energy

Reno, NV, has been actively working towards increasing its energy efficiency and transitioning to more sustainable energy sources. The city has implemented solar incentives, encouraging residents to install photovoltaic systems with the support of federal tax credits and local utility rebates. Reno's energy portfolio is further diversified through investments in geothermal energy, capitalizing on the region's rich geothermal resources. The public utility, NV Energy, supports energy efficiency among consumers through its PowerShift program, which provides energy assessments, incentives for energy-efficient appliances, and smart thermostat rebates. The city's commitment to renewable energy is also reflected in their participation in the Sierra Clean Energy partnership, which aims to source 50% of its electricity from renewable resources. Energy-efficient building codes have been adopted, ensuring that new constructions meet high efficiency standards. Additionally, Reno has been working on upgrading its public lighting to LED technology, significantly reducing municipal energy consumption and improving lighting quality throughout the city.

water

Reno is cognizant of its water usage and conservation, especially given its location in the high desert. Water efficiency in the city is a key priority, with programs in place to reduce water consumption in both residential and commercial sectors. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) provides conservation incentives, such as a toilet replacement program and landscape conservation rebates, to promote xeriscaping and the use of drought-resistant plants. The city's water management strategies also include advanced water metering to detect leaks and encourage conservation. Public outreach campaigns stress the importance of water-saving practices. Several water reclamation facilities in the area help treat wastewater to standards that allow for its reuse in irrigation and industrial processes. Furthermore, the region benefits from proactive water resource management through the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA), which ensures sustainable water supply planning. Conservation efforts are regularly evaluated to enhance the resilience of the water system amid the challenges posed by climate variations.

transportation

Reno has been working to improve transportation efficiency with a focus on reducing emissions and promoting alternative modes of transit. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County has been pivotal in this, with upgrades to the public transit system, including more fuel-efficient buses and the implementation of the RTC RAPID bus service offering faster, more reliable services on key corridors. Car-sharing and bike-sharing programs have been introduced, providing residents with flexible, eco-friendly transportation options. Investments in walking and cycling infrastructure encourage active transportation and aim to connect neighborhoods, schools, and commercial areas safely and conveniently. The city is also supporting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through the expansion of EV charging infrastructure and offering incentives for EV purchases. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport has adopted sustainability initiatives, aiming to minimize its carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency. To streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have been deployed on Reno's roadways.

waste

Reno has made strides in improving waste management and promoting recycling to reduce landfill use. The city's single-stream recycling program allows residents to co-mingle recyclables, simplifying the process and encouraging broader participation. Complementary to this, the Waste Management's Recycle America facility aids in efficiently sorting and processing recyclables. The city has emphasized the importance of reducing organic waste through its residential curbside organics recycling program, aiming to divert food and yard waste from landfills. To tackle electronic waste, Reno hosts periodic e-waste recycling events, promoting the safe disposal of electronic items. Local businesses are encouraged to adopt waste reduction strategies through the Nevada Green Business Program. Waste reduction education is a priority, with initiatives such as the 'Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful' program focusing on community engagement and clean-up activities. Furthermore, to decrease the environmental impact of waste, the city continuously explores innovative waste-to-energy projects.