ReEnergize Reno is an ambitious program to improve the efficiency of commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings 20% by 2025. The program will help to cut energy and water waste in large buildings and reduce climate pollution.

In our community commercial buildings are the greatest source of climate pollution, accounting for 38% of our total emissions. The good news is that we can easily measure building performance, make buildings more efficient, and reduce climate pollution—all while saving building owners and tenants money. Simple, cost-effective building efficiency improvements can make these buildings better places to work and live while stimulating innovation, bolstering our economy, and creating jobs at all skill levels in our community. These actions will help to ensure our future prosperity and preserve the health and beauty of our urban and surrounding natural environment.

Utilities represent 29% of the average company’s operating budget. Fortunately, we have the technology to make our buildings vastly more efficient. Investments in efficiency produce real financial benefits—lower operating costs, increased property values, enhanced competitive advantage, and improved bottom line. Intangible benefits can be 3 to 5 times more than direct savings—from enhanced corporate image and customer loyalty to improved productivity and employee satisfaction, and more. And, participants will have opportunities to share their cost-effective solutions and success stories to highlight proven strategies that others can follow.

The City of Reno is challenging CEOs, university presidents, state and local government leaders, building owners, and multifamily housing developers to pave the way toward better buildings through energy and water efficiency. Together, we can showcase the best strategies to improve energy and water efficiency to secure our clean energy future while maintaining the economic growth we’ve experienced. Participants will receive public recognition, technical assistance, and access to a peer sharing network to learn about cost-effective best practices for increasing building efficiency. The leadership shown by ReEnergize Reno participants will result in models for others to emulate and a path for others to follow. 

About the program 

This program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, designed to cut energy and water waste in large buildings. Reno joins 45 pioneering cities working to boost local economies and reduce climate pollution by committing to the Challenge for our municipal portfolio of buildings, and hosting a community-wide challenge. Reno is proud to participate in this initiative to help businesses save money, and strengthen our community’s economic recovery.

Every dollar spent on energy efficiency multiplies to $2.23 spent in the local economy, according to U.S. Department of Energy.

Participants commit to:

• Select at least one showcase building to participate;
• Track the energy and water consumption data for selected properties through the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager (solid waste and recyclables are optional);
• Share data with city, which will be treated confidentially;
• Reduce energy and water use 20% by 2025.

The City of Reno commits to support participants through:

• Technical assistance on benchmarking building energy and water performance;
• Education on a range of topics—from benchmarking building performance and conducting financial grade audits, to LEED^TM and ENERGY STAR® programs;
• Financing options information and federal, state, and local incentives;
• Effective solutions for energy and water efficiency through case studies and events;
• Recognition to showcase leadership in building efficiency and innovative solutions.

In addition to support from the city, participants can expect to see benefits from energy and water efficiency improvements. Increased efficiency means better buildings from lower utility costs to increased property value for Reno building owners. Energy efficiency improvements pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time, usually less than two years. Joining ReEnergize Reno helps create a healthier environment due to less need for new energy infrastructure like power plants while spurring local job creation in trade, installation, professional services, manufacturing, engineering, and research—all a boost for Reno’s economy.

For more information, visit our FAQ.