HERS Grants

The City offers $1800 grants to builders who obtain a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating of 52 or better, to encourage energy efficient construction in new homes.

The HERS Index is a nationally recognized certification process for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.

• Homes are rated on a scale of 0 to 150, with 100 being the “reference” score for a home built to 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards.
• The lower the HERS rating a home obtains, the more energy efficient it is.

Who can apply?

Builders constructing single-family residences, duplexes, and townhomes within Iowa City limits may apply for a rating inspection any time during construction prior to hanging drywall. Certification is performed by a third-party Home Energy Rater and typically costs $600. Area HERS raters can be found on the HERS index website.

View or download a HERS Incentive Program Flyer.

For more information, contact Sarah Gardner at sgardner@iowa-city.org.

Whole Home Electrification Grants

The City is seeking landlords to participate in a pilot program in which the City will cover the cost of whole home upgrades in return for landlords agreeing to accept Housing Choice Vouchers for the subsequent five years at the property. This grants will cover the full cost for energy efficiency and electrification upgrades which could include:

• Increased attic insulation, up to R-60, combined with air sealing and ventilation
• Replacement of exterior doors and windows as needed
• Replacement of a gas or electric water heater with an air source heat pump water heater
• Replacement of air conditioning unit and gas or electric furnace with an air source heat pump
• Replacement of gas stove with an electric stove or induction range
• Electrical service panel upgrade

Who can apply?

Single family residences operated as rental units, which have not previously accepted Housing Choice Vouchers, are eligible for these grants. The grants will be structured like forgivable loans in which 20% of the balance will be retired for each of the five years that the landlord accepts Housing Choice Vouchers at the property. 

View or download a Whole Home Electrification - Housing Choice Voucher Program Flyer.

For more information, contact Sarah Gardner at sgardner@iowa-city.org.

Energy Benchmarking Program

The City is actively partnering with businesses and organizations willing to track and improve energy efficiency in their buildings. This partnership will help the City tailor incentive programs to help building owners make improvements to save money. Two steps are involved:

• Climate Action staff help users build a profile in the Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager website by entering the square footage and use of their building(s).
• Users directly enter their energy use and cost along with their water use and cost from their utility bills. This can be linked with the City’s Portfolio Manager account so city staff can consult with businesses on energy usage and suggest funding opportunities for improvement. 

Who can participate?

Landlords, businesses, non-profit and community-based organizations that can access utility records for their building can participate in energy benchmarking. Buildings must be located in Iowa City.  

View or download an Energy Benchmarking Program Flyer. 

For more information, contact Daniel Bissell at dbissell@iowa-city.org.

Electric Vehicle Charging Rebate Program

The City offers a 50/50 match of the cost of equipment, labor, and materials to support level 1 or level 2 charging at multifamily residential properties.

• Rebates up to $4,000 are available, with an additional rebate of up to $1,500 if an electrical panel upgrade is required.
• Installation must be completed by a licensed electrician.

The Eastern Iowa Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Plan webinar and stakeholder meeting can offer information about EV trends in our area. As part of the rebate program, the City will also provide EV educational materials for tenants/residents at participating properties.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be a landlord, property manager, or authorized HOA representative. Eligible properties must be at least a fourplex apartment building or condominium.

• Apply with the Rebate Application Form
• View or download the EV Charging Incentive Flyer.

For more information, contact Daniel Bissell at dbissell@iowa-city.org.