The 2020-2025 Climate Action Plan establishes a goal of 50% reduction in Community Greenhouse Gases (ghg) by 2030. The Commercial section of the plan has five goals:

• To reduce commercial energy consumption
• Increase businesses use of renewables
• Advance the use of sustainable transportation when possible
• Move towards green purchasing and zero waste policies
• Create partnerships to promote Green Businesses and greenhouse gas reduction strategies

Terms of Program

To help reach our Climate Action Plan goals, the City is proud to offer a reimbursement program to businesses that want to make changes to promote energy efficiency and move towards more sustainable practices. Any business within the corporate limits of Bowie may apply for this reimbursement program, though priority will be given to small businesses and those looking to purchase a heat pump. Other parameters are as follows:

• Applications will be on a first come, first served basis 
• Applications are encouraged to be innovative, creative, and open-minded 
• The Sustainability Division will review applications and decide upon awardees and reimbursement amounts 
• Reimbursement will be capped at $5,000 per awardee. The majority of the project must be completed before reimbursement is given. Applicants must agree to a site visit before reimbursement is given.
• This program is aimed at small and local businesses, and property owners may or may not be eligible
• Awardees will be required to sign a contract and must apply to the MD Green Registry to become part of the Green Bowie Business Program
• Please contact Ashleigh Diaz, 301-809-3044 or 301-467-7008 (cell) for more information or with questions
• Please fill out the application below

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Equipment replacements with EnergyStar Certified equipment including high efficiency heating and cooling (HVAC), heat pump water heaters, dishwashers, lighting, clothes washers and electric dryers, and refrigeration
• Addition of ceiling fans 
• LED lightbulb installations/retrofits
• Installation of solar panels 
• Installation of EV charging infrastructure
• Improvements to the building envelope that increases energy efficiency such as insulation, air sealing, and replacement of inefficient windows
• Small appliances such as microwaves, vacuums, printers, and coffee makers are not eligible

Industry Trends

This data was provided by Metropolitan-Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), 2022. 

Although the City of Bowie has decreased our emissions over time, you can see that the commercial sector has remained constant. The Sustainability Grants program will help businesses to be a part of the change. According to the U.S. EPA, the commercial sector accounts for 1/3 of U.S. energy consumption, with HVAC and lighting being the highest demands. 

This image is courtesy of U.S. EPA Electricity Customers page.