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Commission weighs HERS targets and a Pearl remodeler program as building priority metric
Summary
Staff proposed three potential targets for the commission's top building priority: set a percent target for new homes receiving HERS ratings, offer green-designation training for realtors, or launch a Pearl rating program for remodelers; commissioners discussed equity and staff capacity for 2026.
The Iowa City Climate Commission discussed candidate metrics for its highest-priority building initiative: partnering with stakeholders to promote green building construction and rehabilitation. Staff presented three possible 2026 targets and asked commissioners which to prioritize: increase the share of new homes getting HERS ratings, re-run green-designations training for realtors, or pilot a Pearl rating program for remodelers that supports retrofit recognition.
Staff said HERS data show ratings exist across price points and that the program has achieved uptake at different market levels. "We have seen homes successfully get a HERS score at the $350,000 price range," staff said, noting examples up to about $1,000,000. Staff argued this evidence undercuts the claim that energy-efficiency certifications are only feasible for higher-priced homes.
Commissioners expressed an interest in the Pearl remodeler program as a way to reach older housing stock and to help remodelers market higher-efficiency retrofits to future buyers. One commissioner said Pearl could be particularly useful for older Iowa City housing undergoing renovation.
Staff proposed selecting one target for 2026 due to staff capacity limits and offered to bring proposed objective-and-target language to the next meeting for a final decision. Commissioners indicated they preferred taking time to consider the options and requested staff prepare comparative targets for the top-tier transportation items as a companion exercise.
No formal vote was taken; staff will return with proposed metrics and a recommended next step.
