HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-7-25 Climate Action Commission Agenda PacketIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda
Monday, April 7, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
410 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of March 3, 2025 minutes
4. Announcements/Reports
a. Action items from last meeting
i. Staff will include a report from the CAAP Buildings section (actions to date) in
the agenda packet for the next meeting. Staff will share with commissioners
some possible dates for tours of the Landfill and Compost Facility.
b. Compost facility tour opportunity: Monday, April 21, 3:30 p.m.
i. Limited to five commission members
c. Events
i. Neighborhood Energy Blitz (April 26, 9 a.m.-noon, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Lucas
Elementary School meeting point)
ii. Other events in the community (Commissioners)
d. Update on Comprehensive Plan efforts for Iowa City
5. Old Business
a. Resilience Hub pilot (Tamara Marcus, Empowered Solutions and Audrey Wiedemeier,
Iowa City Bike Library)
6. New Business
a. Review of Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions Plan action items relating to buildings
and discussion of prioritization scoring
7. Public Comment on items not on the agenda
Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 3 minutes. Commissioners shall
not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items.
8. Recap
a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location
i. Monday, May 5, 2025 4-5:30 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall
b. Actionable items for commission and staff
9. Adjourn
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact
Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator, at 319-887-6162 or at sgardner@iowa-city.org. Early requests
are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
MARCH 3 – 4:00 PM – FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Emma Bork, Jamie Gade, Ben Grimm, Zach Haralson, Nadja Krylov, Wim
Murray, Brinda Shetty, Michelle Sillman, Robert Traer
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Anderson, Angie Smith
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Gardner, Diane Platte, Jane Wilch
OTHERS PRESENT: Lizzy Fitzsimmons, Trysten Culler
CALL TO ORDER:
Gade called the meeting to order at 4:00.
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 3, 2025 MINUTES:
Shetty moved to approve the minutes, Murray seconded, and the motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action items from last meeting (staff):
• Staff sent commissioners information by email about whether they may participate in Bur Oak’s
shrub program, whether the MPO uses travel diaries as data collection, and how households are
notified of the utility discount program. The email message was included in March agenda
packet.
Events:
• Earth Expo (1-4 p.m. April 5, Robert A. Lee)
• Neighborhood Energy Blitz (April 26)
• Other events in the community (commissioners)
o Shetty shared information about the Earth Month Hub
(https://sustainability.uiowa.edu/earth-month) offered by the UIowa Office of
Sustainability. Additionally, a 4,000-tree planting project is happening on Arbor Day.
• Recordings of the State of the City Address and Inclusive Transportation discussion posted to
City’s YouTube channel
OLD BUSINESS:
• Call for two volunteers to serve on Climate Action Grants scoring committee
o Krylov and Shetty volunteered to serve. A 2-hour meeting will be scheduled by Bissell.
NEW BUSINESS:
Proposed reusable food container grant
• Gardner summarized the memo from the agenda packet.
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March 2025
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• Shetty asked if the same container would be used for all the businesses that participate.
Gardner clarified that the City would only provide funds; restaurants would get to choose what
containers they buy.
• Krylov asked about food events that the City is involved in, like the Farmers Market, and
whether those vendors would use compostable or reusable containers. Gardner said there was
no program specific to the Farmers Market but participating vendors would be welcome to
apply to the reusble grant program. Krylov asked if the City could incentivize vendors to utilize
reusable containers. Gardner and Wilch described previous efforts and challenges encountered,
noting it is an ongoing process to find solutions.
Discussion of Compost Facility Expansion from Resource Management
• Wilch described the planned expansion of the compost facility with grants from the Iowa DNR
and the EPA. Goal is to increase capacity of the facility, expanding from 15k to 20k tons per year.
Currently in the design stage of the new facility. Construction is projected to begin in the fall.
• Grimm asked about capacity. Wilch explained the expansion would allow more programming to
be added, such as outreach to restaurants, additional curbside customers, etc.
• Sillman asked about compost turners and Wilch described how this new equipment would
speed up the decomposition process.
• Traer asked if UIHC waste is hauled for composting. Shetty answered that UIowa uses
WasteManagement, a third-party hauler, to collect compostable waste. Wilch noted that 10% of
the material currently at the compost facility is food waste; most is yard waste.
• Krylov asked if the finished compost is sold to help fund the program. Wilch explained it is
$20/ton and is available for residential or commercial landscaping use.
Discussion of Environmental Management System (EMS) Objectives and Targets from Resource
Management
• Every landfill in Iowa is required to participate in comprehensive planning. One option to fulfill
that requirement is to opt into the Environmental Management System (EMS) program, which is
focused on continuous environmental improvement, and is managed by a core team of city
staff.
• EMS goals (“Objectives”) are identified for six categories for the landfill:
o Hazardous Material Objective and Target for Iowa City is related to medical sharps
containment
o Organics Management Objective and Target for Iowa City is related to the compost
facility
o Water Objective and Target for Iowa City is to spread leaves over the landfill
o Greenhouse Gas Objective and Target for Iowa City is to reduce transportation
emissions related to cardboard transport by installing a cardboard compactor at the
Sturgis Ferry recycling center
o Recycling Services Objective and Target for Iowa City is to divert more roof shingles
away from the landfill
o Environmental Education Objective and Target for Iowa City is related to proper disposal
of e-bike and electric scooters batteries
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March 2025
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• Each objective gets a metric (“Target”) attached to it. Depending on the selected objective and
target, the timeline for achieving the target can be set for a single year, multi-year, or ongoing.
• Wilch shared an example EMS Objectives and Targets sheet and explained the different
components.
o “Aspects and Impacts” is a list of priority topics that guide the future drafting of the next
year’s Objectives and Targets. Every spring staff scores the list of Aspects and Impacts to
identify what is a priority and where programming might be needed.
o EMS offers many check-ins, including an annual report, internal audit and an external
audit to gauge progress.
• Commissioners asked questions about the roof shingle recycling program and related
construction and demolition materials recycling programs. Wilch shared that they work with LL
Pelling to turn the shingles into a road surfacing product.
• Haralson asked about opportunities to pull demolition and construction material diversion into
the regional climate planning process. Wilch shared there are regional conversations taking
place between area landfills around that and compost expansion.
• Krylov asked about the impact of current federal funding uncertainty on the program. Wilch said
it was difficult to estimate because at the moment the funding is just paused but not eliminated,
but staff are considering possible alternative options should the funding be rescinded. Wilch
noted Resource Management has the $100,000 commitment for the compost turner from the
Iowa DNR regardless of any federal funding uncertainty.
• Gardner outlined a potential process going forward in which the Commission and staff could
work together to identify one objective for each section of the Climate Action Plan and could
then set a related target to track over the course of a fiscal year. She noted they could use a
simplified format of the EMS sheet Jane shared. Staff could help identify is a baseline number to
track against or see if there might be a working alternative where a baseline does not exist.
• Gardner suggested they could begin with the Buildings section, and could start by identifying top
priorities in that section to help narrow down the possibilities as to what might make for a good
Objective and Target. After that they could move on to the Transportation section. She
suggested leaving aside Waste, as that is already covered through Resource Management’s own
EMS process. After that they could take a look at Sustainable Lifestyle and decide if they want to
have a metric attached to that, or if it would make sense to circle back to the earlier categories
and add a second Objective and Target given that the Buildings and Transportation sections are
where the real greenhouse gas reduction possibilities are.
• Commissioners asked questions about how metrics would be developed. Traer asked if it would
make sense to base objectives on things already being measured or identify things that should
be measured but currently are not. Gardner suggested it could be either, noting some things are
measured by staff currently because there hasn’t been an opportunity to do so or another entity
is measuring it, while other things aren’t measured because it would be very difficult to do so.
She encouraged the Commission to think broadly about the possibilities and said staff can then
investigate what might be possible. She noted the value of the EMS process is that it provides
guidance to articulate what can be measured by also what is it we are trying to achieve in
measuring it. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to measure something but to drive progress on
the city’s climate action goals.
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March 2025
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• Sillman asked if the process was to identify desired outcomes and work back to set the target,
and Gardner confirmed that is an approach they can take. Wilch said the process is designed to
drive continual improvement and show how that was achieved. She confirmed that they often
change measurements from year to year. Gardner shared that this could be the process for
future Commissions, to determine whether they want to continue a prior measurement to
continue working in that direction or whether, having initiated an action by setting the
measurement, they want to then set a new measurement to drive new efforts.
• Krylov asked if the goal would be to measure the thing that has the biggest climate change
impact or measure the thing that is easiest to measure. Gardner clarified that the measures
should be things connected to Iowa City’s Climate Action Plan, but beyond that it could be either
something that has a big impact or is easily measurable. Wilch noted that under the EMS
framework, once and Objective and Target is set, it can then be further broken down into and
organized structure of action items to help achieve the desired outcome.
• Wilch described a process used by Resource Management to score different possible objectives,
in which each is assigned a score based on how much control or ability there is to achieve the
outcome, how much impact the outcome would have, and whether it would cost or save
money. Scores are averaged together from staff members with a variety of perspectives and
expertise to narrow the field of possible objectives and targets. Gardner offered one possible
way to proceed, if the Commission desired it, would be to identify priority areas first and then
staff could try scoring the possible actions and bring those scores back to the Commission to
help pinpoint the desired objectives. She also noted another possibility, in which the
Commission identifies an objective based on an item in the plan that has not had much traction
as a way of trying to move that item forward.
• Sillman shared that EMS seemed like an interesting process that provided a systematic way of
approaching potentially daunting tasks, and going through the process could be informative.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
• None
RECAP:
Confirmation of next meeting time and location:
• Monday, April 7, 4-5:30 p.m. Emma J. Harvat Hall
Actionable items for commission and staff:
• Staff will include a report from the CAAP Buildings section (actions to date) in the agenda packet
for the next meeting. Staff will share with commissioners some possible dates for tours of the
Landfill and Compost Facility.
ADJOURNMENT:
Sillman moved to adjourn, Traer seconded, and the motion carried. Meeting adjourned 5:19.
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March 2025
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5
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2024-25
NAME
TERM EXP.
4/
1
/
2
4
5/
6
/
2
4
6/
3
/
2
4
8/
5
/
2
4
9/
8
/
2
4
10
/
7
/
2
4
11
/
1
8
/
2
4
12
/
2
/
2
4
1/
6
/
2
5
2/
3
/
2
5
3/
3
/
2
5
Michael
Anderson
12/31/2025 O/
E
O/E X O/E X X X X X X O/E
Emma Bork 12/31/2026 O/E X X
Michal Eynon-
Lynch
12/31/2024 X X X O/E X X X X * * *
John Fraser 12/31/2024 X O/E X X X X O/E O/E * * *
Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X
Ben Grimm 10/31/2026 X X O/E O/E X X X X X O/E X
Zach Haralson 12/31/2025 X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X
Nadja Krylov 12/31/2026 X O/E X
Wim Murray MidAmerican
Rep
X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X
Michelle Sillman 12/31/20025 X O/E X X X O/E X X X X X
Brinda Shetty UI Rep X X X O/E X X X X X X X
Angie Smith 12/31/2025 X X X X X O/E X X X X O/E
Gabe Sturdevant 12/31/2024 X X O/E X X X O/E X * * *
Robert Traer 12/31/2026 X X X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
0/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No Meeting
* No longer on Commission
From:Sarah Gardner
To:Jane Wilch; Sarah Gardner
Bcc:Angie Smith; Ben Grimm; Brinda Shetty; Jamie Gade; Michael Anderson; Michelle Sillman; Nadja Krylov; Robert
Traer (rtraer@gmail.com); Wim Murray; Zach Haralson
Subject:CORRECTION RE: Follow up on March 3 meeting, preparation for April 7 meeting
Date:Thursday, March 27, 2025 8:04:00 AM
Attachments:image007.png
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Apologies, folks, the date of the tour is April 21 at 3:30. Corrected below. Thanks to Michelle
for catching the error and sorry for any confusion. End of the day emailing, always so prone to
mistakes!
Sarah J. Gardner, AICP
Climate Action Coordinator, Iowa City
From: Sarah Gardner
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 4:45 PM
To: Sarah Gardner <SGardner@iowa-city.org>; Jane Wilch <JWilch@iowa-city.org>
Subject: Follow up on March 3 meeting, preparation for April 7 meeting
Hello, commission members!
Per our last discussion, we have been working to set up a tour of our composting operations
for any of you who might want to get a more up close and detailed understanding of it. We
have identified Monday, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. as a potential date on which Jane could conduct
the tour. We will need to cap participation to 5 members and as a best practice we will not
discuss any Commission business on the tour (which just leaves more time for composting
questions). I’ll be there to assist with this. To that end, a couple follow-up items for you:
If you are interested and able to participate in the tour on April 21, send me an email
letting me know
If you are interested but April 21 does not work for you, let me know that as well
We’ll allot slots on a first come, first served basis, and if we have more than five people
interested in the tour, we’ll set up a second date to get everyone accommodated.
Second, attached you will find the promised summary of all of our efforts on the action item
from the Buildings section of the Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions Plan. It took a bit of
work, but I think you’ll agree this format is much more readable than the spreadsheet we had
been working from! I’m also attaching the scoring sheet we’ll be using in the meeting to
help determine the top tier, second tier, and third tier rankings for the action items. The
intention is to replace the current “Status” listed under each (which are almost all “long
term/ongoing”) with something that is a little more descriptive and provides some guidance as
to what that long term effort looks like. Essentially, we’re asking you to help us identify which
action items you think should be prioritized to grow, which to maintain, and which to keep an
eye on as opportunities arise.
We’ll go over this all in more detail at the meeting and I will bring printed copies of both
the summary and the score sheet for you all to use, but I wanted to send them a little in
advance so that if anyone wanted to spend a bit of time going over the items and jotting
down question to ask or preliminary scores, you have a chance to do so. We’ll go through
them each one by one to answer any questions at the meeting before asking you to assign a
final score, and then we’ll collect the completed score sheets at the end to average the scores
together and bring back to you. As I said, nothing you have to work on in advance, I just wanted
you to have the chance to see it all a bit early as I know it is a lot to take in.
Feel free to reach out to me individually with any questions – as a reminder, due to open
meetings law, it is advised you do not respond to this email using “reply all.” A copy of this
email and the attachments will be included in the next agenda packet.
Sarah J. Gardner (she/her)
Climate Action Coordinator
p:319-887-6162
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
ICgov.org/ClimateAction
WWW.ICGOV.ORG
Iowa City Transit is now FARE
FREE!
Learn more at ICGOV.ORG/FAREFREE
ACCELERATING IOWA CITY’S CLIMATE ACTIONS PLAN, PROGRESS 2020-TO DATE
BUILDINGS
EDUCATION ACTION ITEMS
BE-1: PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE TIPS TO THE PUBLIC
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
20200F
1: Launched programmable thermostat promotion. Launched “Smart Series” webinars in
partnership with the Iowa City Area Business Partnership (ICABP) featuring green initiatives by local
businesses.
2021: Conducted first Neighborhood Energy Blitz in the South District, delivering energy saving kits
and tips to 1200 households.
2022: Developed video featuring Deerfield Commons insulation project. Set up demonstration of
blower door test for the public at Public Works Open House and distributed energy saving kits at
the event. Launched Goldie "What R You" campaign with ads placed in utility inserts, print
publications, electronic billboards in City Hall and Senior Center, and on local radio stations.
2023: Included worksheet on maximizing household energy efficiency IRA benefits in
communitywide mailer and in Energy Blitz Kits. Energy efficiency upgrades incentivized by the IRA
highlighted at community presentations throughout the year.
2024: Collaborated with Midwest Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative to host a contractor
engagement event in April. Launched "Get Pumped" heat pump information campaign. Hosted
"Level Up Your Climate Action Plan" household electrification event and induction cooktop
demonstration held as part of Climate Fest.
BE-2: PARTNER WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO PROMOTE GREEN BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: Initiated conversations with Homebuilders Association (HBA) about potential partnerships.
Partnered with HBA and a local builder in the Parade of Homes on an AeroBarrier sealing
demonstration project and on a Student Build rehab project for the Remodelers Parade. Held
Smart Series webinar on green buildings in partnership with ICABP. Began research into Green
Building Performance Standards.
1 Throughout this report, “2020” is used to indicate new efforts initiated in 2020, while “2020
baseline” indicates relevant ongoing efforts that were continued into 2020.
2022: Held Cold Climate Heat Pump webinar for area HVAC contractors. Funded two window
rehab workshops in partnership with Public Space One. Sponsored three city building inspectors to
attend Iowa Energy Efficiency conference in Des Moines. Dedicated $435K of ARPA funding to a
Quality Preapprecticeship Pogram that includes energy efficiency and solar installation
apprenticeships in partnership with the UI Labor Center. Climate Action staff presented to Historic
Preservation Commission on climate action goals and potential alignment with rehab strategies.
2023: Student-Built Home program launch in collaboration with Iowa City Community School
District (ICCSD), The Housing Fellowship (THF), HBA, and C-Wise with an emphasis on energy
efficient building practices. Climate Action staff presentation on HERS ratings program and
incentives to HBA, Greater IC.
2024: Launched Home Energy Rating System (HERS) incentive program. Funded HERS ratings for
Iowa City Parade of Homes entries and recognized best scoring home with an award at the Builders
Breakfast. First Student-Built Home completed and certified as LEED Gold. Submitted Community
Change Grant application in collaboration with The Housing Fellowship to support comprehensive
energy efficiency upgrades and solar installations in affordable housing units and public housing.
2025: Second Student-Built Home project underway. Continue HERS incentive program and
partnership to promote it through the Parade of Homes.
BE-3: ENCOURAGE THE LOCAL REALTOR COMMUNITY TO INCLUDE ENERGY
PERFORMANCE IN THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICES (MLS) PROPERTY INVENTORY
STATUS: COMPLETED
2022: Sponsored five Iowa City Area Association of Realtors (ICAAR) members to attend two-day
Green Designation training on energy efficiency features in homes and how to market energy
performance to homebuyers. ICAAR confirms energy performance fields will be included in MLS
Property Inventory starting in 2023.
2023: Contracted with Elevate Energy to provide Green Designations training to all interested
realtors through ICAAR. Climate Action staff give follow up presentations with local real estate
agencies.
2024: ICAAR contracted with Elevate trainer to return and conduct a "Build Your Business with
High-Performing Homes" workshop for area realtors. Climate Action staff encourage builders
participating in HERS rating program to connect with trained area realtors to use HERS certificates
in selling the home. Climate Action staff present on Iowa City's realtor engagement efforts on
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance webinar.
2025: Collaborating with ICAAR to host Lunch and Learn for area realtors on HERS ratings process
and incentive program.
BE-4: EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ON ENERGY USAGE FOR WATER TREATMENT AND
DELIVERY
STATUS: LONG-TERM/ONGOING
2021: Focused on electricity costs for water treatment in Climate Action newsletter “By the
Numbers”, highlighting that $6 out of every $10 spent on electricity by the City is spent on water
treatment.
2022: Offered tour of water treatment facility for Climate Ambassadors.
2023: Launched Local Water = Local Food campaign. Conducted outreach through Climate Action
booth at Waterworks Open House.
2024: Updated water conservation handouts in collaboration with Revenue staff. Conducted
outrach through Climate Action booth at Wastewater Treatment Plant Open House.
BE-5: INCORPORATE AN EDUCATION COMPONENT INTO FUTURE SOLAR
INSTALLATIONS ON CITY PROPERTIES OR FACILITIES
STATUS: LONG-TERM/ONGOING
2023: Established online solar dashboard for Public Works array to provide publicly available real
time data on system output.
2024: Created digital signage for airport lobby with information related to airport solar array. Ribbon
cutting included speeches on benefits of solar.
INCENTIVE ACTION ITEMS
BI-1: OFFER FREE HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENTS THROUGH GREEN IOWA
AMERICORPS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: During COVID-19 pandemic, weatherization kits distributed to interested households instead
of conducting home energy audits. Host site fee = $8000 for 5 full time AmeriCorps members.
2021: Resumed in-home Energy Audits; AmeriCorps perform audits daily to meet demand/help
with backlog. Host site fee = $8000 for 5 full time AmeriCorps members and 2 summer members.
2022: Performed 109 audits (‘21-‘22 term). Host site fees = $10,000 for 5 full time AmeriCorps
members and 2 summer members.
2023: Established agreement with Johnson County to co-sponsor 2024 team to expand program
reach. Team performed 138 audits (’22-’23 term). Host site fees=$20,000 for 4 three-quarter time
members, one sponsored by the County, and 2 summer members. Submitted letter of support to
the State advocating for the continuation of the Commission on Volunteer Service, a federal
requirement to maintain an AmeriCorps program.
2024: Extended collaboration with Johnson County another year. Team performed 130 audits (’23-
’24 term). Host site fees = $20,000 for 4 three-quarter time members, one sponsored by the
County, and no summer members.
2025: Ford Lightning pickup on order for GIA team to support continued audits in wider service
area.
BI-2: ENHANCE ENERGY STANDARDS FOR CITY REHABILITATION PROJECTS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020 baseline: Established energy efficiency guidelines for City rehab projects; all rehab
participants receive energy audits.
2020: Developed improvement priorities in collaboration with Housing and Neighborhood
Development staff and a process for continued partnership on increasing the energy efficiency of
homes rehabbed through the South District Homeownership Program (SDHP).
2021: Installed heat pump mini splits in two SDHP homes and upgraded electrical panel in 14
others to support future electrical appliance upgrades.
2022: Sold first rehab property in South District Homeownership Program featuring climate action
contributions (solar panels, heat pump HVAC and water heater, Energy Star kitchen appliances,
insulation, and native plantings) to an income-qualified Iowa City resident.
2023: Sold second SDHP property featuring climate action contributions.
2024-2025: Continued collaboration between Climate Action and Housing Rehab staff to replace
furnaces with heat pumps and increase insulation in City-owned properties.
BI-3: COORDINATE NEIGHBORHOOD ENERGY BLITZ EVENTS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: Launched first Energy Blitz event in April. Worked with South District Neighborhood
Association; target of 50 volunteers and 1200 homes reached.
2022: Deployed second Energy Blitz in collaboration with Lucas Farms Neighborhood Association
in April; target of 50 volunteers and 950 homes reached.
2023: Deployed third Energy Blitz in Creekside and part of Morningside-Glendale neighborhoods in
April; target of 50 volunteers and 833 households reached. Piloted “Mini-Blitz” in June for remaining
Morningside-Glendale homes; target of 200 additional homes reached.
2024: Deployed fourth Energy Blitz in Washington Hills neighborhood in April; target of 50
volunteers and 715 households reached. Mini-Blitz held in Lake Ridge manufactured home park in
August in collaboration with Johnson County; target of 50 homes reached.
2025: Fifth Energy Blitz planned for half of Eastside neighborhood in April; target of 50 volunteers
and 815 homes.
BI-4: LAUNCH A TIF-FUNDED CLIMATE ACTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM AIMED AT
REDUCING INDUSTRIAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: Council approved Urban Renewal Area amendments for Heinz/Sycamore/Scott Six URA and
Downtown/Riverfront Crossings to enable TIF Incentive Program in these areas.
2021: Launched Heinz/SYC/Scott Six Industrial TIF Energy Efficiency Matching Grant Pilot Program,
providing 50/50 matching grants up to $250,000. Eight projects approved:
• Adamantine Spine: solar array
• Alpla: chiller/cooler replacements and LED lighting upgrade
• Earl May: solar array
• First Avenue Mini-Mall: solar array and LED lighting upgrade
• Iowa City Storage: solar array and LED lighting upgrade
• Lasansky: window replacement and HVAC efficiency upgrade
• Old Capitol Foods: HVAC replacement
• P&G/Oral B: high efficiency air compressor
Second Commerical Energy Efficiency Improvement Matching Grant Program launched in
Downtown, Riverfront Crossings, and Northside Marketplace providing 50/50 matching grants.
2022: Two applications approved in Industrial Area Grant Program, two in Downtown EE Grant
Program:
• Reunion Brewery: solar array
• UNFI: LED lighting upgrade
• Neumann Monson: mechanical and electrical system upgrades
• Graduate hotel: high efficiency cooling tower
2023: Three downtown TIF grants approved:
• Bluebird Diner: HVAC upgrade, windows, and LED fixtures
• Hamburg 2: HVAC upgrade
• ICON Arts Academy: LED lighting and occupancy sensors, heat pump HVAC system
TIF districts expire in industrial zones in June, concluding the program for those that area.
2024: Proposed expansion of TIF incentives for both new and existing construction brought to
Council to cover all current and future Urban Renewal Areas, including those previously not
included in program: Riverside Drive, Towncrest, and Highway 6 Commercial District
BI-5: DEVELOP OR PARTNER WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS ON A COMPREHENSIVE
CLIMATE ACTION REHABILITATION PROGRAM
STATUS: NOT STARTED
2020 baseline: Conversations about concept with community partners reveals interest in
supporting skills/job training program.
2021: Partnered with Neighborhood Services and Kirkwood Community College on “Woman Build”
skill building program. Partnered with Neighborhood Services, ICCSD, and Climate Action staff on
Student Build remodel/energy efficiency rehab project.
Note: Staff recommend reevaluating this action item in light of Kirkwood closure, IRA incentives,
and other recent developments, possibly benchmarking other programs such as Cedar Rapids
Transform Week
BI-6: CONSIDER A BUILDING PERMIT FEE REBATE PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED ENERGY
STANDARDS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2022: Met with Neighborhood Development Services to discuss potential requirements, costs, and
means to offset loss of permit fees. General disinterest in a fee rebate noted among builders,
realtors, and NDS staff.
2023: Continued discussions with NDS on alternatives, including structuring as a grant rather than
fee rebate and pairing it with HERS score for independent verification. Discussion with HBA to
partner on promoting HERS grant through Parade of Homes.
2024: Launched HERS incentive program offering $1800 grants to builders who achieve a score of
52 or better. Eight HERS grants awarded during first 6 months of program, including two for
multifamily dwellings and two for repeat applicants. Best scoring Parade builder recognized during
Parade of Homes and best scoring builder overall recognized at December City Council meeting.
2025: HERS incentive program continues with increased participation anticipated. One award
given in February, one in March, and four on track for April. Once again partnering with HBA
renewed to fund HERS scores for all Iowa City parade homes and award for best scoring HBA
builder at Builders Breakfast.
Note: Staff recommend renaming this action item to reflect evolution into HERS incentive program.
BI-7: INITIATE A NET-ZERO HOUSE DESIGN COMPETITION
STATUS: DEFERRED
2020 baseline: Conceptual conversations include establishing a student and professional
category and possibility of a modified category for retrofit/remodel at lower energy savings.
2022: Supported local entries in a design competition for high school students in collaboration with
HBA and ICCSD.
Note: Ongoing conversations with local architects suggest net zero home designs already exist and
local competition is unlikely to accomplish other goals related to adoption of such designs; other
conversations with NDS staff about previous program to offer “open source” blueprints for any
builder to use got little traction as local builders prefer to use their own signature designs as part of
their brand strategy.
BI-8 : COMPLETE A NET-ZERO DEMONSTRATION REHABILITATION PROJECT
STATUS: UNDERWAY
2020: Collaborated with C-WISE on a video featuring a local LEED Platinum residence as a
demonstration of a lot redeveloped with a design that approaches a net-zero energy profile.
2021: Collaborated on two SDHP demonstration projects, one featured in the Remodeler's Parade,
intended also to serve as a test case toward net-zero rehabilitation. Work included walls, floor, and
attic rehab, new windows and doors, heat pump HVAC and water heater, and rooftop solar arrays.
Combined, these projects achieved significant cost savings but did not achieve a net zero energy
profile. The size of the rooftop proved to be a limiting factor in the amount of energy that could be
generated on site, while further insulation measures in the basement proved out of scope for the
budget (which was doubled over typical projects).
Note on lessons learned: Subsequent staff investigations into successful net zero rehabilitation
projects in other cities reveals they generally simulate new construction conditions. Consensus
among local rehab builders consulted by staff suggests the same, requiring buildings to be torn
down to the studs to achieve the necessary efficiency gains. Staff recommend reevaluating this
action item in conjunction with BI-5 to better define a scope a focus for rehabilitation efforts.
BI-9: LAUNCH AN ELECTRIFICATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020 baseline: MidAmerican offers select rebate options. Iowa City offers energy efficiency loan
program for HVAC and insulation projects (GRIP loans).
2021: Piloted a Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program as a supplemental grant program for
electrification/energy efficiency improvements for households participating in the existing NDS
rehab loan programs.
2022: Awarded a Climate Action Grant to Habitat for Humanity to support a Women's Build
Electrification Project. Awarded a Climate Action Grant to Prairie Kitchen Store to replace gas
water heater with electric heat pump unit.
2024: Launched Whole Home Energy Retrofit Grant Program. Applications received from landlords
and properties are selected for Whole Home pilot program participation.
BI-10: INCENTIVIZE ENERGY ENHANCEMENTS AND BUILDING RE- AND RETRO-
COMMISSIONING FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE ENERGY BENCHMARKING PROGRAM
STATUS: NOT STARTED
See BR-4
REGULATION ACTION ITEMS
BR-1: CREATE A MORE ROBUST ENERGY CODE INSPECTION PROGRAM
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020 baseline: City Council provided budget authority for addition of inspector to enable expanded
workload.
2021: New inspectors hired.
2022: Building code inspectors receive training and certification for energy code inspections,
attending an Iowa Energy Office seminar in March as a department.
BR-2: INCORPORATE STRICTER ENERGY STANDARDS INTO TIF FINANCING POLICIES
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020 baseline: Addressed administratively through the development process (standards not
codified). For example, elements of recent development proposals have included LEED Silver
standard build (min. of 8 points from energy category), rooftop solar, low flow fixtures, and
stormwater improvements.
2024: TIF Policy reviewed and updated by City Council, with provisions added allowing for
accounting of embodied carbon and alternate third-party verification pathways. Retained LEED
Silver as the baseline for new construction, while upgrades to existing structures allowed to draw
from LEED Silver requirements.
BR-3: INCORPORATE STRICT ENERGY STANDARDS INTO HEIGHT AND DENSITY
BONUSES
STATUS: COMPLETED
2020 baseline: Application of the height density bonus is discretionary, and staff instructed to
require energy efficiency measures as a category for height bonuses. These provisions closely
mirror the existing TIF standards. Staff requires stricter standards administratively until the Code is
amended.
2022: Code updates recommended to include density bonuses and parking reductions for building
to 2022 Energy Code and/or full electrification in new construction.
2023: Recommended code amendments related to density bonuses approved by City Council; see
also BR-6.
BR-4: INITIATE ENERGY BENCHMARKING REQUIREMENTS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONG OING
2022: Researched energy benchmarking programs, looking at other communities and conducting a
basic analysis of building footprints in Iowa City.
2023: Established a Climate Action Commission working group to provide a recommendation to
City Council on this topic while tracking HF 605, a bill that would prohibit cities from establishing
benchmarking/building performance requirements. Working group recommended a pilot program
with voluntary participation, which is launched late in the year with participation from a church and
restaurant. Previous TIF awardees are invited to participate as well.
2024: Pilot benchmarking program continues with limited participation. Staff establish
participation in benchmarking as a requirement for future TIF awardees.
Note: Staff recommend reevaluating this item as to whether to continue to pursue requirements
broadly or continue a more targeted effort tied to participation in financial incentive programs.
BR-5: DEVELOP CLIMATE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EXISTING AND FUTURE
RENTAL PERMITS
STATUS: NOT STARTED
2020: Climate Action Commission consults with Housing Inspection Services staff, which
identifies a significant barrier in triggering state preemption for requirements that do not have a
clear and explicit health & safety connection.
Note: Staff recommend reevaluating this item with two potential reconfigurations: a recognition
program for landlords undertaking significant voluntary climate action efforts on their properties
and/or reassigning this action item to adaptation with an intent to identify requirements to pursue
with a health & safety connection, i.e. requiring air conditioning in rental properties in light of
increasing high heat days.
BR-6: ASSESS AND UPDATE CITY ZONING CODES FOR SOLAR
R EADINESS/FRIENDLINESS
STATUS: COMPLETED
CITY POLICY ACTION ITEMS
BCP-1: ADVOCATE FOR STATE ADOPTION OF ADVANCED ENERGY CODES
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
2021: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
2022: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
2023: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
2024: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
Note: Current state code is the 2012 IECC code. Although the City continues to advocate for
adoption of a more recent IECC code, there has been little traction on this issue at the state level.
BCP-2: ADVOCATE FOR AGGRESSIVE ENERGY CODE DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: See note under BCP-1 regarding state adoption; City staff began early discussions with HBA
on potential for voluntary elevation of energy efficient building standards.
2022: Sponsored three Building Inspectors to attend IAEE Energy Summit to help identify
opportunities for engagement and voluntary adoption on the local level.
2024: Launched HERS incentive program, which requires buildings to be 20% more efficient than
current 2012 code requirements. (see BI-6)
PUBLIC PROJECTS
BPP-1: SOLAR OR BATTERY STORAGE PARTNERSHIP WITH MIDAMERICAN ENERGY
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: City Council voted not to proceed with proposed project at Waterworks Prairie Park. Johnson
Clean Energy District granted funds to convene stakeholders and collaborate with staff on a solar
feasibility report.
2022: Solar feasibility report completed. Potential follow-up priorities identified in CAC working
group, memo sent to Council, and Climate Action Plan amended to add BE-5 and update BP-1 to
include addition of battery storage, along with reaffirmation of BP-4.
2024: Initiated conversation with Eastern Iowa Light & Power about solar installation to power
wastewater treatment operations.
BPP-2: NET-ZERO PUBLIC HOUSING
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2023: Designed pilot program offering grants for energy efficiency upgrades to single-family rental
properties tied to landlord agreement to accept housing choice vouchers to launch in January.
2024: Funding support given to Housing Trust Fund student build project designed to achieve Gold
Platinum certification. Connected with Habitat for Humanity network with a request for example
projects to benchmark; discuss potential collaboration with Housing Authority and possible HUD
funding that might apply. BE-2 item regarding Community Change Grant application.
BPP-3: MUNICIPAL BUILDING EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRIFICATION
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020 baseline: The City has been undertaking a full upgrade from HID to LED lighting on all parking
ramp top decks, with 10 completed already on the Court St. Ramp and 31 more are planned for
replacement at the Dubuque, Capitol, and Swan ramps.
2022: Completed LED lighting retrofit for Waterworks facility.
2023: Upgraded airport and fire station HID lights to LEDs; Facilities management and climate staff
establish quarterly meetings with MidAmerican Energy and Nexant to review upcoming facilities
projects and identify energy efficiency opportunities. LED lighting installed at Mercer Park ball field
#1 and parking areas; GHG inventory of municipal facilities and operations initiated.
2024: Met with MidAm to discuss lighting retrofit for PD, Fire Station 1, and HVAC automation for
Senior Center projects. Municipal GHG inventory completed. Climate Action staff consulted on
mechanical system design for new City Park Pool and recommend heat pump systems for bath
house. Insulation added to City Hall as part of roof rehab project; LED retrofit of third floor
commences in December.
2025: USGBC consults with staff on including Public Works facility in LEED Core Concepts
textbook as a LEED Gold case study.
Note: Possible next steps for electrification include possibility of EV charging at public parks with
dedicated parking lots (Mercer, Terry Trueblood, City Park, Riverfront Crossings, Willow Creek,
Scott Park)
BPP-4: ADVOCATE FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO ENABLE SUBSCRIPTION-
BASED COMMUNITY SOLAR
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
2022: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
2023: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities. Climate Action Staff met with state
Energy Office to discuss Solar for All community solar application and barriers to implementation
under current MidAm tariffs.
2024: Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities.
2025: Monitoring progress of HSB 81 (renamed HF 404, amended to H-1095) and SF 267, both of
which would enable net metering/community solar.
BUILDINGS PRIORITIZATION SCORING SHEET
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSIONER
(name)
SCORING INDICATORS (USE WHOLE NUMBERS ONLY)
1 = Monitor and explore opportunities as they arise
3 = Maintain current efforts and have strategies in place to react to new opportunities
5 = Top priority: Grow efforts in this area and actively seek new opportunities
ACTION ITEMS
Number Item Notes Score
BE-1 Promote energy efficiency and
performance tips to the public
BE-2 Partner with stakeholders to
promote green building
construction
BE-3 Encourage the local realtor
community to include energy
performance in the MLS property
inventory
BE-4 Educate the community on energy
usage for water treatment and
delivery
BE-5 Incorporate an education
component into future solar
installations on city properties or
facilities
BI-1 Offer free home energy
assessments through Green Iowa
AmeriCorps
BI-2 Enhance energy standards for city
rehabilitation projects
BI-3 Coordinate neighborhood energy
blitz events
BI-4 Launch a TIF-funded climate action
incentive program aimed at
reducing industrial energy
consumption
BI-5 Develop or partner with local
stakeholders on a comprehensive
climate action rehabilitation
program
BI-6 Consider a building permit fee
rebate program for enhanced energy
standard
BI-7 Initiate a net-zero house design
competition
BI-8 Complete a net-zero demonstration
rehabilitation project
BI-9 Launch an electrification incentive
program
BI-10 Incentivize energy enhancements
and building re- and retro-
commissioning for participants in
the energy benchmarking program
BR-1 Create a more robust energy code
inspection program
BR-2 Incorporate stricter energy
standards into TIF financing policies
BR-3 Incorporate strict energy standards
into height and density bonuses
BR-4 Initiate energy benchmarking
requirements
BR-5 Develop climate action
requirements for all existing and
future rental permits
BR-6 Assess and update city zoning
codes for solar
readiness/friendliness
BCP-1 Advocate for state adoption of
advanced energy codes
BCP-2 Advocate for aggressive energy code
development and adoption
BPP-3 Solar or battery partnership with
MidAmerican Energy
BPP-2 Net-zero public housing
BPP-3 Municipal building efficiency and
electrification
BPP-4 Advocate for state legislative
changes to enable subscription-
based community solar