October 2024

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.


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Are You Ready for the Clean Lighting Act?

When the Clean Lighting Act takes effect in January 2025, linear and compact fluorescent lamps will be largely banned from sale in the state of Colorado. Once this law takes effect, we may see lighting incentives to replace old lighting with LED alternatives start to disappear.


PACE has lighting rebates available now to help you make the switch. And if you’re a small business eligible for our equity program, you may qualify for even more assistance! January will be here before you know it, so contact your PACE advisor today to get started.

HVAC Contractor “Lunch and Listen” on October 23 – Get Free Lunch and a $50 Gift Card

Have you been installing heat pumps for commercial clients? At PACE, we're committed to understanding your challenges and supporting your success. So, we’re hosting a Lunch and Listen session for contractors like you. We want to hear about your experiences recommending and installing electric and hybrid HVAC systems — and explore how we can help you overcome any challenges or barriers to expanding your heat pump business.


Heat Pump Lunch and Listen Session

Wednesday, October 23 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Confluence Business Collective

75 Waneka Parkway, Lafayette, 80026


RSVP by October 16 – Space is limited!


Attendance is free and lunch will be provided. A $50 gift card will be given to each business that attends as a thank you for your valuable time and input. Space is limited. 


If you’re an HVAC contractor who is interested in installing heat pumps but aren’t sure where to start, we would love to hear from you, too. Please fill out this short form and we will contact you to learn how we can help you move your heat pump business forward!

Don’t Miss Out on the Commercial Electric Kitchen Revolution 

The world is going electric! Electric vehicles and e-bikes are everywhere and commercial electric landscaping equipment is more popular than ever before. We’re at a tipping point for electrification — and commercial kitchens are no exception. 


Making the switch to an energy-efficient, electric kitchen means safer air for staff, lower air conditioning bills, and more control over your cooking. Restaurants in Colorado are already making the switch, and PACE is here to help you join the party. We’re planning demo and training events to showcase the latest in commercial electric kitchen equipment, and we’ve got excellent incentives to help you pay for the switch. Don’t miss out! 


Join our interest list and we’ll keep you informed of all our future events and rebate updates for 2025.

Experiencing Compost Confusion? New Video from Jeff & Paige Helps Clear the Air

Composting supports our local ecosystem by creating nutritious soil that absorbs water and carbon, increases biodiversity and improves our local food system. Unfortunately, many non-compostable items have been found in our residential and commercial compost. Without a way to sort compostable materials from diapers, plastics and other contaminants, valuable resources like food scraps and yard trimmings can be sent to the landfill. 


The City of Boulder has partnered with local, family-friendly musical legends Jeff & Paige to create a catchy song and video about how and why to compost correctly here in Boulder County. Check it out on the City of Boulder website

NEW Rebates Available for Louisville Businesses 

PACE is excited to launch a new partnership with the City of Louisville! Qualifying businesses can receive up to $5,000 towards electrification upgrades that can stack on top of PACE’s existing rebates. Funds are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis, so don’t delay!


PACE Commercial Sustainability Advisor Jenn Dingman works with businesses in Louisville focusing on small business equity, kitchen equipment upgrades, and electrification. Jenn has helped several Louisville businesses make efficiency upgrades and can give advice on changes that make sense for your business and budget. Reach out to Jenn for more information on how to get started and to apply for these new rebates.

Join Boulder County at Ecotoberfest on October 5

The Cities of Lafayette and Louisville and the Towns of Superior and Erie are hosting a regional sustainability event called Ecotoberfest on Saturday, October 5, from 2 - 6pm at Louisville Community Park (955 Bella Vista Drive) in Louisville.


Ecotoberfest will feature over 50 vendors and exhibitors, a sustainable marketplace, an electric vehicle (EV) and e-bike showcase, live music, and much more! The event is free and open to the public. Visit the City of Louisville website for more information.

Last Call for Solar Group Purchase Program 

Time is running out to join Solar Switch, a solar group purchasing program with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) for Boulder County residents and small businesses. This group purchase means that property owners can get solar and solar add-ons like battery storage and EV chargers at a lower price, while still signing individual contracts that ensure they are getting the right system for their property.


Registration closes on November 1, 2024, so be sure to sign up today. It’s free to register and there is no obligation to buy.

Circular Economy Funding Program Now Accepting Applications

Applications are now open for Boulder County’s Circular Economy Funding Program, which has been helping local businesses landfill less waste for the past 27 years. This year, they aim to give out $100K in grants for project such as:


  • Waste prevention or waste-to-product initiatives, turning waste from one part of an operation or business into a resource for another
  • Repair and refurbishment projects
  • Operating supplies such as curbside toters or recycle & compost bins
  • Zero waste education
  • And other projects that align with circular economy principles



Local governments, non-profits, school districts, individual schools, and private companies may apply as long as the scope of work is within Boulder County and county-related insurance requirements are met.


The program funds small and large projects with separate limits and funding pools based on project size. Applications will be accepted through 5:30 PM on Friday, October 18. Visit the Resource Conservation Division’s webpage to learn more about the application process, eligibility requirements, and project criteria. 

City of Lafayette’s Universal Recycling Ordinance 

The City of Lafayette is helping to expand easy access to recycling for everyone in Lafayette. Starting on Jan 1, 2025 recycling services will be required for all commercial and apartment properties in Lafayette per with the City's Universal Recycling Ordinance. To help with this transition, the City of Lafayette is partnering with PACE to provide several resources: 



The City of Lafayette is also currently providing Zero Waste Coupons in partnership with Boulder County to help cover the first 3-6 months of recycling collection services - a $1,150 rebate! These coupons are available on a one-time-only, first-come, first-served basis, until funds run out, so don’t wait - apply today!

Longmont Universal Recycling Ordinance Reminders

Don’t forget that recycling services are also now required for all commercial and multifamily properties in Longmont per with the City's Universal Recycling Ordinance. Businesses and multifamily properties are required to comply or will be subject to City Code Enforcement and Civil Procedure. To help with this transition, the City of Longmont is currently providing Zero Waste Coupons to impacted buildings, available for both recycling and composting collection services.


  • All commercial business properties can apply for $700
  • Multifamily properties with 75 units or more can apply for $2,500
  • Multifamily properties with 74 units or less can apply for $1,500


These coupons are available in partnership with Boulder County on a one-time-only, first-come, first-served basis, until funds run out. These amounts are expected to decrease after 2024, so apply today!

Fall Cleaning to Protect Our Waterways

Prep your parking lot and commercial building for winter by removing trash! When stormwater flows across parking lots and streets, it picks up pollutants and sends them into storm drains.


  • Sweep and pick up all outdoor areas (dumpster, break area, patios, parking lot).
  • Keep lids closed on dumpsters and recycling containers. Contain liquids before placing in the trash.
  • If using soap and water, collect all water that contains soap and dispose of it inside.


Learn more about how your business can protect waterways on the Keep it Clean Partnership website.

New Building Operator Certification Incentive from Efficiency Works

Efficiency Works Business recently launched a $1,200 incentive to support more efficient operation of buildings in Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland. The incentive is available to building operators and maintenance personnel who operate a building 50,000 sq. ft. or greater to complete the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program.


BOC is the leading national training and certification program for building operators. Graduates make their buildings more comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly thanks to skills they master in the BOC classes. For more information and eligibility requirements visit the Efficiency Works website or reach out to us directly at business@efficiencyworks.org.

PACEpartners.com | 303-786-7223 | info@PACEpartners.com


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