PACE Launches Program to Accelerate Business Climate Action

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Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) invites Boulder County businesses, nonprofits, and commercial property owners to act on the climate crisis by joining its newly launched Climate Action Challenge initiative.

The Climate Action Challenge aligns with city and county efforts to achieve net zero carbon by 2035 and 90% reduction in emissions by 2050, respectively. Boulder County businesses who join the challenge receive no-cost consulting services to accelerate or create climate action strategies that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and save money on energy bills. PACE business sustainability advisors will work closely with participants to set goals, track progress, and identify rebates and incentives to replace older, inefficient systems with ENERGY STAR® certified upgrades.

"Businesses of all sizes have an important role to play in cutting the carbon emissions that fuel the climate crisis,” said PACE Business Sustainability Advisor Norma King. "It can be difficult to know where to start or how to make an even bigger impact. The Climate Action Challenge makes it simple by connecting Boulder County businesses to financial resources and consulting services that allow them to become climate action leaders through steps that make the most sense for them.”

The official launch of the challenge comes after more than 30 Boulder County businesses and organizations participated in its successful pilot phase. Pilot participants included hotels, food businesses, schools, medical practices, and chambers of commerce.

“You may want to do something to fight climate change, but if you don't have the support, it costs a lot,” said Ana Nieto, owner of Panaderia Sabor a Mexico in Boulder. “Right now we are receiving guidance and support from PACE to do this together.”

Since joining the Climate Action Challenge in September, PACE has connected Nieto with grants and rebates that allowed her business to upgrade to LED lighting and replace three old refrigeration units with new, energy-efficient equipment.

“Boulder County’s Climate Action Challenge seemed like a great next step and natural extension of our current sustainability efforts,” said Matt LeBeau, Digital Marketing Manager at Happy Beast, a Lafayette business that joined the Climate Action Challenge in December 2021.

“There are so many helpful aspects of the program, but a few top items include one-on-one consultations with PACE advisors to help establish benchmarks and plan for future sustainability improvements, access to the latest discounts and rebates, and connecting with other like-minded businesses to discuss ideas and strategies for improving sustainability efforts.”

As of October 2022, the following businesses and organizations have joined the Climate Action Challenge: Boulder Canyon Dental, Boulder Chamber, Boulder Community Media, Boulder SBDC, Café Aion, Elephant Journal , Erie Chamber of Commerce, Growing Gardens, Hotel Boulderado, Left Hand Animal Hospital, Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce, Longmont Economic Development Partnership, Mapleton Montessori School, Naropa University, Natural Capitalism Solutions, Organic Sandwich Company, Outworld Brewing, OZO Coffee Company, Panaderia Sabor a Mexico, Patience Montessori School, Rule4, Skratch Labs, Speedy Sparkle Car Wash, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Tadpole Press, The Happy Beast, The Natural Funeral, The Trade Desk, Upslope Brewing Company, Vermilion, and Via Mobility Services.

To learn more and join the Climate Action Challenge, visit pacepartners.com/challenge.

About PACE

Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) provides free expert advisor services and financial incentives to help businesses measure their energy, waste, water, and transportation achievements. PACE is funded by the City of Boulder and Boulder County. For information about PACE, contact info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223