The problem: The climate crisis is impacting Colorado. We are now experiencing health and economic impacts caused by hotter summers, record-breaking wildfires, increased flash flood risk, dangerous air quality, and drought. Climate scientists have stated that to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we must limit global warming to 1.5°C.
The solution: PACE’s Climate Action Challenge is part of a global climate protection effort to reduce 50% of greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. This objective can only be met if everyone contributes – and that means every business of every size, sector, and geography must do its part.
The benefits: In addition to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, commercial property owners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can enjoy lower energy costs, employee engagement, positive stakeholder engagement, and mitigated risks associated with future operations.
Boulder County businesses can lead in creating an equitable and sustainable future.
- Signing the Climate Action Challenge below is the first step.
- From there, we will follow up to understand where you are on your sustainability pathway and help you take the first (or next) step.
- PACE will support you along the way with advising, incentives and resources.
Following the submission of this form, your name will be added to the list of organizations taking impactful steps to prevent a local and global climate crisis. Joining the Climate Action Challenge is not a legally binding commitment. A PACE advisor will reach out to discuss where you are along the journey and what support you will need to be successful.
More About the Climate Action Challenge
Perform a self-audit or meet with a PACE Advisor to identify the main sources of GHG emissions from your operations. This may include…
- an assessment of the efficiency of your facility and equipment
- an evaluation of your purchased goods and services, and/or
- an analysis of your utility usage
A PACE advisor can help you with this important benchmarking process. Contact an advisor at: 303-786-7223 or info@PACEpartners.com
Identify opportunities within your control. Many businesses and property owners have opportunities for HVAC system upgrades and improvements to the building envelope, both of which can reduce overall consumption. Choosing equipment powered by electricity makes it possible to benefit from a utility grid that is reducing its use of coal and natural gas in favor of wind and solar.
Others may have less control over the buildings they occupy, but still have the ability to make impactful choices related to their purchased goods and services.
Make a plan. Which changes will have the most impact? What can be done today at low or no cost? What are the capital expenses for which you’ll need to find rebates, incentives, or financing? Are you a good candidate to install solar and enjoy free electricity generated right on your property? How can you influence your suppliers? Can your make different choices about the materials you source to manufacture your products or deliver your services?
Let us help. PACE has worked with more than 2,000 businesses across Boulder County to identify these opportunities and access rebates, incentives, and financing that help them realize their sustainability goals and make smart investments in their business operations. When you work with PACE, you will be paired with an expert Business Sustainability Advisor in Boulder County who will work one on one with you to pursue sustainability efficiencies in one or all of the following areas: energy, waste, water and transportation. A great place to start is with an energy efficiency assessment to evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption and costs. Typically, energy assessments identify numerous simple, no-cost/low-cost recommendations to reduce energy use.
Contact an advisor at: 303-786-7223 or info@PACEpartners.com
By understanding the opportunities within your control and making a plan, your organization can set meaningful goals. Each organization will set unique goals that are aggressive, achievable, and in support of the larger local and global effort to reduce GHG emissions 50% by 2030. PACE is ready to help.
For small businesses with less than 500 employees, the Science Based Targets Initiative recommends setting a goal of:
- Reducing facility-related GHG emissions at least 50% by 2030.
- Measure and reduce emissions from commuting, travel, and other aspects of your supply and value chains.
For larger businesses there are other actions recommended to be in line with the reductions necessary to hold global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Whatever your goals, it’s important to make sure all of your internal and external stakeholders aware of them along with your strong commitment to success.
As you begin to implement your plan, you’ll track your energy use and emissions regularly. Be accountable to yourself and your stakeholders by reporting on your progress. Update you plan and goals annually to stay on track.
Need a hand? Optional technical support and expert advice is available. PACE offers no-cost custom advising for your organization, including greenhouse gas inventories, opportunity assessments, goal-setting support, financial resources, and reporting. We’ll be there to support you, every step of the way. Contact an advisor at: 303-786-7223 or info@PACEpartners.com
Current Climate Action Challenge Participants
