The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno is reducing its energy costs and its carbon footprint by investing in energy efficiency. In 2010, the casino resort made energy efficiency improvements to the air conditioning system for its Sky Terrace Restaurant and to kitchen exhaust fans throughout the property.

The upgrades are expected to reduce the Atlantis’ annual electricity consumption by 461,960 kilowatt hours. That’s enough energy to power 51 northern Nevada homes for a year, and it will reduce the hotel-casino’s carbon footprint by 346 tons, according to John Owens, director of customer renewable generation and energy efficiency for NV Energy. The improvements could reduce the Atlantis’ annual electric bill by approximately $45,000.

John Farahi, CEO for Atlantis Casino Resort Spa said “We are committed to work toward a Green certification for our property. NV Energy has been a great partner by both educating and financially rewarding us as we move toward our goal.”

 Owens said the Atlantis received a $28,191 incentive payment to offset project costs from NV Energy’s Sure Bet program, which encourages large commercial energy users to invest in energy efficient equipment and lighting. The Atlantis is currently replacing incandescent lights throughout the first two floors of the property with compact fluorescent lights that use significantly less energy