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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 Annual Update FINALClimate Action & Adaptation Plan 2022 ANNUAL UPDATE Community-Wide Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) Emissions by Sector: 2021 Community-Wide Emissions by Source (Metric Tonnes CO2e): Buildings 78% Transportation 19% Waste 3% Increase in residential energy usage* 2.5% MidAmerican Renewable Energy (as percentage of retail sales): 11.1% Increase in trans- portation emissions* 4.2% Increase in industrial energy usage* *over 2020 levels Continued action is needed in several key areas: Iowa City established a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Staff were charged with creating the Accelerating Iowa City’s Action Plan to identify a path toward achieving these emission reduction goals. City staff and community partners work together to implement climate actions addressing buildings and energy, transportation, waste, adaptation, and sustainable lifestyle through three key strategies (equity, outreach, and action): Equity Climate Action & Adaptation Plan 2022 Annual Update Home resilience starter packs were distributed at the Public Works Open House. Cooling bandanas were distributed at Iowa City Free Lunch Program and Lucas Farms History Days to help individuals cope with extreme heat events. A Climate Action Grant for the Deerfield Commons Homeowners Association raised the R-value of the attic insulation in 22 units from R0 to R30, increasing comfort, addressing structural damage, and lowering energy costs for residents. A Climate Action Grant for Habitat for Humanity will fund energy efficiency features at the Jane Hagedorn Women Build home. Outreach Action (Highlights) The “Speaking Of…” series reached 247 total participants and addressed topics such as food waste, greenwashing, wishful recycling, summer energy use, reasons for hope, and more. The Green Iowa AmeriCorps team completed audits in 112 households and engaged 179 volunteers in environmental work. The Climate Action & Outreach Office worked to foster regional collaboration through working groups such as the Eastern Iowa EV Readiness cohort. Visit www.icgov.org/ClimateAction for details on additional accomplishments and a look ahead at future projects and priorities. 25% Iowa City Climate Ambassadors Increase in number of Climate Outreach events from 2021 to 2022 The 2022 Energy Blitz conducted in the Lucas Farms Neighbor- hood delivered energy saving kits to 931 households by 50 volun- teers. The kits are estimated to save households $75/year in energy costs. The TIF-funded climate action incentive program was expanded to include the Downtown and Northside districts in addition to Riverfront Crossing. In this program, grants are available to businesses making energy efficiency improvements. The City committed $55,850 to energy efficient system upgrades in municipal facilities in 2022, including at the water treatment plant and in City Hall. The Electric Bus Bash celebrating four new electric buses drew over 150 participants. In public ramps, demand for EV charging has increased 290% since 2018. A new rebate program helps install EV chargers in multifamily units. The Climate Action & Outreach Office launched a rebate program for income-qualified households to provide air-source heat pumps and upgrades to insulation and electrical panels, lowering house- holds’ energy costs. Iowa City planted 1,200 trees in 2021, plus 333 from the Root for Trees program, more than tripling the previous year’s record. The Root for Trees program aims to help residents plant 800 more in 2022.