HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-6-23 Climate Action Commission Agenda PacketIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda
Monday, March 6, 2023, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Iowa City City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Feb. 6, 2023 minutes
4. 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.
5. Announcements – informational updates
a. Action items from last meeting (Staff)
b. Upcoming events (Staff)
i. ICAAR Green Designation Training for Realtors (March 1 &2)
ii. Earth Expo (April 2), additional AmeriCorps events: icgov.org/GreenIowa
iii. Neighborhood Energy Blitz (April 22)
iv. Native Plant Symposium (April 29)
c. Insulation Grant Program Update (shared with Council)
d. Working group updates
i. Resilience Hub Prioritization (Grimm, Hutchinson, Eynon-Lynch, Walter)
6. Unfinished/Ongoing Business:
a. Two volunteers needed for FY24 Climate Action Grant review committee
b. GHG inventory and CAAP metrics progress report (update and discussion)
7. Recap
a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location
i. Monday, April 3, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall
b. Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff
8. 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 sarah-gardner@iowa-city.org. Early
requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 6, 2023 – 3:30 PM – FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVART HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michal Eynon-Lynch, Ben Grimm, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, John
Fraser, Jamie Gade, Matt Krieger, Jesse Leckband (via zoom),
Michelle Sillman (via zoom), Gabriel Sturdevant, Matt Walter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Stratis Giannakouros
STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Bissell, Sarah Gardner, Megan Hill
OTHERS PRESENT: John Macatee
CALL TO ORDER:
Eynon-Lynch called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 9, 2023 MINUTES:
Gade moved to approve the minutes from January 9, 2023.
Grimm seconded the motion, a vote was taken, and the motion passed 9-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None present at beginning of meeting, one at end of meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action Items from last meeting (Staff):
Gardner reached out to Jane Wilch and planning staff about coming to a climate action
commission meeting to provide updates on their work. Though they were unavailable for this
meeting, both expressed interest and will be scheduled for a later date.
Upcoming events (Staff):
• Accelerating Black Leadership in Sustainability (Feb. 9)
• Native Plant Symposium (April 29)
Working Group Updates (Staff):
Resilience Hub Prioritization (Grimm, Eynon-Lynch, Walter) – Gardner noted Walter mapped
some of the potential sites for resilience hubs. Group has discussed walkability, coverage,
models in other cities, potential partners in the community, creating resilience culture, and full
resilience hubs vs. resilience partners. Next, they will discuss what an agreement might look like
between the City and a host organization.
UNFINISHED/ONGOING BUSINESS:
Climate Action Commission
February 6, 2023
Page 2 of 4
2
Working Groups:
• Resilience hub working group will continue. Up to three other working groups will form
during this year. Instead of forming and scheduling these groups now, staff suggests to
commissioners to let arising needs and projects shape the working groups of this year.
• Energy benchmarking working group will likely form soon. One other working group will
take on a future project.
• Outreach to community-based organizations will also take a different shape this year;
commissioners can identify groups with which they already have connections. Gardner
will share the Equity Report guidance for identifying community-based organizations.
Climate Action Grant updates:
Bissell asked for two volunteers to review climate action grant applications; the time required is
1-2 hours in early April. Bissell described the projects that received grants last year. The climate
action grant program awards funding up to $10,000 to area businesses and nonprofits for
projects that align with the Climate Action Plan.
Solar ordinance update (REZ22-0011):
City Council recently adopted an ordinance updating the code, to make it easier to build solar
arrays in Iowa City. Gardner summarized key points:
• The ordinance will preempt future Homeowners’ Associations from restricting solar
development.
• Developers will receive density bonuses for including solar in site development plans.
For example, if 40% or more of the roof is covered in solar arrays, developers can add
more residential units in a building.
• The ordinance clarified that solar arrays on building rooftops don't count toward the
height limit of buildings.
• New construction with rooftop solar will be allowed to reduce the number of required
parking spaces associated with that site.
RECAP:
• Confirmation of next meeting time and location:
o Monday March 6, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall
• Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff:
o Gardner will send the CBO list from the equity report. Commissioners are to
respond by email with their connections to organizations.
o Gardner will share the video of the Habitat for Humanity climate action grant.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
John Macatee explained the Press-Citizen Editorial Board will be writing op-eds to encourage
people to get behind the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. He asked for guidance in
promoting solar adoption in the Peninsula Neighborhood. He also expressed interest in
Climate Action Commission
February 6, 2023
Page 3 of 4
3
electrification from captured methane and table-scrap collection and EV charging stations for his
condo building.
ADJOURNMENT:
Krieger moved to adjourn, Grimm seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion
passed 9-0.
Climate Action Commission
February 6, 2023
Page 4 of 4
4
CLIMATE ACTION
COMMISSION ATTENDANCE
RECORD
2023
NAME
TERM EXP. 3/7/2022 4/4/2022 5/2/2022 6/6/2022 7/11/2022 8/15/2022 9/12/2022 10/10/2022 11/7/2022 12/5/22 1/9/2023 2/6/2023 Michal Eynon-Lynch 12/31/2024 X X X X NM X X X X X X X
Elizabeth Fitzsimmons 12/31/2025 X X
John Fraser 12/31/2024 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 X X
Stratis Giannakouros UI Rep X X X O/E NM X X X X X X O/E
Ben Grimm 10/31/2023 X O/E X X NM X X O/E X X X X
Clarity Guerra 12/31/2022 X X O/E X NM X X X X X * *
Megan Hill 12/31/2022 X X X X NM * * * * * * *
Kasey Hutchinson 12/31/22 X X X X NM X X X X X * *
Matt Krieger 12/31/2023 X X O/E X NM X O/E X X X X X
Jesse Leckband MidAmerican Rep X X X X NM X O/E X X X X X
Michelle Sillman 12/31/20025 X X
Gabe Sturdevant 12/31/2024 X X O/E X NM X X O/E X X X X
Matt Walter 12/31/2023 NM X O/E X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
0/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No
Meeting
* No longer on Commission
Date: March 3, 2023
To: Rachel Kilburg, Assistant City Manager
From: Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator
Re: Energy Efficiency Grant Program for Insulation
The purpose of this memo is to highlight recent successes in the grant program
implemented by the Climate Action and Outreach division that covers the cost in full of
increased insulation for income-qualified households in Iowa City. The program, launched in
early 2022, has funded 21 projects to date with an additional 68 projects approved and
awaiting completion.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates nine out of every 10 homes in the United
States are under insulated and that addressing this issue can save residents an average of
15% on heating and cooling costs 1. In addition, increased insulation improves the comfort of
the home and helps prevent structural damage resulting from ice dams, frozen pipes, and
condensation within walls.
Under Iowa City’s grant program, both homeowners and renters (with the cooperation of
their landlord) qualify for funding if their adjusted gross income is at or below 80 percent of
the area median income, as follows:
• One-person household: $61,050
• Two-person household: $69,800
• Three-person household: $78,500
• Four-person household: $87,200
• Five-person household: $94,200
Once approved through a simple income verification process, residents are able to select
the contractor of their choice to perform the work on their home. The contractor then
submits an estimate for the cost of labor and materials to both the resident and grant
program manager. The City enters into an agreement with the contractor and is invoiced
directly following completion of the project to reduce the paperwork burden on the resident.
At an average cost of $1,868 per household, this program is a cost-effective measure that
also serves to advance equity goals related to the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation
Plan. By reducing energy consumption across multiple households, the capital investment
needed by our utilities to achieve 100% renewable energy is lessened, which helps keep
costs low for all ratepayers as we transition to clean energy sources.
To help promote the program, climate action staff created a dedicated page on the City’s
website (icgov.org/insulate) and collaborated with community development staff to reach
households already participating in related loan programs. They also developed a marketing
campaign utilizing Goldie, the new climate action mascot. Ads were placed in utility inserts,
on buses, in local newspapers, on radio stations, and an animated Goldie video developed
by the City’s communication staff was promoted across social media platforms. Following
the rollout of this marketing campaign, applications to the program increased 650%.
In addition to the insulation program, the City has parallel energy efficiency grant programs
related to heat pumps and electrical panel upgrades for income qualified households.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Staff plan to develop a
similar Goldie campaign related to heat pumps in the future and to refresh and redeploy the
Goldie insulation campaign at the end of 2023.
1https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/why_seal_and_insulate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/06/2023
Contact: Daniel Bissell, Climate Action Analyst
Phone: 319-887-6161
Climate Action Grant application now open for businesses,
organizations, students
The City’s Climate Action Grant program is now open, making funding available for community-led
climate action initiatives.
The Climate Action Grant program is designed to empower Iowa City students, businesses, and
organizations to take climate action and lead fellow community members in supporting activities that
promote:
• Energy efficiency
• Low or no-emissions transportation
• Sustainable lifestyle choices
• Climate preparedness and resilience
Applications for this grant will be accepted starting today, Monday, March 6, 2023, through noon on
Monday, April 17, 2023.
Successful project proposals must focus on climate action goals in Iowa City and be accomplished
by June 30, 2024. Businesses and organizations are eligible for grants up to $10,000 and students
in grades 5-12 are eligible for grants up to $500. A total of $60,000 is reserved for this program and
will be available beginning July 1, 2023.
The online grant form can be found on the City’s website.
In 2018, the City adopted a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to address fundamental initiatives in
reaching the City’s goals to reduce carbon emissions by 45% (based on 2010 levels) by 2030 and
approach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
PROGRESS
REPORT
2018
THROUGH
2022
Iowa City Greenhouse Gas Inventory and
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Metrics
Iowa City has the distinction of maintaining the longest running set of
annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories of any community in Iowa,
extending back to 2005. The data collected for these annual
inventories was instrumental in the development of the Climate
Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) adopted in 2018, and the
Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions Plan in 2020. Between the
two plans, more than 65 actions to help lower GHG emissions were
identified for Iowa City to pursue.
GHG inventories help prioritize actions by providing insights into
emissions sources. The emphasis on energy efficiency in Iowa City
programs, for example, arose from the large share of emissions
contributed by energy usage in buildings. However, as the practice of
climate planning evolves nationally, a consensus is emerging that
local-level GHG inventories make a better compass than speedometer.
This is because the cumulative effects of actions, such as increased
energy efficiency in individual households, may take a decade or more
to be noticeable in the graphs, obscuring the progress being made. In
contrast, large regional initiatives that impact all households at once,
such as increased renewable energy on the grid, appear more readily.
To better track efforts on local programs as well as help inform future
decision making, this report offers several complementary metrics in
addition to the most recent GHG inventory. As these measures show,
Iowa City has achieved much, in a short amount of time, that deserves
celebration, even as we work to build future successes.
Iowa City Climate Action 2
OVERVIEW
1
Iowa City Climate Action 3
GHG
EMISSIONS
BY YEAR
The Big Picture
A 2 percent reduction in GHG emissions year over year is required to achieve Iowa City's net
zero goal by 2050.
The overall trend since 2010 is downward. As Iowa City gets closer to our net zero goal, the
work will become more challenging.
In 2020 we met our 2030 goal early. In 2021, in part as activities curtailed during the
pandemic resumed, we crept back upward.
Some fluctuation is to be expected from year to year, making 5-year increment comparisons
more useful to see overall trends.
The recent fluctuation is particularly useful, though, as it provides clues as to areas where
near-term reductions might be made, such as in the transportation and industrial sectors.
Community-Wide Emissions: Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) Totals by Sector
Industrial
Buildings
Commercial
Buildings
Residential
Buildings
UI Power
Plant
Transportation Waste
Iowa City Climate Action 4
GHG EMISSIONS BY SECTOR:
2018 TO 2021
Overall, impressive emissions
reductions have been made in
the industrial, commercial,
and residential sectors, largely
resulting from the increased
share of wind energy on the
grid.
Despite an additional 5
percent growth in
renewable energy resources
in 2021, emissions went
back up, which suggests
clean energy advancement
alone is not enough. We also
need to be working to reduce
energy usage overall and
making smart use of the
renewable energy we have.
There is important work to be
done in the form of beneficial
electrification, particularly in
the transportation and
residential sectors. The more
we can switch from burning
fossil fuels in our vehicles and
homes to using electricity, and
the cleaner that electricity
gets, the lower our emissions
will be.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector 2018-2021 (t CO2e)
2021 Community-Wide Emissions (t CO2e)
2
Iowa City Climate Action 5
BUILDINGS
AND ENERGY
There are important differences in energy use by building type in Iowa City. In residential and
commercial buildings, more than half of emissions result from fossil gas usage, while in
industrial buildings more than three quarters are from electricity usage.
Decarbonization strategies for households therefore focus both on energy efficiency and
advancing electrification, as with the annual Energy Blitz and income-qualified grant
programs. Meanwhile, in industrial operations our TIF-funded rebates emphasize energy
efficiency and renewable energy installations.
Energy efficiency also has
important equity implications. As
we transition to renewable energy
generation, reducing energy usage
overall reduces the capital
investment needed to achieve
100% clean energy goals, keeping
utility rates low for all residents in
Iowa City. Iowa City's energy
efficiency initiatives thus work in
parallel with MidAmerican Energy's
efforts to increase clean energy.
Fossil Gas Largest Source of
Residential CO2e Emissions
Fossil Gas Largest Source of
Commercial CO2e Emissions
Electricity Usage Largest Source of
Industrial CO2e Emissions
Renewable Energy as a Percent of MidAmerican
Retail Sales Grew from 2018-2021
2018
2.9 HOUSING-
RELATED
TONNES CO2E
PER CAPITA
Iowa City Climate Action 6
ENERGY USE
AT HOME FOR
IOWA CITY
RESIDENTS
2021
2.3 HOUSING-
RELATED
TONNES CO2E
PER CAPITA
IOWA CITY RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
AND ELECTRIFICATION 2022 GRANT TOTAL:
$80,890
New grant programs to fund insulation, electrical panel upgrades, and heat pump
heating and cooling systems in income-qualified households were rolled out in 2022.
Following a targeted "What R You?" insulation marketing campaign in November
featuring Goldie, the climate action mascot, program applications increased 650%.
The average individual in the US has
a carbon footprint of 14.9 tonnes,
and roughly 20 percent of those
emissions result from household
heating, cooling, lighting, and
powering electronics. In Iowa City,
annual housing-related emissions equal
2.3 tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide
equivalent) per capita, compared to the
US average of 2.9 tonnes per capita.
Much work remains to be done, though.
To achieve the carbon reduction goals
established by the IPCC, we should aim
for a combined 2 tonnes per capita
total from housing, transportation, food,
goods, and services.
3
4
5
“I would definitely recommend this
to anybody. I would have your
insulation inspected and definitely
apply for funding to help because it’s
made a huge difference.”
- Cathy Coleman, Deerfield
Commons resident
INSULATION
GRANT PROGRAMS
Iowa City Climate Action 7
A 2021 Climate Action Grant for the Deerfield
Commons Homeowners Association raised
the R-value of the attic insulation in 22 units
from zero to 30, increasing comfort within the
homes, eliminating ongoing structural
damage from rooftop ice dams, and lowering
energy costs for residents.
COURTESY
GREEN IOWA
AMERICORPS
ENERGY AUDITS
RECEIVED BY
IOWA CITY
HOUSEHOLDS
Iowa City Climate Action 8
ENERGY SAVING
KITS DELIVERED
Two important efforts are
underway to engage Iowa City
residents with energy
efficiency. The household
energy audits performed by
our Green Iowa AmeriCorps
team identify air leaks and
provide key weatherization
services. In the annual
Neighborhood Energy Blitzes,
community volunteers go
door to door to deliver energy
saving kits. Combined, these
programs have reached
more than 2,500 households
since 2016.
Cumulative Energy Audits Performed by Green Iowa AmeriCorps
Cumulative Households receiving Energy Saving Kits
CLIMATE
ACTION
GRANTS
A &W S U S T A I N A B L E P L A N N I N G
R e s i l i e n c e h u b f o c u s g r o u p a n d r e p o r t
B I K E L I B R A R Y
N e w , e f f i c i e n t w i n d o w s , d o o r s , a n d L E D l i g h t i n g
D E E R F I E L D C O M M O N
I n s u l a t i o n f o r 2 6 h o u s e h o l d s
J O H N S O N C L E A N E N E R G Y D I S T R I C T
L E D l i g h t b u l b s a n d l o w f l o w s h o w e r h e a d s
M U L T I C U L T U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T C E N T E R
E x t r e m e w e a t h e r p r e p a r e d n e s s w o r k s h o p f o r y o u t h
B E A D O L O G Y
H i g h e f f i c i e n c y f u r n a c e a n d L E D l i g h t i n g
B I C Y C L E H A P P I N E S
B i k e c l i n i c s
H I G H L A N D E R H O T E L
E l e c t r i c V e h i c l e (E V ) c h a r g i n g s t a t i o n
F I E L D T O F A M I L Y
C O V I D -a d a p t e d F a r m e r s M a r k e t
D V I P & S H E L T E R H O U S E
R o o f t o p s o l a r p a n e l s
Iowa City Climate Action
Climate Action Grants empower
community groups and businesses
to take an active role in helping the
city achieve its climate action goals.
Since 2018, more than $88,000 has
been awarded through this grant
program, which provides funding in
amounts up to $10,000 per project.
As the program has matured,
increased emphasis on aligning the
funding with the emissions reduction
goals of the Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan have resulted in a
greater share of the grants supporting
projects related to energy and
transportation.
2021-2022
PROJECTS I O W A V A L L E Y R C &D
L o c a l f o o d p r o d u c t i o n
Buildings, the Largest Source of Emissions in
Iowa City, Received the Largest Portion of
Climate Action Grant Spending 2018-2022
P V S o l a r A r r a y
A L P L A
C h i l l e r & c o o l e r r e p l a c e m e n t s , L E D l i g h t i n g
E A R L M A Y
P V S o l a r A r r a y
F I R S T A V E M I N I M A L L
P V S o l a r A r r a y & L E D l i g h t i n g
I O W A C I T Y S T O R A G E L L C
P V S o l a r A r r a y & L E D l i g h t i n g
L A S A N S K Y C O R P O R A T I O N
W i n d o w r e p l a c e m e n t & h i g h -e f f i c i e n c y f u r n a c e s
O L D C A P I T O L T O F U
H i g h -e f f i c i e n c y H V A C r e p l a c e m e n t
P R O C T O R & G A M B L E / O R A L B
H i g h -e f f i c i e n c y a i r c o m p r e s s o r
R E U N I O N B R E W E R Y
P V S o l a r A r r a y
U N F I
A D A M A N T I N E S P I N E M O V I N G
L E D l i g h t i n g
"Right now, the hundred solar panels on our
roof are meeting about 80% of our energy
needs for the year, which is great. I feel
grateful to living in a community where it’s a
priority because action was needed yesterday.
The local action for small businesses like us
who don’t have unlimited resources but want
to do the right thing is just huge."
-Eric Jones, TIF-funded Energy Efficiency
Grant recipient and co-owner Adamantine
Spine Moving
Iowa City Climate Action 10
COMMERCIAL
& INDUSTRIAL
MATCHING
GRANT
PROJECTS
2021-2022
B I G G R O V E B R E W E R Y
C a r b o n C a p t u r e /R e c y c l i n g S y s t e m
Iowa City Climate Action 11
IO WA CITY
IN 202 1:
4,595
2.02
V E H I C L E M I L E S
T R A V E L E D
P E R C A P I T A
T O N N E S C O 2 E
P E R C A P I T A I N
G H G E M I S S I O N S
A Majority of Iowa City
Commuters Travelled to Work in
Single-Occupancy Vehicles in 2021
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation emissions account for the
second largest segment of Iowa City’s
GHG emissions, and the largest nationally.
A major factor in the overall drop in
emissions observed in 2020 and the rise in
2021 was a parallel drop and rise in
transportation emissions.
Residents are likely to continue driving at
pre-pandemic levels in the near term,
suggesting electrification strategies for
transportation will be key to recapturing the
emissions reductions recorded in 2020 and
maintaining the trend toward net zero
emissions by 2050.
Iowa City residents walk and bike to work at
rates roughly five to seven times higher than
the national average, but active
transportation still accounts for far fewer
trips (15 percent) than driving in single
occupancy vehicles (59 percent).
Travel behavior is complex and impacted by
a number of factors, including proximity to
childcare and seasonal weather patterns. For
this reason, an "all of the above" strategy that
encourages walking, biking, transit ridership,
and electrification of vehicles remains the
best pathway to achieving Iowa City's
emissions reductions goals.
7
6
Encouraging adoption of electric vehicles is a prime example of beneficial
electrification, as it harnesses clean energy resources to help displace fossil fuel usage
and drive down emissions. An important finding of the Eastern Iowa Electric Vehicle
Readiness Plan (EVRP), completed in 2020, was that 450 public charge ports per million
population were needed to serve as a tipping point to spur electric vehicle (EV) adoption
locally. In 2022, Iowa City exceeded this goal with the equivalent of 660 charge points,
adjusted for population size.
Efforts are now underway to shift the focus toward increasing charging infrastructure at
multifamily housing. More than half of Iowa City residents are renters, and more than 80% of
electric vehicle charging happens at home. The ability to charge an EV at an apartment or
condo is more than a matter of convenience. With the anticipated rollout of Iowa's public
EV charging tax in 2023, helping renters access charging where they live decreases the
likelihood that they will disproportionately bear the brunt of this tax.
By adding both electric buses and electric light duty vehicles to its fleet, Iowa City has
demonstrated leadership in advancing EVs. These vehicles serve as important ambassadors to
the community at large, demonstrating the reliability, value, and benefits of these vehicles.
The electric buses in particular meet several climate action objectives, increasing the
attractiveness of transit ridership while decreasing associated emissions and helping align city
operations with our climate goals.
L E A D ING THE CH A RG E
Iowa City Climate Action 12
Number of EVs in the City Fleet Grew from 2018-2022
“The electric buses switch routes so everyone
has a chance to experience them, and there’s
a lot of enthusiasm when the electric bus
comes to your route. You see people taking
pictures of them when you come to a stop. It
really puts a smile on people’s faces. And the
regular riders, when they get on, they ask you
'How do you like driving it? How long does it
take to charge?' People are excited to see Iowa
City taking that step and making that change.”
- Ken Gatlin, Iowa City Mass Transit Operator
Iowa City Climate Action 13
IOWA CITY TRANSIT &
CLIMATE ACTION
Transit Ridership Impacted by the Pandemic
Iowa City Climate Action 14
EV CHARGING
S TATION S
Investments in public
charging stations in Iowa
City at both municipal and
private sector facilities have
resulted in a robust network
of charging stations that
include both level 2
charging (shown in green)
and level 3/DC fast charging
(shown in orange).
(Map courtesy of PlugShare)
The number of unique drivers plugging in to Iowa City's EV chargers in the downtown
ramps reflects not only the usage of that service but also the increased adoption of EVs
locally (and by visitors). By 2022, the amount of GHG emissions saved by EV charging at
public ramps reached the equivalent of planting 2,000 trees and letting them grow
for 10 years: 121.33 tonnes CO2e.
Use of Iowa City Public Charging Stations Accelerating Post-Pandemic
“Probably the most significant climate action
I took this year was getting an electric car.
We're lucky in Iowa City because close to 85%
of our electricity comes from renewable
sources, mostly wind. Because I live in an
apartment, I usually plug my car into a
nearby public charging station and leave it
there for a couple hours while I go about my
life. If you live in a house, you can install a
charger there and just leave your car plugged
in overnight. I really love zipping around in
my wind-powered car!”
- Patricia Valderrama, Climate Ambassador
EQUITY & EV CHARGING
Iowa City Climate Action 15
In 2022, the City launched a rebate program for
electric vehicle charging at apartment buildings
and condo complexes. Building owners and
managers wishing to provide electric vehicle
charging to their residents may apply to the City of
Iowa City for a 50/50 match of installation costs
(labor and materials).
WASTE IN IOWA CITY: 2021
Recycling Organics
Increase in Annual Tonnage Sent to Landfill
Although emissions related to
waste form the smallest segment
of GHG emissions in Iowa City
overall, achieving net zero
emissions ultimately will require
us to address these emissions as
well. Important efforts continue
to be made to divert organic
material from the waste stream,
reducing future methane
emissions by the landfill.
Even with impressive increases
in the amount of material
recycled and composted in the
last three years, it did not result
in overall waste reduction.
Landfill tonnage grew by 7
percent in the same timeframe,
driven largely by increased use of
disposable items and delivery
services during the pandemic.
These numbers underscore the
importance of the comprehensive
waste reduction strategy in the
Climate Action Plan that pairs
curbing consumption with other
waste diversion efforts.
Iowa City Climate Action 16
Landfill tonnage increased 7 percent
Recycling tonnage increased 52 percent
Organics tonnage increased 53 percent
Recycling & Composting Tonnage Continues to Grow
WASTE IN
IOWA CITY: 2021
2018 2021
2018 2021
WAS TE DIV ERS I O N GO A L S
Iowa City Climate Action 17
Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Plastic accounts
for 14 percent of material landfilled in Iowa
City. Not all this material is recyclable, and of
the material that is, recycling potential is
limited. For this reason, reusing durable
plastics and reducing single use plastics are
key strategies for addressing this part of the
waste stream locally, while staff work with
regional and national partners to encourage
manufacturers to reduce single use plastic
broadly.
Recycle More Paper, Glass and Metal:
Although these materials do not contribute
significantly to GHG emissions once in the
landfill, their high recycling potential makes
diverting them good resource management
policy. Efforts to reduce the amount of this
material sent to the landfill will continue.
Iowa City Landfill Waste Characterization Study 2022
Shows the Distribution of Materials in the Landfill
Decrease Food Waste: Organic material
accounts for the majority of GHG emissions
associated with waste material. The most
recent waste characterization study by the
Iowa Department of Resources (IDNR)
estimated 24 percent of the material landfilled
in Iowa City is organic matter, almost all of
which is food waste. Diverting such waste
remains a top climate action goal.
Divert Construction & Demolition Waste:
Construction and demolition waste tends to
rise and fall in tandem with prevailing
economic trends. Because of the complex mix
of materials involved, it tends to be more
resistant to recycling initiatives. Even so, staff
continue to investigate opportunities to divert
such waste, which accounts for 18 percent of
total landfilled material.
"The Sustainable Raised Garden Beds and
Garden Tables project utilizes urban
lumber to create raised garden tables for
the Iowa City community. Repurposing
urban lumber and hardware from Restore
and windows from The Salvage Barn keeps
these materials out of our landfill. The
process of growing one's own food also
influences people to think about where
their food comes from and discourages
food waste."
-Blaise Boles, Climate Ambassador, faculty
advisor to Kirkwood Community College
Sustainability Club
GARDEN BED PROJECT
REDUCES WASTE
Iowa City Climate Action 18
A 2022 Climate Action Grant awarded to the
Kirkwood Community College Sustainability Club
supports goals of sustainable lifestyles, adaptation,
and waste reduction.
Iowa City Climate Action 19
Even as we work to lower emissions in
hopes of preventing the worst effects of
climate change, we will continue to be
subject to some of the impacts already
being observed in our area. This includes
more days with temperatures over 90
degrees, more frequent and heavier
precipitation in the spring and summer,
and increased frequency of freeze-thaw
cycles stressing our infrastructure. While we
continue our mitigation efforts, we must
also be investing in climate preparedness
measures to address this coming
challenges.
Because climate change amplifies
existing vulnerabilities, preparedness
must include an awareness of current
social and health challenges within the
community and work in tandem with
efforts to address existing inequities.
This includes vulnerabilities as apparent as
susceptibility to heat stress and as subtle as
social isolation. Adaptation measures
should not only seek to build more robust
infrastructure but also a more resilient
social fabric for life within Iowa City.
ADAPTATION
Iowa City Funding for Stormwater Projects
2 1 %
I o w a C i t y r e n t e r s s u r v e y
r e s p o n d e n t s s a y t h e c o s t o f
e l e c t r i c i t y i s a b a r r i e r t o t h e i r u s e
o f a i r c o n d i t i o n i n g
9 7 6
6 %
I o w a C i t y r e n t e r s s u r v e y r e s p o n d e n t s
h a v e n o u s a b l e a i r -c o n d i t i o n i n g
Vulnerabilities
I o w a C i t y h o u s e h o l d s a r e i n a
f l o o d p l a i n
4 9 8
I o w a C i t y h o u s e h o l d s p a r t i c i p a t e i n
N a t i o n a l F l o o d I n s u r a n c e P r o g r a m
Projects include Rain Gardens, Soil Quality Restoration,
Permeable Pavement, Rain Barrels, & Creek Projects
8
Iowa City Climate Action 20
I OWA C I TY T R EE C A NO P Y
A ND U RB A N HE A T I S L A ND S
A side by side comparison of Iowa City's
tree canopy (top) and urban heat islands
(bottom) from the 2020 Iowa City
Carbon Management Study shows the
temperature can be as much as 11-13
degrees higher than the median in
areas with the fewest trees.
A recent addition to the commercial
energy efficiency matching grant
program offers cost sharing to paint
rooftops white for downtown businesses
where building heights pose challenges
for shade tree coverage.
6 9 9
R o o t f o r T r e e s v o u c h e r s r e d e e m e d
t o d a t e
$4 2 8 ,0 0 0
2 ,2 5 0
T r e e s p l a n t e d b y t h e C i t y 2 0 1 8 -2 0 2 1
Trees build resilience
E s t i m a t e d v a l u e o f t h e e n e r g y
e f f i c i e n c y b e n e f i t s r e s u l t i n g f r o m
I o w a C i t y 's t r e e c a n o p y , w h i c h a l s o
s e q u e s t e r s m o r e t h a n 6 0 0 0 t o n n e s
o f C O 2 a n n u a l l y 9
"When I joined Iowa City’s Climate Resilience
Team through my school’s environmental
club, I had the opportunity to speak with my
neighbors about their experience with
extreme climate-related disasters, like the
derecho, and educate them about how they
can take climate action and plan for disasters
in the future. Research shows that Americans
are much more likely to take climate action
when it’s suggested by a friend or family
member than by a political or community
leader. Because of this, I believe that one of
the best ways to take climate action is to just
discuss these issues with your friends, family,
and neighbors."
- Althea Downing-Sherer, member of Iowa
City Climate Resilience Corps
CLIMATE
RESILIENCE CORPS
Iowa City Climate Action 21
In 2022, the City launched a Teen Climate Resilience
Corps program to build up neighborhoods' capacity
to adapt to the changing climate.
One of Iowa City's most significant strengths
is the sincere desire residents have to take
meaningful steps to address climate change.
For many, this means not only continuing the
practices they have already embraced but also
looking for next steps.
Nothing could be more critical, as our GHG
inventories show only 5 percent of total
emissions result from municipal operations. For
the remaining 95 percent of emissions, we need
the collaboration, creativity, and commitment
of our residents, businesses, organizations,
and nonprofits to get to net zero.
Iowa City Climate Action 22
SUSTAINABLE
LIFESTYLE Climate change is a complex problem
that no single solution is going to fully
address. Ongoing engagement efforts seek
to raise awareness of Iowa City's efforts,
connect community members with
resources to further their own climate
actions, and aid residents in making
informed decisions on topics as diverse as
shopping for local foods, supporting local
entrepreneurs in sustainability, and
navigating tax credits for energy efficiency
home improvements.
Marketing platforms utilized include utility
inserts, bus ads, radio and newspaper ads,
social media channels, webinars, live events,
and a monthly Climate Action newsletter.
Climate Action Newsletter Subscribers Grew
From 2018-2021
2021 Newsletter Messaging by Topic
FOOD INSECURITY,
COMMUNITY GARDENS
AND LOCAL FOODS
1.63
15-20
A C R E S O F
C O M M U N I T Y G A R D E N
P L O T S I N I O W A C I T Y
I N D I V I D U A L S O N T H E
W A I T L I S T E A C H Y E A R
F O R A C O M M U N I T Y
G A R D E N P L O T
Iowa City Climate Action 23
59,000
D O L L A R S S P E N T O N
L O C A L F O O D I N I T I A T I V E S
S I N C E 2 0 1 6 T H R O U G H
F A R M T O S T R E E T A N D
C L I M A T E A C T I O N G R A N T S
15 P E R C E N T O F I O W A C I T Y 'S
P O P U L A T I O N I S F O O D
I N S E C U R E
A major goal identified in the Climate
Action and Adaptation Plan was to
create a cohesive marketing plan that
could help promote climate action
tips and information to the public.
Enter Goldie, Iowa City's new climate
action mascot, which debuted at the
2022 Climate Fest. Much like Smokey
the Bear or Woodsy Owl, Goldie is
designed to be friendly, helpful, and
informative while at the same time
signaling an action's importance in
addressing climate change.
GOLDIE, CLIMATE
ACTION MASCOT
Iowa City Climate Action 24
Initial Goldie campaigns have touched
on energy efficiency and climate
resilience, with campaigns connected
to local water resources, active
transportation, and waste diversion
among those planned for 2023.
Iowa City Climate Action 25
The stories we tell about climate action
matter. News cycles dominated by extreme
weather events, intractable industries, and
ongoing environmental harms can all make
solutions feel out of reach, especially on the
individual level.
To effect change, stories of progress being
made and climate solutions gaining ground
are just as important. They point to the ways
individual actions add up when taken
collectively, reminding us of the tools we have
to build a better future and the resources we
have in each other.
CLIMATE FEST
Climate Fest Highlights
Climate Fest is an annual celebration
of the climate work being done in Iowa
City, meant to empower and inspire.
Held each September, first virtually in
2020 and then in person in 2021 and
2022, it has grown to include multiple
events over the course of several days,
drawing hundreds of participants and
tens of thousands of social media views.
M U R A L P A I N T I N G
U n i q u e e v e n t i n 2 0 2 1 , c r e a t e d a
c o m p o s t t h e m e d m u r a l w i t h t h e
h e l p o f 1 1 7 v o l u n t e e r s
V E G G I E T A C O T U E S D A Y
K I C K O F F A T B I G G R O V E
N e w i n 2 0 2 2 , s p o t l i g h t i n g l o c a l
e n v i r o n m e n t a l g r o u p s a n d c l i m a t e
a c t i o n g r a n t p r o j e c t s
F e a t u r i n g B i g g e s t L i t t l e F a r m
(2 0 2 0 ), T h e F a l c o n e r (2 0 2 1 ), a n d
I n h a b i t a n t s (2 0 2 2 )
E L E C T R I C V E H I C L E S H O W
O n e o f t h e m o s t p o p u l a r e v e n t s
e a c h y e a r , f e a t u r i n g E V c a r s ,
t r u c k s , b i k e s , m i n i -v a n s , m o p e d s ,
a n d o u r o w n e l e c t r i c b u s e s
P A R K P A V I L I O N C O N C E R T S
C e l e b r a t i n g n e i g h b o r h o o d
r e s i l i e n c e i n W h i s p e r i n g W i l l o w
P a r k (2 0 2 1 ) a n d W e a t h e r b y (2 0 2 2 )
F I L M S C R E E N I N G
A s t a n d o u t e v e n t i n 2 0 2 0 's v i r t u a l
C l i m a t e F e s t , f e a t u r i n g s o c i a l
m e d i a v i d e o s , f u n r e c i p e s , a n d a n
i n t e r a c t i v e m a p o f l o c a l
r e s t a u r a n t s s e r v i n g v e g g i e t a c o s
"My thoughts about toilet paper started in a
specific room of my house. Sitting there, I asked
myself why was I contributing to the loss of
Boreal Forests in Canada when there were
alternatives? . . . The idea expanded, and I was
on a roll to create a display with the brands that
used post-consumer recycled fibers . . . I took
this display on the road and received very
positive reactions from people attending two
Earth Day Celebrations, an event at Big Grove,
my church, and a 100Grannies meeting. I will
likely re-do this project this spring to reflect
inflation and other changes. Stay tuned."
-Sally Hartman, Climate Ambassador
ON A ROLL
ENGAGING NEIGHBORS
Iowa City Climate Action 26
Climate Ambassadors are community members
who take a deep dive into Iowa City's Climate
Action and Adaptation Plan during an eight-week
training course and discuss ideas to foster
community engagement. As an optional next
step, participants can develop a related volunteer
project and be recognized as a Climate Leader.
Along with Ayman Sharif and Clarity Guerra, Sally
was among the first Climate Leaders to earn this
distinction. A tree will be planted in honor of each
of them in College Green Park in 2023.
CLIMATE AMBASSADORS
TRAINED SINCE 2020:
58
The Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions Plan is divided into three
phases: projects that were to be initiated in 2020 but may be ongoing through
2030 (Phase 1), projects where were to be initiated between 2021-2023 but
may be ongoing through 2030 (Phase 2), and projects that were to be initiated
between 2024-2025 but may be ongoing through 2030 (Phase 3).
Even adjusting for pandemic-related impacts to the deployment of some
projects, Iowa City has made significant progress on its climate action
objectives. Of the 58 projects originally designated as Phase 1 or Phase 2,
53 are currently categorized as in development, underway, or
completed/ongoing.
On the horizon in 2023 are several new and exciting initiatives. The Climate
Action Commission will be investigating energy benchmarking programs,
which have the potential to provide more detailed data on energy usage in
commercial properties. Solar arrays are planned for the public works facility
and airport. And the City also hopes to launch its first resilience hub
partnership with a community nonprofit.
City staff also will be evaluating current projects to determine which might be
eligible for federal funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and how
best to raise awareness among residents of the IRA rebates and tax credits
available to them. Between the new federal resources coming available and
the growing momentum behind current Climate Action projects, Iowa City is
in an excellent position to begin work on Phase 3 projects in 2024.
LOOKING AHEAD:
THANK YOU!
Iowa City Greenhouse Gas Inventory and
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Metrics
D I A N E
P L A T T E
Co m m un i c a tio ns
A s s i s t a n t
M E G A N
H I L L
En g a ge men t
S p e c i a list
D A N I E L
B I S S E L L
Cl i mat e Act i on
A nal ys t
S A R A H
G A R D N E R
C l i m a t e A c t i o n
C oo r d i nat or
C L I M A T E A C T I O N A N D O U T R E A C H D I V I S I O N
The State of Local Climate Planning, May 2021
MidAmerican Iowa Annual Fuel Report 2022
Our World in Data: United States, CO2 Country Profile
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS): The carbon footprint of
household energy use in the United States
NY Times Magazine: What Does Sustainable Living Look Like? Maybe Like Uruguay
Our World in Data: CO₂ emissions by sector, United States
American Community Survey, Commuting Characteristics by Sex, 2021
Johnson County Public Health: Heat Vulnerability Assessment Report, August 2022
Jonathan M. Watcher, Urban Drawdown Institute, Iowa City Carbon Management
Study, Nov. 2020
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REFERENCES: