C-PACE Overview for Mortgage Lenders
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) makes it possible for commercial property owners and developers to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy projects. The program starts with state-level legislation that classifies clean energy upgrades as a public benefit – like a new sewer, water line or road. These upgrades can be financed and repaid as a benefit assessment on the property tax bill over a term that matches the useful life of improvements and/or new construction infrastructure (typically ~20-30 years). C-PACE is non-accelerating: only the current or past-due payments can be enforced through a tax lien. The full principal balance can never be called due unlike a traditional mortgage. C-PACE’s low, fixed rates (~6%) and dedicated financing prevent value-engineering cuts to green measures and improve long-term property value.
Lender consent
C-PACE financing requires lender consent from any lienholder on a property
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing is one of the fastest-growing capital sources for new construction and rehabilitation developments in the country. To date, over 250 senior lenders have consented to C-PACE. As property owners and developers increasingly seek out alternative capital sources to finance construction projects, it’s important that mortgage lenders understand and support new and developing trends in the real estate market.
Eligibility
- All energy and water-related construction (ex. window, HVAC replacement, etc.) and associated soft costs or green new construction qualify
- All projects must be approved by local C-PACE administrator to verify it meets the requirements of local C-PACE program
- Project scope, engineering and savings reviewed by 3rd party engineer
C-PACE improves borrower returns
- Improves IRR and property net cash flow
- Offers long term, non-recourse financing that can be passed through to tenants where applicable
- Open to repayment at any time by borrower or transferred with title
- Half the cost of preferred equity or mezzanine debt
