Reno Energy And Water Efficiency Program: A Compliance Guide for Building Owners

Reno’s Commitment To Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Reno is making significant strides toward sustainability with the Energy and Water Efficiency Program (EWEP). The ordinance requires large commercial and multifamily buildings to track, report, and improve their energy and water performance to help meet the city’s climate action goals. The program aligns with Reno’s broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2025 and 40% by 2030.

Buildings account for 66% of citywide greenhouse gas emissions, making energy and water efficiency a crucial focus area. Understanding the EWEP ordinance, compliance requirements, and efficiency strategies will help businesses avoid penalties, reduce costs, and improve overall building performance.

What Is Reno’s Energy and Water Efficiency Program?

The EWEP ordinance (Chapter 14.30) establishes mandatory benchmarking and reporting for large buildings in Reno. The program’s primary objectives are to:

• Enhance energy and water efficiency through data tracking and analysis.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging property owners to improve performance.

• Increase market transparency by making energy data publicly available.

Who Must Comply To Renov's EWEP?

The Policy Applies To:

• City-owned buildings over 10,000 square feet.

• Local agency properties over 30,000 square feet where the agency regularly pays energy or water bills.

• Private commercial and multifamily buildings over 30,000 square feet.

Exemptions:

Certain buildings may qualify for exemptions, including:

• Single-family homes and residential buildings with four or fewer units.

• Industrial or agricultural buildings classified under specific Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.

• Buildings under financial distress or with a demolition permit.

• Buildings with an occupancy rate below 60% throughout the reporting year.

• Buildings where utility data is inaccessible due to tenant restrictions.

Building owners seeking exemptions must submit documentation at least 60 days before the annual reporting deadline.

Benchmarking & Reporting Requirements

What Data Must Be Reported?

Building owners must submit annual energy and water performance data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, an online tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Required Data Includes:

• Building address and gross floor area.

• Primary and additional building use types.

• Total energy and water consumption (electricity, natural gas, water, and other utilities).

• ENERGY STAR score (if applicable).

• Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Water Use Intensity (WUI).

• Total annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Reporting Deadlines:

Building owners must submit their benchmarking reports by April 1 of each year.

• City-owned buildings (≥10,000 sq. ft.) – First report due April 1, 2019.

• Agency and private sector buildings (≥100,000 sq. ft.) – First report due April 1, 2020.

• Agency and private sector buildings (≥50,000 sq. ft.) – First report due April 1, 2021.

• Agency and private sector buildings (≥30,000 sq. ft.) – First report due April 1, 2022.

Steps To Ensure Compliance With Reno’s EWEP Program

1. Set Up Energy and Water Tracking

To comply with EWEP, building owners must:

• Create an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account.

• Enter building details, including total square footage and occupancy type.

• Track 12 months of utility data for electricity, natural gas, and water.

• Submit the benchmarking report to the City of Reno by April 1.

2. Monitor, Improve Energy & Water Performance

Regular benchmarking allows property owners to compare their building’s performance against similar buildings and identify inefficiencies.

To improve scores and lower costs:

• Upgrade HVAC systems to energy-efficient models.

• Replace outdated lighting with LED technology.

• Enhance insulation and weatherproofing to reduce heating and cooling demand.

• Implement building automation systems for smarter energy management.

3. Transition To Electrification

Buildings using natural gas or oil-based heating should begin transitioning to electric-powered systems to prepare for future regulations. Key steps include:

• Installing electric heat pumps for more efficient heating and cooling.

• Upgrading to electric water heaters.

• Implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support sustainability initiatives.

4. Invest In Renewable Energy

On-site and off-site renewable energy can help buildings reduce emissions and improve performance ratings. Strategies include:

• Installing solar panels to generate clean electricity.

• Participating in community solar programs to offset carbon footprints.

• Purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) to reduce reported emissions.

5. Use Available Incentives & Support Programs

Reno offers financial incentives and technical support to help building owners meet EWEP requirements. These include:

• NV Energy rebates for energy efficiency projects.

• State and federal tax credits for renewable energy installations.

• Free training and resources on using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

Why Compliance With EWEP Matters For Businesses

1. Reduce Operating Costs

• Energy-efficient buildings use less power, leading to lower utility bills.

• Upgraded systems require less maintenance, reducing long-term expenses.

2. Avoid Compliance Penalties

• Non-compliant buildings may be publicly listed as non-participating.

• Future energy standards could introduce stricter regulations and fines.

3. Increase Property Value & Tenant Demand

• Energy-efficient buildings attract tenants looking for lower operating costs.

• High-performance properties have greater resale value and long-term market appeal.

4. Improve ESG & Sustainability Efforts

• Meeting EWEP requirements supports corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

• Demonstrating sustainability efforts enhances reputation and investor confidence.

Preparing For EWEP Compliance In Reno

To stay ahead of compliance requirements, building owners should:

• Track and report energy and water performance annually through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

• Invest in efficiency upgrades to improve benchmarking scores.

• Explore renewable energy and electrification options.

• Utilize city incentives and technical support to offset costs.

Reno’s Energy and Water Efficiency Program plays a key role in reducing energy waste, cutting emissions, and promoting sustainability. By actively participating in benchmarking, property owners can enhance building performance, reduce costs, and contribute to Reno’s climate goals.