The University of Nevada, Reno's Small Business Development Center is offering monthly seminars to Northern Nevada businesses that will demonstrate how to reduce energy use and lower operating costs. The seminars are free and take place every third Thursday of the month at the NV Energy building in south Reno.
Lowering energy use is one of the easiest and most effective ways for businesses to save money in this difficult economic climate. The university's experts say that most businesses can set an achievable goal of reducing their energy bill by 30 percent. That translates to savings of $10,000 on a $30,000 per year energy bill. Some businesses have lowered their energy costs by up to 85 percent.
The seminars are open to business owners and managers, businesses that either lease or own space, and to property owners leasing space to businesses. The seminars will include information about financial incentives from co-sponsor NV Energy and discussions on how businesses can change building-use patterns and operating procedures to become more energy efficient. Small changes in light, ventilation and hot-water systems can also have a significant effect on monthly bills and will be discussed.
As the country's first small business development center to implement an environmentally focused assistance program, the SBDC has inspired the development of 11 similar programs in other states since 1988. Its business environmental program offers free energy efficiency advice in many ways, including telephone consultations, business building audits, information on financial and monetary incentives and assistance in setting up landlord-tenant agreements for businesses that lease space.
This month's seminar takes place 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 21 in room B-7 of the NV Energy Building at 6100 Neil Road in Reno. A continental breakfast will be served.
For more information, contact the Small Business Development Center at (775) 689-6676. To register, call (866) 638-7232 or e-mail registration@nsbdcbep.org.
For more on the business environmental program, visit http://nsbdcbep.org/energy/index.cfm.
