HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinal Climate Action Annual Report 2020Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
2020 ANNUAL UPDATE
With robust climate action goals set in August 2019, the creation of a Climate Action Commission, the
adoption of accelerated climate actions earlier this year, and the addition of a Climate Action
Engagement Specialist to the staff, the City has carried out a series of climate actions in the form
of education, incentives, regulation, City policy, and specific projects in these key areas:
See climate metrics and more on the back page a
ADAPTATION
u The City planted prairies and native
plants at its properties and some of its
parks, promoting a diverse ecosystem.
u The City planted a total of 400 trees this last
year, more than doubling the previous year’s
total, and launched Root for Trees to help fund trees on
residential properties.
u The City awarded more than 200 Stormwater Best
Management Practices (BMP) Grants last year.
TRANSPORTATION
u The Iowa City Area Transit Study shared
a draft proposal in October 2020 for
system improvements incorporating
community input and best practices.
u A $3 million grant from the U.S.
Department of Transportation will allow
the City to purchase and/or lease new electric buses.
u The spring 2020 addition of an electric vehicle (EV)
charging station in the Tower Place parking ramp
increased the total number of public EV charging
stations in City ramps to six.
u Iowa City and five partner communities in eastern Iowa
received an Electric Vehicle Readiness Grant from the
Iowa Economic Development Authority to prepare a
plan for the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
u The City revised its fleet policy to include provisions
stating a preference for electric vehicle and alternative
fuel equipment. The City’s idling reduction policy
outcomes are being tracked for future reporting.
u The City applied for Gold Status as a Bicycle Friendly
Community from the League of American Bicyclists and
will be notified if awarded in 2021.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
u Iowa City and two partner cities in the
Midwest received a grant to develop tools
to assess and measure carbon drawdown
efforts, such as increasing tree canopy and composting.
u More than 3,300 tons of material were recycled through
the City’s curbside organics program, a 50% increase
from the previous year.
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE
u Iowa City held its first virtual Climate
Festival in September 2020, where
the City shared information about electric
vehicles, meatless meals, and local green buildings.
u Five Iowa City businesses received Climate Action at
Work Awards from the City in September 2020, when
the program debuted.
u Community Climate Action Grants were awarded in
spring 2020 to eight local entities.
u The City held its first Climate Expo in November 2019 to
update the community on climate initiatives.
BUILDINGS
u The City’s housing rehab program
continues to focus on energy efficiency,
through projects like the solar panel
installation on a Sandusky Street home, with
low-interest loans and grants.
u Green Iowa AmeriCorps continues to improve home
energy efficiency by providing free energy audits and free
weatherizations to community members.
u Applicants from three Iowa City urban renewal areas are
eligible for up to a 50% match on energy efficiency
projects, thanks to tax increment financing.
u The City’s new Public Works Facility won an energy
efficiency award for its many construction innovations.
2019 Community-Wide Emissions
(metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted)
Iowa City Climate Actions Goals
For more detailed information about the City’s progress on climate
action and adaptation goals: https://bit.ly/3eAB7qz
Coming soon:
u Revamped Iowa City transit services
u Electric vehicle readiness plan
u Exploration of projects to capture methane at City Landfill and Wastewater
Treatment facilities
45%
reduction in
greenhouse
gas emissions
by 2030
NET ZERO
emissions by 2050
Iowa City Community CO2e Totals by Sector