Climate Action Commission backs Pearl rating for remodels, pushes EV charging expansion and authorizes HERS report
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Summary
Commissioners reviewed prioritization scores and chose to prioritize a Pearl program for existing‑home retrofits while retaining HERS incentives; they backed expanding public EV charging this year and asked staff to design an EV ambassador program. Staff also committed to a comprehensive HERS report to the commission.
The Iowa City Climate Action Commission reviewed priority scoring for the Climate Action Plan and identified near‑term targets for buildings and transportation.
On buildings, staff reported the city’s HERS (Home Energy Rating System) incentive program has reached about 36% participation for new homes receiving a HERS score of 52 or better this year. "We're actually sitting at 36%," staff said, adding that a HERS score of 52 represents roughly 20% greater energy efficiency than construction built only to current Iowa code. The city offers a builder incentive of $1,800 per qualifying home; HERS ratings cost about $600, staff said.
Commissioners discussed three possible building targets: raise the share of new homes with HERS ratings, train realtors and appraisers on green designations, or create a Pearl rating program to address existing‑home remodels. Several commissioners noted equity and impact on existing housing stock and the commission "coalesced around the Pearl rating as the target," while staff said the city would continue the HERS incentive program even if Pearl is pursued.
On transportation, staff presented three EV‑focused target options: expand public EV charging outside downtown ramps (potentially supported by Volkswagen settlement grant funds), engage an area employer to install workplace charging, or form an EV drivers' ambassador group to build community acceptance and provide outreach. Staff clarified cost estimates: a well‑equipped Level‑2 charger can be installed for about $10,000, while DC fast chargers typically cost $50,000–$80,000 and may require transformer or substation upgrades.
Commissioners supported pursuing expansion of public EV charging this year while directing staff to start research and design work for an EV ambassador program to return with program details by year‑end. Staff also noted the city recently increased its per‑project EV grant cap from $5,000 to $10,000 to better support installations.
Staff agreed to produce a comprehensive HERS program report for the commission (targeted for delivery early next year) to clarify program eligibility, participant types and estimated energy savings. Separately, staff reported the city planted 587 trees this year and that a $30,000 federal IRA grant that would have supported 168 additional trees is on hold; adaptation items will return at a future meeting.
Next steps: staff will draft the Pearl program research/design work, pursue grant opportunities to expand public EV charging, begin outreach design for an EV ambassador program, and deliver a HERS report to the commission in early 2026.
