Make Your Business More Energy Efficient
Going green is not just about doing what’s right for our planet—it’s about doing what’s right for your business too! By embracing sustainability, your business can help conserve natural resources for future generations, cut costs through energy efficiency and waste reduction (thus improving cash flow), enhance brand reputation, and access financial incentives for implementing green initiatives.
New for 2025 - Subsidized Commercial Energy Efficiency Audits
Washoe County, City of Reno and the Nevada Clean Energy Fund are happy to announce cost-assistance for a Commercial Energy Audit Program.
For $500, you can receive $2,500 in professional energy audits for commercial, nonprofit and government buildings.
You will receive a virtual energy audit of your building using SRS’s advanced Energy Performance Improvement Calculator (EPIC)™ platform, which includes the following:
- Four one-on-one meetings with the SRS team including:
- Program kickoff: Review of your building’s current energy systems, challenges, and goals.
- Preliminary analysis: Early findings and potential efficiency improvements.
- Cost-benefit and financing review: ROI projections, cash flow impacts, rebates/incentives, and financing options (including C-PACE).
- Next steps: Final EPIC report, contractor engagement, and support in moving toward implementation.
- HVAC systems (including high-efficiency and electrification options)
- Lighting upgrades (LED retrofits)
- Insulation and building envelope improvements
- Solar PV sizing and integration with efficiency upgrades
Learn more here: Commercial Energy Audit Program - Nevada Clean Energy Fund
Commercial and nonprofit property owners in Washoe County are eligible.
- First-come, first-served — applications are open until January 15, 2026
- Identify cost-saving energy improvements and reduce energy bills
- Improve building resiliency and tenant comfort
- Access financing programs through NCEF
Other programs and incentives
Despite the many great reasons to invest in clean energy solutions, in 2025, the federal administration cancelled many tax rebates and other incentives listed below. Washoe County is currently researching what incentives remain and will update the sections below when we have better information. However, some may still exist. We encourage you to work with an energy expert to identify cost-saving measures you can implement today.
Energy tax credits are available for businesses that produce or invest in the following natural resources:
- Solar or Wind Energy
- Hydrogen Power
- Zero-emissions Nuclear Power
- Photovoltaic Electricity
- Carbon Capture and Sequestration
- Biofuel
- Clean Transportation Fuel
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel
- Alternative Energy Sources
Solar Tax Credits
The investment tax credit (ITC) and the production tax credit (PTC) are available for businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities purchasing solar energy systems, offering reductions in federal income tax liabilities based on installation costs or electricity generation. To discover eligibility for business ITC or PTC, visit Federal Solar Tax.
Energy Efficient Commerical Buildings
Commercial buildings owners may qualify for tax credits when installing new equipment such as interior lighting or HVAC systems, designed to enhance the energy efficiency of their properties. To learn more about qualifying improvements, visit Energy Efficient Commerical Buildings.
Nevada Green Business Network
The Nevada Green Business Network (NVGBN) educates and assists Nevada businesses in obtaining green business certification, aiming to enhance economic prosperity and sustainable communities. Through local partnership, they offer free assistance in implementing sustainable practices and access to incentives that contribute to a greener, healthier future for our state. NVGBN values leadership, innovation, community engagement, and the three pillars of sustainability—people, prosperity, and the planet.
To learn more about the green business certification program visit Nevada Green Business Network (NVGBN) or contact nvgreenbusiness@gmail.com.
C-PACE
Washoe County’s Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program facilitates long-term, private-sector financing for qualified improvement projects in commercial or industrial properties, enabling property owners to lower utility expenses, increase property values, and advance energy and water conservation goals. C-PACE is available for both existing and new buildings, offering economic benefits and promoting sustainable development.
For a complete program guide on C-PACE visit Washoe County C-PACE.