Implementation: How We Will Get There
Implementation: How we will get there
With so many actions enumerated in this plan, the County will prioritize them in the following ways:
Reduce Fossil Fuels First
Reducing the County’s use of Scope 1 fuels (natural gas in buildings and fleet internal-combustion engines) will reduce emissions faster than reducing electricity use. As of March, 2024, 42.3% of grid-supplied electricity (Scope 2) from NV Energy came from renewable sources (a share that is projected to increase as NV Energy pursues net zero emissions as mandated by the Nevada Legislature (see Appendix 4). The County can maximize emissions reductions by prioritizing projects that reduce the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels. The closer NV Energy gets to their 2050 goal of net-zero carbon emissions from energy production, the more the County’s investments in electricity efficiency will result in diminishing emissions reductions.
In many cases, the County will switch from appliances and vehicles powered by fossil fuels to those powered by electricity or other carbon-free power sources. Examples include switching from natural gas boilers to electric heat pumps, and from Internal-Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to low- and zero-emissions vehicles. Regarding refrigerants for chillers, air-conditioning units and other HVAC systems, the County is researching reliable alternatives with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and will replace our current refrigerants with these alternatives whenever possible and practicable.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Low-tech, passive energy retrofits, such as better-insulated walls, roofs and windows reduce energy demand, which in turn requires smaller, less-expensive heating and cooling systems. Passive systems are often more cost-effective than high-tech solutions like heat pumps. They also increase comfort levels for people in the buildings and can save lives when the power goes out during extreme heat and cold events (See also Appendix 3).
Significant reductions in building energy demand are also possible by installing energy-efficient technologies such as Energy Management Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), Maximum Power Transfer Solutions (MPTS), high-efficiency air-source heat pumps and water heaters, and Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights.
Demand-reduction and conservation strategies also apply to vehicle use and procurement: avoiding vehicle miles traveled is far more resource- and energy-efficient than driving a zero-emissions vehicle. Similarly, finding ways to do without – not purchasing a piece of equipment – is cleaner and more efficient than purchasing a sustainably made or energy-efficient one.
Maximize Impact
When evaluating what strategies to pursue first, the County will pursue whenever possible those interventions that deliver maximum emissions reductions as measurable by tangible metrics. Additionally, strategies that help the County mitigate carbon emissions, adapt to our changing climate and become more resilient in the face of uncertain future conditions will – all else being equal – be preferred over those strategies that provide only one benefit. (See the Climate Action Plan - Introduction for a detailed discussion of adaptation, mitigation and resilience. Anchor link).
Equity
Many of the impacts of pollution and climate change are borne first and worst by people who contributed least to the problems, and who can least afford to adapt to the impact. Often, these are low-income people and communities of color, defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as Low-Income Disadvantaged Communities (LIDACs), and by the Biden Administration as Justice40 Communities. Because many Washoe County facilities and operations are in these frontline communities, the County will prioritize emissions-reductions efforts for facilities and fleets to provide immediate and direct benefits to people living in these communities whenever possible. Learn more about the County’s commitment to Equity here [link to more detailed discussion in Intro].
Washoe County intends to undertake financial planning to make progress toward the County's net zero goals by leveraging available financing opportunities that align with the County's budget, capacity and commitment to service.
Some energy-efficiency strategies clearly demonstrate long-term value in energy savings and reduced operations and maintenance costs. Others have not been in service anywhere long enough to provide long-term cost-benefit data. Washoe County is developing lifecycle cost and return-on-investment values for many of the strategies discussed in this plan, where data are available. The biggest barrier to implementing many of these strategies is the up-front capital investment required to produce long-term gains. The County is willing to consider investment strategies that demonstrably improve public health, environmental and financial benefits over polluting fossil fuel-powered technologies, even when up-front expenses are higher than lowest-cost, more polluting alternatives.
Luckily, there are numerous financial incentives that place these better technologies within reach. Washoe County intends to explore the potential of various federal, state, and third-party funds and incentives, such as grants, rebates and tax credits, available utility rebates and programs, revolving loans, and other affordable financing options. When pursuing renewable energy investments, the County will seek to take maximum advantage of investment and production direct-pay credits, as well as off-take agreements, net-metering and other arrangements to maximize triple bottom-line returns for the people of Washoe County.
Where possible, the County will strive to minimize the time, cost, and effort required for implementation. Project configurations will consider factors such as ease of contractor identification and engagement for both initial installation and ongoing O&M, ease of financing, and low-cost or low-burden measurement, evaluation, and reporting.
Numerous grants and other financial incentives coming from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other sources are helping the County offset these initial up-front expenses. The County has applied for the following grants:
- Community Forestry Grant. $275,000 from the US Department of Agriculture (pass through the Nevada Division of Forestry) to launch a Community Forestry Program. Status: Approved.
- Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant. $78,680 from the Department of Energy for various facilities energy efficiency upgrades. Status: Approved.
Other IRA incentives are available to help the County recover up-front costs for the acquisition and installation of various technologies:
- Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings (179D). For projects that improve building energy efficiency by at least 25%
- Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles - §45W. For the purchase of EVs or other low- and zero-emission vehicles.
- Alternative Fuel Refueling Property - §30C. For the purchase of alternative fueling infrastructure.
- Production Tax Credit (PTC) - §45. For the purchase of photovoltaic solar systems and other renewable energy-generating systems.
These grants and programs, as well as the beneficial return on investment from many energy-saving technologies and strategies, are encouraging the County to shift from previous lowest-cost construction and procurement policies and practices wherever possible. The County is incorporating these strategies and efficiencies to achieve our net-zero emissions goals and ensure the long-term fiscal sustainability of the County.
Teamwork
Each of Washoe County’s 3,000 employees plays a role in shaping the future of our community’s health, economy and quality of life. This plan is an invitation to each of us to find our role in helping the County achieve a healthier, safer future for all of our kids, families, friends and neighbors.
This plan is the result of significant input from Washoe County’s Facilities, Operations, Capital Improvement Project, Budget, Finance, Fleets, Executive Team, and the Green Team. To reach the County’s net zero goal, all employees will need to do their part by supporting efforts and providing feedback and recommendations for improvement. This emissions reduction plan will be most successful if we enlist, empower, and incentivize all staff to contribute to its success.
Although Washoe County cannot address climate change by itself, government policies and practices can dramatically reduce GHG emissions from a range of sources and lead our region toward strategies to mitigate emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. In doing so, we can help our communities become more resilient in the face of an unknown future, while reaping the benefits of healthier air, savings on energy costs, improved government services, and quality of life for everyone who lives, works and plays in Washoe County.