Welcome to the PACE newsletter! Each month, we share resources to help Boulder County businesses save money, promote environmental health, and improve climate impact and sustainability. | |
Greenspaces Shows Off New Electric Landscaping Equipment | |
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Dwayne Kramer, owner of Greenspaces Landscaping, prides himself on being an early adopter of green technologies. He has an electric truck he’s driven for years, and when he acquired Greenspaces in August 2023, he prioritized swapping out old gas-powered equipment for electric versions. In addition to the enticing PACE rebates that covers 80% of equipment costs before tax, up to $30,000, Kramer was eager to embrace fuel savings and support both worker and community health by minimizing emissions and noise with the clean, quiet machinery.
At first, Kramer’s crew was hesitant to try the new, battery-powered equipment, but upgrading to their new Mean Green electric mower (pictured above) has convinced even his most skeptical employees. The company has also purchased other electric devices like blowers, trimmers, and saws, which they find are generally easier to use than gas-powered equipment, especially since they no longer have to mix oil and gas in the field.
The company has added 15 new neighborhoods to their client list this year thanks to their increasingly zero-carbon equipment. Decreased fuel costs, which run at about $5/hour for the new electric machines, are already boosting their bottom line. Kramer reports an almost 25% reduction in their gas use, or roughly $500-$700 in savings each month.
Kramer’s advice for other landscaping companies? “Don’t wait until mandates require you to make the swap to battery-powered equipment.” Instead, take advantage of programs like PACE’s Electric Landscaping Equipment Grant and make changes over time.
Watch our interview with Kramer to learn more about his experiences with PACE and and see Greenspaces' new equipment in action. PACE still has grant money available for professional landscaping companies to change to electric equipment. Contact us and we’ll help you get started today!
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Try the New Xcel Commercial Rate Comparison Tool | If you’re an Xcel Energy commercial electricity customer, you may be eligible for lower rates - all you have to do is ask! Start by comparing rate plans based on your actual usage with the new Xcel rate comparison tool. If you think you’d benefit from a different rate, or you have questions about the tool, contact the Xcel Business Solution Center at 1-800-481-4700. A representative can help you determine which rate is best for your business and help you make the switch. | |
City of Boulder Video Guide to the Circular Economy | |
The City of Boulder created this fun, short video to help you identify what items can go in recycling and compost, and what needs to head to the landfill. The video also includes tips on how to reduce waste to begin with by reusing or borrowing items instead of buying new. Reducing waste generation and promoting reuse and recycling are important parts of a circular economy and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient use of resources.
Circular economy principles also play a role in sorting guidelines. Composting and recycling rules can change when suppliers change their packaging and facilities upgrade or change their sorting technologies to create clean, circular systems.
The guidelines in the video apply to all of Boulder County – so check it out, and let's all do our part to contribute to a stellar circular community!
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Be Ozone Aware this Summer |  | |
Ozone season has returned to Boulder County! While you can’t see or smell the airborne gas, ground-level ozone can cause respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, and even worsen conditions like asthma. Some experts describe it as a "sunburn for your lungs." Ozone forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight, so it’s usually worse in the afternoons and early evenings during hot summers. Colorado’s Front Range is increasingly falling behind in federal ozone standards and earned an earning us an F in “State of the Air” grades from the American Lung Association.
Ozone levels peak in May through September – causing a lot of frustration for Coloradoans who work outdoors. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid heavy outdoor exertion later in the day, and if possible, shift outdoor work to the morning. You can also make a difference by reducing gas-based travel and the use of gas-burning equipment during Ozone Action Alerts.
Much of PACE’s work to reduce greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels also reduces ozone-forming pollutants, so keep working with PACE to help clean up the air!
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Protect Storm Drains During Outdoor Maintenance | |
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When stormwater flows across parking lots and streets, it picks up pollutants and enters storm drains, flowing untreated into local waterways. If you have staff or contractors working outside your business, take steps to protect storm drains during outdoor construction, cleaning, painting, and other outdoor activities to prevent pollutants from entering our waterways:
- Protect storm drains with barriers or covers and keep anything except rainwater from entering them.
- Clean up spills and never leave materials uncovered or unprotected outside.
- Never clean paintbrushes, equipment, or other materials outdoors. Wash these indoors in a sink or area with a floor drain.
Learn more about how your business can protect waterways on the Keep it Clean Partnership website.
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Hazardous Materials Management Facility Info and Survey | |
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Did you know the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF) accepts hazardous waste from some businesses? The facility is a free resource for homeowners, but also has a fee-based service for businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste and are classified as “very small quantity generators” (VSOGs). The HMMF accepts items like paint, batteries, lightbulbs, and cleaning supplies and is available by appointment only. Visit the facility’s website for information on how to use the service.
The facility is also seeking information on how people in our community view hazardous materials, and how they dispose of their household hazardous materials. Your responses to this quick, 3-minute survey will be used by the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility to develop outreach strategies and optimize their services to meet your needs.
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Certificate in ESG Strategy Certificate Program at CU Coming this Fall | |
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Curious about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and wondering how to integrate its practices in your organization? Sign up for the Certificate in ESG Strategy program from the Leeds School of Business and learn about topics like corporate social responsibility, climate sustainability, reporting, and more.
The program features a dynamic curriculum based on the latest trends, and also helps connect you with ESG professionals from around the country. Registration is now open for the course beginning in August. For questions about the program, please contact cesr@colorado.edu.
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Join Boulder County at Rock Mountain PBS Event August 3 | |
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“Heart of a Building,” a show on Rocky Mountain PBS, shares stories of innovators who are designing, financing, constructing, and occupying sustainable buildings. Join Boulder County at an upcoming benefit event for the show, featuring music, food, and fun with local bands, food trucks, and beverages. The event is also a pledge drive to support two new Heart of a Building 30-minute documentary episodes which will showcase two beautiful, sustainable Boulder County homes.
While at the event, you’ll also be able to tour the First Universalist Church of Denver, a building with a rich history that recently completed its own electrification upgrades including a solar installation and a geothermal system.
Saturday, August 3 | 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
First Universalist Church of Denver
4101 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, 80222
There is a $25 suggested cover charge. Check out this Evite for more information and to RSVP.
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Efficiency Works Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Available | |
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If you are tired of an old refrigerator or freezer adding to your electricity bill and want to have it responsibly recycled, Efficiency Works can help! They will come to your business and pick up your working refrigerator or freezer for free. The program can also arrange free bulk pick up for commercial and multifamily properties. For complete details on this offering and to schedule your pickup visit EWRecycle.com.
The program is available to commercial electric customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, or Longmont Power & Communications.
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