C-PACER is a loan program that allows owners of commercial, agricultural, industrial, and multifamily properties to seek long-term financing for qualified improvements related to energy efficiency and building resiliency. C-PACER loans are tied to the property (not the owner) through an annual property assessment, and are transferrable upon sale of the property.

Program Benefits 

Commercial buildings are a large source of greenhouse gases and the C-PACER program is an incentive to achieve our community's goals as stated in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan.

For Building Owners

With C-PACER financing, there is little cash outlay and the debt lien is filed against the property, not the owner. That debt obligation stays with the property whenever ownership transfers. The debt doesn’t appear on the owner’s balance sheet, and it does not encumber the owners’ credit capacity. Hence, owners find these kinds of loans attractive for long-term efficiency and resilience improvements.

For Tenants

Building tenants are the ones typically paying the utility bills (either directly or through rent), occupying uncomfortable spaces, and facing any health and safety risks. Giving the building owners an easier way to pay for these kinds of improvements is a benefit to tenants.

For the Public

C-PACER financing programs are a type of public-private partnership that make it attractive for building owners to pursue deep efficiency and resilience improvements that are in the public interest. Highly energy and water efficient buildings reduce environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions. Lower energy and water consumption also reduces the need for production and delivery infrastructure, the costs for which are ultimately borne by ratepayers. Further, seismic, fire protection, and other safety-related resilience improvements increase public safety and ultimately mitigate publicly funded emergency response expense.

Source: ShiftZERO C-PACER Implementation FAQ

Thurston County C-PACER Program Documents

• Thurston County Ordinance
• C-PACER Program Guidebook
• 8 Steps for You C-PACER Project in Thurston County

Application Documents

• A1_Project Application Checklist
• A2_C-PACER Application
• A3_Certificate of Capital Provider Qualification
• A4_Lienholder Consent
• A5_Certificate of Qualified Improvement Compliance

Closing Documents

• C1_Assessment Agreement
• C2_Notice of Assessment Interest and C-PACER Lien
• C3_Assignment of Notice of Assessment Interest

Project Completion Document

• Certificate of C-PACER Completion

C-PACER was authorized through WA State Legislature under HB-2405 and codified in RCW Chapter 36.165.

On July 26, 2022, the Thurston County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 16184 establishing a Thurston County C-PACER program. 

C-PACER Program Contacts

Program Lead

Rebecca Harvey, Climate Mitigation Sr. Program Manager

Office of County Commissioners

3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 200

Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 867-2938

Rebecca.Harvey@co.thurston.wa.us

Program Administrator

Community Planning & Economic Development

3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 100

Olympia, WA 98501

Qualified Improvements

Energy Efficiency:

• HVAC System
• Replacement Lighting Fixtures
• Building Insulation Upgrades
• Energy Efficient Appliances

Renewable Energy:

• Solar Panels
• Geothermal heating system

Water Conservation:

• Replacement of lead water pipes, install of low-flow fixtures & repair for leaking system
• Water-smart landscaping, sprinkler & irrigation systems
• Energy Efficient Appliances 

Resiliency:

• Seismic retrofits
• Wet & Dry flood proofing
• Fire suppression systems
• Energy storage system

Qualified Properties

• Commercial
• Industrial
• Agricultural
• Multi-Family (5+ units)