A Guide to C-PACE

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing is a powerful tool for funding energy-efficient, sustainable, and resilient building improvements. Enabled by state legislation and structured as a long-term tax assessment, C-PACE offers fixed-rate, non-recourse capital with amortization terms of up to 30 years. It is used by developers and property owners to optimize capital stacks, improve IRR, and meet ESG goals—whether for new construction, redevelopment, renovation, or recapitalization. This guide is built to equip you with a complete understanding of how C-PACE works, what it funds, and where it applies across the real estate lifecycle.

Each chapter breaks down a specific area of C-PACE financing—from eligibility and underwriting, to lender consent and funding process—with practical insights into structuring transactions. You’ll also learn how CIRRUS C-PACE, offered exclusively by PACE Equity Finance, unlocks a lower cost of capital for buildings that meet high-performance standards or pursue green certification. While this guide addresses the broader C-PACE landscape, it also highlights how PACE Equity Finance delivers unique advantages: precise analysis, engineering expertise, capital certainty, and a track record of execution in complex deals. Dive in to learn how C-PACE can strengthen your development strategy and financial outcomes.