PACE Equity, the leader in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for development projects, along with decarbonization non-profit Phius, jointly announced a new compliance path for PACE Equity’s CIRRUS Low Carbon program at PhiusCon 2023. Through the new partnership, commercial real estate projects that are certified as Phius CORE or Phius ZERO passive house buildings are automatically eligible for the CIRRUS Low Carbon financing rate when approved for PACE Equity funding.
What is CIRRUS Low Carbon financing?
CIRRUS Low Carbon is the only private financial product that provides a lower cost of capital for buildings that are developed or renovated to a lower carbon design. The standards set by Phius CORE and Phius ZERO are locally tailored and globally applicable, aligning significantly with PACE Equity’s CIRRUS Low Carbon design goals.
Projects that apply for PACE Equity financing with the passive house Phius certification will qualify to receive CIRRUS Low Carbon’s reduced financing rate, helping the project developers fill a gap in a capital stack, replace more expensive funding options, and improve project returns.
“The path to lower carbon commercial real estate development is forged through symbiotic industry partnerships that offer developers and building owners unique financial, environmental, and brand advantages,” said Beau Engman, President and Founder, PACE Equity. “The convergence of Phius passive building standards and PACE Equity’s lower rate financing for lower carbon buildings equips developers with the tools and financial incentive to design more energy-efficient buildings with a better return.”
“With the most effective and widely applicable passive building standard, Phius shares PACE Equity’s vision for a lower carbon future,” said Katrin Klingenberg, Co-founder and Executive Director, Phius. “Partnering with PACE Equity to offer automatic CIRRUS Low Carbon qualification for Phius CORE and Phius ZERO projects helps make decarbonization of the built environment even more achievable.”
About PACE Equity
Since 2014, PACE Equity has funded Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy projects in innovative, never-before-seen ways, with better financing for better buildings. PACE Equity has closed C-PACE projects across the U.S. and enabled the energy efficient commercial development of over $2.7 billion while eliminating over 1 million metric tons of carbon. PACE Equity offers the design and support that allow customers to intelligently meet the demands of today's consumer and tomorrow's requirements.
About PHIUS
Phius is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to decarbonizing the built environment by making high-performance passive building the mainstream market standard. It trains and certifies professionals, maintains and updates the Phius climate-specific passive building standard, certifies and quality assures passive buildings, certifies high-performance building products and conducts research to advance high-performance building.
Related Stories
Green Specifications | May 12, 2022
MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System
Learn how MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System helps clients, prospects, and staff choose the most environmentally feasible materials for their building projects. Candon Murphy, LEED GA, Assoc. IIDA, Design Lab Manager and Materials & Sustainability Specialist with MG2, speaks with BD+C Executive Editor Rob Cassidy.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 10, 2022
Design guide for parapets: Safety, continuity, and the building code
This course covers design considerations for parapets. The modern parapet must provide fire protection, serve as a fall-protective guard, transition and protect the roof/facade interface, conceal rooftop equipment, and contribute to the aesthetic character of the building.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 5, 2022
Designing with architectural insulated metal wall panels
Insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) offer a sleek, modern, and lightweight envelope system that is highly customizable. This continuing education course explores the characteristics of insulated metal wall panels, including how they can offer a six-in-one design solution. Discussions also include design options, installation processes, code compliance, sustainability, and available warranties.
Sponsored | Healthcare Facilities | May 3, 2022
Planning for hospital campus access that works for people
This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022
Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide
Real estate management and investment firm Hines has released the Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide. The free guide, produced with Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), is the result of a two-year effort, relying on MKA’s industry-leading knowledge of carbon accounting and involvement in programs such as the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) Tool.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2022
Architecture firm Perkins&Will to deliver ‘carbon forecasts’ for clients
Global architecture firm Perkins&Will says it will issue its clients a “carbon forecast” for their projects.
Architects | Apr 22, 2022
Top 10 green building projects for 2022
The American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment (COTE) has announced its COTE Top Ten Awards for significant achievements in advancing climate action.
Wood | Apr 13, 2022
Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system
Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project.