November 2023

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Zeal, a locally-owned restaurant in Boulder, is leading the charge for a sustainable takeout future. Wayde Jester, Zeal's manger and owner, has been using DeliverZero and other reusable serviceware for years, and is excited to build a movement across Boulder. “The more restaurants that use DeliverZero, the better and more adopted it will become." He adds, "Eventually, when enough businesses are doing this, people will start expecting reusables" and embrace them as a part of their lifestyle.

Another bonus? Financial savings. Over time, "you start saving money using sustainable and reusable products like DeliverZero, because you don’t have to keep buying single-use bags, or plastic straws, and instead you put that money towards quality materials."

Ready to give a reusable solution like DeliverZero a try? PACE has some great incentives to help you get started.

City of Boulder: offers a one-time incentive for 70% of project costs (up to $2,000) to help businesses switch to reusables, or try a third-party reusables service like r.Cup or DeliverZero. Eligible items include durable dishware, reusable takeout containers, and dishwashers.

City of Lafayette:

A one-time incentive is available for up to $1,000 for reusable solutions.

Please reach out to your PACE advisor for assistance with any incentives or resources at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223, or visit our waste reduction page here.

Are you ready for fall clean-up? Try leaf-blowing and lawn-mowing without the smell of gasoline! After a successful pilot program helped electrify 18 businesses, we have re-opened applications to our landscaping equipment electrification fund.

Landscaping businesses can apply TODAY to receive 70% funding for upgrading gas equipment to electric, up to $15,000. Fill out the application here to get started.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through the end of 2023. 

Starting in January 2024, plastic bags will be banned statewide. Stores may only give out recycled paper bags for a fee.

Does not pertain to all businesses. Visit the Boulder County website to determine how the fee rules apply to your business--scroll down the page and click on your location to get started.

Non-profits that serve low-income populations are now eligible for the PACE restaurant equipment and refrigeration grant. Small businesses and other non-profits in spaces 2,500 sq. ft. or less are also eligible to apply.

Recipients will work with PACE advisors that will help 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).

Click here to learn more and to access the grant application.

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!

The 2023 Tamale Fair, hosted by the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County, is coming up soon! Get ready to savor mouthwatering tamales, celebrate rich Latino culture, take a ride-and-drive in an electric vehicle, and watch a wrestling show!.

Where: Longmont Museum (400 Quail Road in Longmont)

When: Saturday, November 18 from 2-7 PM

Want two free VIP passes? Sign up to volunteer! Shifts are 1.5-2.5 hours long, and you can enjoy the rest of the fest as a VIP. Sign up here.

Not interested in volunteering? No problem -- you can get your tickets here!

Boulder County composting guidelines no longer allow bags of any kind in compost. This means that paper bags, large bin liners, and other bags labeled "compostable" cannot be composted. The ONLY exception are small bin liners sized 3 gallons or smaller.

If your business uses large bin liners, check out this trick (starts at 0:45) that can be used to keep your bin or cart clean.

The Boulder County Resource Conservation Division is celebrating America Recycles Day on Wednesday, Nov. 15 with a Reduce and Reuse Showcase and after business hours self-guided tours of the Boulder County Recycling Center.

Enjoy a fun night of mingling, touring the facility, and learning from local businesses about reducing waste, reusing, and recycling. Food and drinks will be provided.

Where: Boulder County Recycling Center (1901 63rd Street in Boulder)

When: Wednesday November 15 at 5PM

Registration is required - sign up here!

Winter weather season has begun! Protect waterways this winter by shoveling snow onto vegetated areas and limiting the amount of deicer you use.

Melting snow will carry deicers and other pollutants into storm drains that drain directly to nearby streams. Deicers of any kind will negatively affect the environment in large quantities, so read the instructions and use them carefully. If using a deicer, apply it as soon as snowy or icy conditions appear.

Deicers help break the bond between ice and pavement to make shoveling easier. They do not evaporate the snow and ice, so adding more does not eliminate the need to shovel.

Efficiency Works Business advising and assessment services can help identify potential energy and water efficiency opportunities and qualifying rebates so you can save money up front and on your monthly utility bills. FREE energy advising and facility assessments are available to help quantify the benefits of efficiency upgrades, review project bids and plan future projects.

Free advising and assessment services are available to commercial electric customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications or Loveland Water and Power.

Complete the program application to get connected with an energy advisor. Visit the Efficiency Works advising and assessments page here to start your journey.

Questions? Contact the Efficiency Works Business team at EWBusiness@franklinenergy.com. 

PACE's own Zac Swank will be presenting at the U.S. Green Building Council's "Resilient Communities Rebuilding after Wildfire" virtual webinar. Experts from across industries will come together to discuss lessons learned and hopes for the future as wildfires increase across the west. The event is free and open to the public.

When: Thursday November 16 at 1PM Mountain time

Where: Online - register here!