Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/883104
10 October 5 • 2017 jn Consultants help the Whitney and others go green with public-private funding. Picking Up The PACE W hen it comes to saving energy in Detroit, a green movement to provide businesses the up-front capital they need to seal leaky windows, install new heaters and coolers and even put up some solar panels is picking up PACE. In the first project of its kind in Wayne County, the David Whitney House and destination restaurant enlisted in a private-public financing program called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) to upgrade the building's heating and cooling systems, update storm windows and rekindle its opulent chandeliers with LED lighting. PACE is a long-term financial tool that helps companies and building owners pay for much-needed energy upgrades without digging into capital expenses. Michigan passed PACE-enabling legislation in 2010 and the state has two active PACE programs, one in the city of Ann Arbor and Lean & Green Michigan, based in Detroit, that serves 23 counties and 11 municipalities/townships statewide. Through Lean & Green's PACE program, over the next 20 years, the landmarked 19th-century house will save more than $2 million in energy costs and eliminate 232 metric tons each year from Detroit's carbon footprint, the equiva- STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER o n t h e c o v e r jews d in the Andy Levin, founder/president, Lean & Green Michigan; energy efficiency consultant Jim Newman; Tupac Hunter, executive director of government initiatives for Wayne County; and Bud Liebler, owner of the David Whitney House and destination restaurant. continued on page 12 JERRY ZOLYNSKY What Is PACE? Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a financing mechanism that enables low-cost, long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects, according to PACENation.us., a national advocacy group. PACE financing is repaid as an assessment on the property's regular tax bill for up to 20 years, and is processed the same way as other local public benefit assessments (sidewalks, sewers) have been for decades. PACE financing may stay with the building upon sale and is easy to share with tenants. PACE is a national initiative, but programs are established locally and tailored to meet regional market needs. State legislation is passed that authorizes the establishment of PACE programs.