Question 1

Is SCP a C-PACE lender?

Accepted Answer

No. SCP’s product replaces the need for C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) by providing one streamlined loan product with proceeds for the property’s financing needs and value-add retrofits.

CPACE financing covers only sustainable upgrades and so requires a separate mortgage to finance the property.  C-PACE financing is structured as a tax assessment on the property, which typically takes lien priority over the first mortgage. Because of this senior position, most C-PACE programs require the consent of the first mortgage lender, which can complicate or delay approvals, particularly if the lender is unfamiliar with the structure or concerned about repayment risk. C-PACE financing can be complicated and time-consuming, often requiring coordination with local governments, mortgage lenders, and legal counsel.

SCP eliminates these complications by removing the need to work with multiple entities. SCP loans both finance a property and eligible retrofit project, eliminating the need for multiple lenders.  SCP loans follow a typical bridge loan structure, eliminating the need to involve local governments in approvals and repayment. SCP loans are available nationally, eliminating the complication of uneven CPACE availability on a national and local basis.

Question 2

What are the loan eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

For properties undertaking retrofits, properties must be able to achieve at least a 20% increase in energy efficiency through retrofits.  SCP will work with the borrower to provide the technical assistance needed to develop a business plan which meets this requirement.  If the borrower has in-house technical experts, SCP will gladly collaborate with the in-house team.

For existing properties, the property must obtain an EnergyStar score of 75 or higher or other industry criteria acceptable to SCP. Most newly constructed buildings will qualify for an SCP loan.

Question 3

Will SCP finance a property that doesn’t require retrofits?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  SCP finances recently completed projects and existing green properties. Please see the eligibility requirements above.

Question 4

What is Energy Star?

Accepted Answer

A U.S. EPA program providing a free, web-based tool (Portfolio Manager, ESPM) for tracking energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. For many property types, ES issues a 1–100 performance score comparing your building against a national peer group for its asset type.

Question 5

What is the “brown discount”?

Accepted Answer

The brown discount refers to the reduction in property value for buildings with poor energy performance, outdated systems, or non-compliance with emerging regulations. These assets can face higher operating costs, lower buyer & tenant demand, fines for non-compliance, and higher insurance premiums. While many have heard of the well-studied “green premium” where a green certification increases the value of a property, the brown discount is a growing concern to property owners.  Mitigating the brown discount does not require herculean effort or achieving LEED certification; it requires simple & practical updates to building systems & lighting.

Question 6

Do I need to be experienced with sustainability projects to work with SCP?

Accepted Answer

No. We embed technical assistance into every deal—helping you identify retrofits that meet performance and compliance goals without slowing down your project. Our strategic partners know building operations inside and out and are well equipped to right size the energy efficiency projects to your property and needs.

Question 7

Who is SCP’s financing designed for?

Accepted Answer

SCP works with borrowers who are interested in maximizing their cost savings and their property's underlying value. SCP’s mortgages incorporate best in class capital markets execution and technical assistance.

Question 8

Do I need to be experienced with sustainability projects to work with SCP?

Accepted Answer

No. We embed technical assistance into every deal—helping you identify retrofits that meet performance and compliance goals without slowing down your project. Our strategic partners know building operations inside and out and are well equipped to right size the energy efficiency projects to your property and needs.

Question 9

What types of properties does SCP work with?

Accepted Answer

We finance all major asset classes, including office on a selective basis.

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