September 2023

Want to convert your business to all-electric, but not sure where to start? PACE’s Electrification Study incentive program, which will cover up to 100%* of costs depending on square footage, is now accepting applications!

Electrification Studies are conducted by a certified engineer to help you understand 1) your existing gas-powered equipment and 2) what it would take to replace any gas-powered equipment with electric equivalents.

A list of pre-screened contractors can be found here, though businesses may choose to work with other contractors so long as the study meets the minimum criteria requirements and funds are reserved prior to conducting the study.

*PACE’s incentives will cover the following:

Click here to apply for the incentive, and please reach out to your PACE advisor at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223 if you have any questions.

Several months ago, PACE launched our first landscaping equipment electrification grant. Pavel Goldstein, owner of Sugarloaf Works, was the program’s first voucher recipient; he upgraded to electric equipment at Earl’s Saw Shop in Boulder.

Prior to making the jump to electric, Pavel worked with his PACE advisor and the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) to address several questions and concerns about equipment performance. “I would never have considered upgrading to electric equipment were it not for the PACE program,” says Pavel. “The cost without the program is exorbitant and I suspect not realistic for most small businesses. I would encourage landscapers to take advantage of the program… the assistance is well worth the effort.”

PACE is considering bringing back a second round of landscape electrification grants. If you or someone you know may be interested in future versions of this program, please let us know at info@pacepartners.com.

Boulder County has partnered with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to bring you the Boulder County Solar Co-op this fall — a free group that will help small businesses and homeowners across the county go solar, for less money and less hassle.

Co-op members will learn about solar technology and be eligible to purchase high-quality roof-mounted solar panels at a group rate, from an installer that will be selected by co-op volunteers.

Want to learn more? Join us at the co-op launch event on Monday, September 18 at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette Public Library. Light refreshments will be available. Details and RSVP here.

Our Small Business Equity Restaurant Equipment and Refrigeration Grant, which previously was limited to small businesses and non-profits in spaces 2,500 sq. ft. or less, is now also open to any non-profits that serve low-income populations, regardless of square footage.

Through this program, PACE advisors will work with you to assess and replace any equipment from 2009 or earlier, as well as assist with removal and disposal. The grant will pay for about 70% of equipment costs and 100% of delivery and installation fees, and covers refrigerators and freezers with doors, merchandisers, dishwashers, ice machines, and lighting (if replacing T12 fluorescents).

If you don't see your equipment type listed, please make a note in your application and our team still may be able to help. We look forward to working with you!

EcoCycle has published a Sustainable Serviceware Guide to help Boulder County food businesses reduce waste and make easier decisions that follow all the new and upcoming rules including compost requirements, Styrofoam bans, and more.

Topics covered by the guide, and that our advisors can help with, include:

Businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste and are classified as “very small quantity generators” (VSQGs) can take their hazardous waste to the Hazardous Materials Management Facility at 1901 63^rd Street in Boulder.

Dropping off your materials is easy! Please schedule an appointment in advance, and be prepared to pay a fee for business waste. Find more information about what constitutes hazardous waste and check to see if you are a VSQG here.

"Let's Talk, Boulder", the City of Boulder's new podcast, recently published its 5th episode, which focuses on the concept of a circular economy. The episode digs into what circularity means, the impact of sustainable deconstruction, and how the city is working to lead the way in this space (from Alpine-Balsam to Producer Responsibility). Listen to the Podcast on Podbean, or wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Through an online survey that closes Monday, October 16 at 12 noon, employers and workers are invited to share feedback with the Boulder County Commissioners on the county’s ongoing approach to Boulder County's minimum wage in future years. Currently Boulder County has decided to move forward with a wage (enabling legislation) to begin January 1, 2024. Our regional partners are considering joining on January 1, 2025. Boulder County will use this input to consider the annual increases.

 

The online survey is available in English and Spanish. Feedback will be shared with other local governments in Boulder County.

Mia joined PACE in August as our newest Bilingual Business Sustainability Fellow. They are working with food service businesses in the City of Boulder on all things sustainability, and can support businesses like yours with:

Mia is providing outreach to City of Boulder food businesses now, in both English and Spanish. If you’d like to set up an appointment with Mia or just say hello, please contact them directly at 720-864-6513 or mbelting@bouldercounty.gov. 

Efficiency Works Business is offering a 50% bonus on rebates for efficiency upgrades in the following categories: lighting, food service, grocery, office and appliance, building envelope, cooling, VFDs, and water. To qualify for the bonus efficiency rebates, upgrades must be completed, and all paperwork submitted for payment, by November 15, 2023. Funding for the bonus is subject to funding availability and standard rebate caps. Bonus funding does not apply to custom upgrades, EV infrastructure rebates, new construction or major renovation lighting or envelope projects, or building tune-up rebates.

Rebates are available to commercial customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications or Loveland Water and Power.

For complete details on this offering and to apply, please visit the Efficiency Works rebates page here.

To learn more, contact the Efficiency Works Business team at business@efficiencyworks.org.

Efficiency Works Business recently launched incentives of up to $5,000 for publicly accessible level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. As interest in EVs continues to grow, Efficiency Works aims to provide education and incentives to assist businesses in making informed decisions when considering the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The goal is to facilitate public access to EVSE at local businesses and multifamily properties by providing financial assistance to help offset the costs of installation.

Incentives are available to commercial electric customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications or Loveland Water and Power. For complete details on this offering and to apply, visit the Efficiency Works rebates page. To learn more, contact the Efficiency Works Business team at business@efficiencyworks.org.