Climate Action | Buildings & Energy
Resources for residents | Resources for businesses
Energy is something used every day, often without thinking about it. We turn on the light switch and expect lights to turn on. We heat and cool our homes, only pausing at the end of the month to think about what this means for our electricity or gas bill.
The most recent greenhouse gas inventory for Iowa City shows that 71% of total emissions in Iowa City come from the electricity and natural gas used to power and heat our homes and businesses. Preventing the worst impacts of climate change begins with reducing how much energy we consume in our buildings and using cleaner power sources like wind and solar to generate that energy.
Residents
"People should realize anything they do that makes their house more green is a good idea!"
- Iowa City Resident Betty Norbeck
Resources
- Sign up for a free home energy audit from Green Iowa AmeriCorps
- Try these easy, DIY projects to help weatherize your home
- Apply for a low-interest GRIP loan from the City of Iowa City to make improvements to your home like upgrading your furnace or installing new, more efficient windows
- Learn more about the Grow Solar Linn & Johnson County solar group-buy program that provides discounts on home solar installation
- Explore the many energy saving features of a LEED platinum residence here in Iowa City and consider which might be a good fit for your home
- Discover more ideas on our Climate Action for Residents checklist
- Find more resources for homeowners and renters at Energy.gov
Did you know? LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs!
Businesses
"Seventy-five percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions come from the urban built environment. Our ability to drive positive change is immense."
- 2020 Climate Action at Work Awardee Neumann Monson
Resources
- Apply for a Climate Action Grant to help fund improvements at your place of business
- Explore green building design in Iowa City
- Find out if your business qualifies for a TIF-funded energy efficiency grant
- Nominate your business for a Climate Action at Work Award
- Discover more ideas on our Climate Action for Business checklist
Did you know? You can save as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs if you set your thermostat to 7-10 degrees lower for the eight hours a day a building isn't occupied.