QUOTES:

"We created the CIRRUS Low Carbon program to speak to developers' pocketbooks — build a better building, and you get a better rate." — Tricia Baker

"Early design is peace of mind — it saves you a buck or two and a lot of headaches later." — Karl Peer

In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn is joined by Tricia Baker, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Impact at PACE Equity, and Karl Peer, an in-house engineer with deep experience in HERS ratings and energy modeling. Together, they unpack the power of C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing — a state-enabled program that helps developers and building owners access long-term, low-cost private capital for sustainable building upgrades and construction.

Tricia introduces CIRRUS Low Carbon, a unique PACE Equity program that rewards better-performing buildings with lower interest rates. Buildings that meet a HERS score of 55 or better automatically qualify for discounted financing, offering developers meaningful savings — often 50 basis points lower than standard rates. She emphasizes how this program directly links building performance to financial incentive, creating a clear economic reason to pursue higher-efficiency, lower-carbon projects.

Karl brings the technical depth, explaining how in-house engineering and RESNET© collaboration ensure rigorous validation. He describes case studies ranging from multifamily buildings in California to resilient coastal redevelopment in Florida, where C-PACE funding supported both energy efficiency and storm-hardening measures. Together, Tricia and Karl illustrate how early engagement in the design process yields the best outcomes — "early design is peace of mind," Karl says — showing how this innovative financing mechanism can drive sustainable change while improving property value and financial performance.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-kuse-marketing/

For our guests https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-peer-54878b86/

Pace-Equity Main: https://www.pace-equity.com/

Cirrus C-Pace: https://www.pace-equity.com/lowcarbon/

Case studies: https://www.pace-equity.com/case-studies/

CONTACT: https://www.pace-equity.com/schedule-a-meeting/

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]