RENO — In these tough economic times, there is added incentive to increase energy efficiency and consequently reduce operating cost in offices and retail outlets. Business owners and managers, as well as property owners, can learn more about how they can save energy and money at a free workshop presented by the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nevada Small Business Development Center Business Environmental Program, in Carson City on June 18.

Presenters will give clear direction toward conserving energy and reducing operating costs by increasing building efficiency. They will also discuss how businesses can change building-use patterns and operating procedures to become much more energy efficient and positively affect the bottom line at low to no cost.

Perhaps of most interest to businesses, information will be given on tax credits and tax deductions available for energy-saving investments, cash incentives available from NV Energy and their Sure Bet program, and potential savings and rates of return that can be realized with energy-saving measures. Financing options from a variety of funding sources will also be discussed.

The workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.in Carson City at Western Nevada College, 2201 W. College Parkway. Interested members of the business community can register by calling (866) 638-7232 or e-mailing registration@nsbdcbep.org.

The Nevada Small Business Development Center at the university’s College of Business was one of just four small-business development centers in the country recently awarded funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration for projects offering energy-efficiency assistance to small businesses. The center was awarded a $125,000 Small-Business Sustainability Initiative grant this year, and will be eligible for $125,000 grants each of the next three years as well, as funds are available.