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SUBJECT: STRATEGIC PLAN ITEM #5-3 <br />DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2022 PAGE 2 OF 3 <br />Another proposal that staff made was to further reward participants of and recruit new <br />applicants to the City's Green Business Program. This is an existing program which is <br />administered by Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE), in collaboration with City <br />staff —which provides access to data and a verified process. Businesses achieving one <br />of the program levels reflects investments in sustainable practices and a desire to <br />improve the health of the environment. For an existing business that is expanding and <br />seeking incentives, the City could offer a Green Business Bonus to either achieve <br />program recognition or enhance the level of certification. For a new business applying <br />for incentives, the City could offer a similar bonus if the company achieved Green <br />Business Program certification within two years of opening. <br />Outside of the Business Assistance Program, there may be more individual, <br />programmatic opportunities where specific incentives on sustainability could be offered <br />to businesses. Staff recommends understanding what sort of sustainability incentives <br />may be available to businesses through other platforms. The recently passed Inflation <br />Reduction Act makes it possible for commercial building owners to receive a tax credit <br />of up to $5 per square foot to support energy efficiency improvements that deliver lower <br />utility bills. Other programs that will benefit small businesses include tax credits covering <br />30% of the costs of installing low-cost solar power and of purchasing clean trucks and <br />vans for commercial fleets. <br />Xcel Energy currently offers several programs aimed at increasing energy efficiency for <br />businesses: <br />Energy Design Assistance — comprehensive consultation for projects at or <br />greater than 50,000 SF <br />Energy Efficient Buildings — rebates for new construction, major renovations, and <br />additions to buildings between 10,000 and 50,000 SF <br />Energy Savings Programs — designed to help with energy reduction <br />In addition to the above programs, Xcel also offers various equipment rebates, small <br />business energy solutions, and free business energy assessments. <br />Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) provides free expert advisor <br />services and incentives to help businesses measure and gain recognition for their <br />successful progress in energy, waste, water and transportation. PACE offers the <br />following incentives to Boulder County businesses: <br />• Energy Efficiency incentives for lighting, cooling and heating equipment, motor <br />efficiency, restaurant equipment, PV solar systems <br />• Waste Reduction incentives for compostable bags, custom bin signage, indoor <br />recycling, compost, and trash bins, and employee training <br />• Water efficiency incentives for hand washing sink aerators, kitchen sink aerators, <br />irrigation assessments, pre -rinse spray valves, and shower heads <br />Agenda Packet P. 12 <br />