Energy efficiency resources for businesses

The Sustainability Team works with local and regional partners to connect businesses with energy-saving programs, incentives, and resources. Improving energy efficiency through daily operations, employee training, and equipment upgrades can help lower costs, improve comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Whether you rent, lease, or own your business space, your business can take steps to use less energy and support a more sustainable Marin.

To find out what programs your business may qualify for, contact us today.

BayREN Business Program

BayREN Business helps small business owners make their buildings more energy efficient. You can get incentives for energy upgrades in refrigeration, LED lighting, HVAC, water heating, and more. These upgrades can lower your energy bills, improve air quality, and make your space more comfortable for everyone. Find out more in this case study of a BayREN Business upgrade in a San Rafael restaurant.

To qualify for this program, your business must meet the program's geographic eligibility requirements: see Eligibility Map. If your business is not located in a purple area, you may still qualify for the program and should fill out the interest form below.

Complete the interest form to get started.

BayREN Refrigerant Replacement (BRRR) Program

The BayREN Refrigerant Replacement (BRRR) Program provides funding to help food and flower businesses save energy and lower their bills with refrigeration upgrades. The program installs energy-saving equipment while swapping out harmful refrigerants for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

To be eligible for this program, your business must have at least one currently operating remote condensing unit, as shown in the photo. This equipment is typically located in basements, on roofs, or outdoors. The business must also meet a geographic criteria that can be found here.

Complete the interest form to get started with a free refrigeration system evaluation.

Next round of projects will begin this Spring. Want to be the first in line? Submit an interest form today to check your eligibility and secure a spot on the interest list. As soon as BRRR becomes available in Marin, you’ll be the first to know.

MCE Small Business Energy Advantage program

MCE's Small Business Energy Advantage program provides no- and low-cost upgrades to help Marin businesses save, improve comfort & safety, and help make their spaces healthier. If your business is eligible, you will be matched with an energy expert for a free on-site assessment to identify upgrades including LED lighting, smart thermostats, and air purifiers.

Check if your business is eligible by clicking "Start Here" to complete the enrollment form today.

Not eligible for the Small Business Energy Advantage program? MCE has other Commercial Energy Savings programs available for businesses, including expert coaching for energy-saving and EV charging rebates.

Food Service Technology Center (FSTC)

California Energy Wise and the local Food Service Technology Center (FSTC) helps California food service businesses find ways to save money and reduce operating costs. FSTC offers resources and support, including:

Energy-efficient equipment recommendations and assistance in identifying available equipment rebates.
In-person and online education and training options covering energy-saving best practices, specifying efficient equipment, electrifying your restaurant, and more.
The Try Before You Buy program, letting kitchen staff test high-performance, energy-saving equipment using their own ingredients before deciding to upgrade.

Visit the FSTC webpage to find out more.

GoGreen Business Energy Financing

GoGreen Business is a program from the State of California that helps small and medium-sized businesses pay for energy-saving upgrades. The program offers low-interest financing—sometimes as low as 0%—to help cover the cost of new appliances or building improvements that reduce energy use. Businesses can also use up to 30% of the loan for non-energy upgrades, like landscaping or remodeling. Visit the GoGreen Business Financing webpage to check eligible projects, connect with qualified contractors, and see financing options online today.