Greening of the Reno Arch

Photo © Stan White

We're talking green in the environmental sense, as in the famous Reno Arch now uses 75 percent less electricity than it did before last Tuesday evening. This feat was accomplished by replacing the old incandescent bulbs with energy efficient LEDs. Our city's iconic structure is now lean, green and shines a little brighter than before. At least it looks that way to me and several people in the crowd who made similar comments.

About two and a half years ago, the Reno City Council made working to reduce emissions and conserve energy one of their priorities - the concept of making Reno a "green" city. The newly green Reno Arch is the latest in a series of city projects aimed at reaching this goal with environmentally friendly technology. A recently completed project put a 180 KW solar system on top of the Parking Gallery in downtown Reno. A 90 KW system for the Reno Events Center is being designed and others are being considered. Wind power is in the mix as well, with turbines planned for Reno City Hall, the Parking Gallery, Mira Loma Park, and the grounds of the Stead sewer treatment plant. At the Reno Arch lighting, I heard Mayor Cashell comment that the top of City Hall will be a great place for wind turbines, what with all the hot air rising from politicians' offices.

Interested in learning more? Read my article for more information about Going Green in Reno.

Sources: Personal attendance at the lighting ceremony, Reno Gazette-Journal.

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