for energy efficient HVAC, lighting, and building envelope scope of work. Commercial property owners are also able to claim this valuable tax incentive.