April 2024

Welcome to the PACE newsletter for City of Boulder food businesses! Each month, we share resources to help Boulder County businesses save money, promote environmental health, and improve climate impact and sustainability.

¡Por favor haga click aquí para leer nuestro boletín al español!

Electric commercial kitchen equipment is coming of age as a replacement for gas-fired models in commercial food service kitchens of all sizes. Going electric provides financial benefits, greater flexibility in kitchen layouts, improved staff health and comfort, and significantly reduced CO2 emissions.

Kitchen electrification is one of PACE’s priorities for 2024 and our programs and rebates are better than ever:

• Our rebates for new electric commercial kitchen equipment have increased. If you are looking to purchase new equipment check out our check out our 2024 rebates.

• Our Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment Grant, specifically for small-businesses, can help you replace your gas-fired equipment with new electric models. Qualified applicants will receive 80% of the upfront pre-tax cost of replacement electric equipment. Participants pay 20% of the cost of equipment and 100% of the sales tax on the transaction.

• PACE has a new $4,000 rebate that covers electric infrastructure upgrades. This rebate helps cover any upgrades needed to install electric equipment including running 220V cable from a panel to new equipment and/or panel upgrades.

• PACE is launching a pilot program this summer to help business build 100% electric kitchens. If you are starting a new restaurant, moving to a new location, or redesigning your existing restaurant and would like support designing and installing a fully-electric kitchen, reach out to us at info@pacepartners.com.

If you are already using electric commercial kitchen equipment instead of equipment that is traditionally gas-fired (i.e. ranges, oven, fryers, etc.), we would love to hear about your experience. This will help us better design and promote our programs and provide your peers with real-world examples of electric commercial kitchen equipment in use. Please reach out to us at info@pacepartners.com to share your story.

Boulder County is exploring the construction of a local compost facility. In this initial phase, the project team is conducting research to see if a county compost facility will help the county reach its zero waste and climate action goals and exploring suitable sites for a facility. If built, this will be only the second commercial-scale composting site in the region, and may help streamline composting requirements for local businesses and residents.

Conversations with community members is critical, especially in this early research. Public meetings will be scheduled this year to open a dialogue with all interested parties, but to get the conversation started there is an online question and comment form available now.

More information can be found on the project webpage, including upcoming public meetings and study findings. You can also join the project email list to receive timely news and information about the project.

When stormwater flows across parking lots and streets, it picks up pollutants and enters storm drains on streets and in parking lots. Pollutants entering these drains flow untreated to local waterways. Daily operations at businesses can contaminate stormwater runoff with toxic chemicals, nutrients, and trash. Common sources of pollutants from businesses can include:

• Receiving deliveries
• Cleaning and maintaining equipment
• Outdoor cleaning and maintenance
• Maintaining landscaped areas

Please be mindful of these impacts as spring rains continue and keep outdoor areas clean from potential contaminants as much as possible. Learn more and download free printable posters in English and Spanish from the Keep it Clean Partnership.

The Colorado Green Business Network is hosting its first ever Networking Mixer for anyone interested in meeting and mingling with Colorado's green business community.

The event features a loosely structured afternoon, with themed mocktails and small bites, as well as an optional guided tour of the recycling facility for those who are interested.

Participants will be able to meet and connect with like-minded individuals and businesses across the state while you walk Boulder's Recycling Facility and learn more about recycling practices and processes.

Friday, April 26 | 1 - 3 p.m.

Boulder County Recycling Center

1901 63rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301

The second ever ClimateCon! is coming to Boulder on Monday, April 22. ClimateCon! is an engaging and unforgettable day focused on sustainable solutions to combat climate change.

Doors open at 8:00 AM to provide networking opportunities and programming starts at 9:00. There will be 20+ panels to discuss the latest in climate innovation.

The event will explore a future of eco-consciousness and sustainability, and you'll learn how to create a lasting impact on our environment. ClimateCon! is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and join the movement towards a greener and more sustainable world. Ticket prices vary.

Monday, April 22 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Doors open at 8 a.m.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder